By Chef John Selick
There’s a saying that “You can learn to cook, but you’re born to grill.” I think there’s some truth to that.
Grilling can be very intuitive; we see and feel the heat, hear the sizzle of the steak and smell the smoky aroma of the fire. Even the most novice cook can create a simple but tasty meal over a hot fire by using common sense and intuition, but having some knowledge and the right tools will elevate you to a Patio Pitmaster.
What’s the best thing about learning to grill? It’s getting the experience by doing it, and with the repetition of grilling comes the repetition of eating yummy food, often outdoors. Sounds like a great summer activity if you ask me, but let’s review a few basics that even experienced backyard grillmasters often overlook.
Gas vs. Charcoal
A gas grill is efficient and convenient. It allows you to come home, turn it on and be ready to cook in 10 minutes. Charcoal grills need more prep time, often about a half hour before you can start cooking. Fancier gas grills can be nicer than your kitchen stove, with side burners and shelves for storage, amenities that make it fun to cook on.
I’m a charcoal grill guy. It does take longer to set up and it’s a bit messier, especially when you get to the end of the charcoal bag and the dust is everywhere. But when that fire is ready, the excitement starts to kick in. It feels good to be at that grill next to the heat and aroma. And, to be completely honest, food cooked on a charcoal grill tastes better.
Tools
New grills are usually in the same store aisle as grilling utensils. This is a clever strategy by the grill manufacturer and retailer to help make your shopping experience more enjoyable and convenient. The problem is the utensils are oversized and flimsy. You can get better utensils where you buy your usual kitchen gadgets from or from a restaurant supply store where you can get what the pros use. These tools are sturdier and more ergonomic, and they’re also dishwasher safe. The grill tools with the wood handles? Not so much.
Grilling kits come with a meat fork to flip meat, but tongs work better. Piercing meat while it’s cooking causes the juices to run out, resulting in a dry steak. Instead of a kit, buy individual utensils so you get the tools you really need, like a reliable, regular-sized thermometer that you can use throughout the year and store readily in a kitchen drawer.
Heat
Now that you have your grill and some tools, it’s time to fire it up. A hot grill sears food and creates delicious char. But you’re going to need a cool spot to continue cooking the food until the interior reaches desired doneness. The key is direct and indirect heat.
If your grill has four burners with four knobs, only turn two or three of the knobs all the way on and leave one off. The “off” burner provides indirect heat. When steak has a nice color but is raw on the inside, place it on the “off” burner and close the lid. This allows the meat to finish cooking in a warm environment. With charcoal, move the coals to one side of the grill and leave an empty side for indirect heat.
Rubs, Marinades & Seasonings
Flames and smoke add great flavor, but good seasoning also is important. A marinade can be anything really, from Italian dressing to your favorite spice rub and some oil. Remove excess marinade to avoid flare-ups.
I prefer dry rubs and make my own with whatever I have in my cabinet plus fresh herbs from the garden. I baste with a flavorful liquid marinade for a sear. Sometimes I baste with a mixture of soy sauce, Dijon mustard and maple syrup; other times it’s a jar of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce. At the very least, season all your food with salt and pepper.
Wash your Grill
Clean grill grates with a grill brush. A dirty grill doesn’t add flavor, and food sticks if the grill isn’t clean. Occasionally wash your grill with soap and water, especially the lid. A build-up develops over time and eventually falls on the food. I don’t care what your neighbor tells you, that’s not flavor. Keep your grill nice and tidy, and it will provide years of deliciousness and happiness.
