If you’re like many people, you’ll love spending weekends outdoors grilling up a storm. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh meat that’s been cooked to perfection. However, if you want to make sure your barbecues are always a success, you need to know how to prepare the meat properly. In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to get your meat ready for a perfect weekend barbecue.
Cure The Meat
This is basically flavoring it with salt, sugar, spices, and/or smoke. It adds flavor, prevents spoilage, and extends its shelf life. There are two ways you can cure the meat: by wet curing or dry curing. Wet curing is when you soak the meat in a seasoned liquid mixture for an extended period of time (e.g. several hours or overnight).
This can be done by marinating the meat or injecting it with a needle. Dry curing is when you rub the surface of the meat with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. The mixture will form a crust on the surface of the meat and this will help to keep all the flavors locked in.
Good equipment and products are essential for this process. It’s important to find the best meat dehydrator to ensure that your cured meat stays fresh and does not spoil easily. You can also invest in a quality smoker or use wood chips on your grill to add a smoky flavor to the meat.
If you need more information on curing (or anything else discussed in this article) it’s worth checking out some more blogs and specialist websites. Many people view reliable sources such as theonlinegrill.com/meat-curing because they want to know what curing is and how to do it at home. Folks also want to know about curing sausages, what meat is best for curing and how to do it with salt.
Marinate Or Brine The Meat
Marinating meat is the process of soaking it in a marinade, which is usually a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. This helps to soften the meat and add flavor. Brining meat is similar, except that the marinade consists of saltwater. This also helps to keep the meat tender as well as retain its moisture during cooking.
Your chosen method will depend on the type of meat you’re using. If you’re buying leaner meat such as chicken or pork, marinating or brining would be a good option to help keep it liquid-rich during cooking. If you’re using fattier meat, such as beef or lamb, curing would be a better option as it will help to prevent the fat from going rancid.
Choose The Right Meat
This is the very first step to preparing for a perfect weekend barbecue. If you’re looking for pork, beef, or chicken, select cuts that are lean and that have little fat. These types of meats will cook evenly and won’t produce as much smoke when grilling.
Consider using pork tenderloin, flank steak, or skinless chicken breasts. If you choose lamb, go for a lamb shoulder roast. It has the perfect amount of fat to keep the lamb moist and juicy.
Many stores now sell pre-marinated meats that can save you time in the kitchen. However, if you choose to marinate your own meat, it’s best to do so at least 24 hours in advance so the flavors have enough time to penetrate the meat.
You should use good quality olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices like rosemary or thyme. Once your meat is fully coated in the marinade, place it in a resealable bag and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
Preheat The Grill And Then Cook It
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill so it’s nice and hot. This will help ensure that your meat cooks evenly on all sides. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to high heat. For charcoal, wait until the coals are ashed over and glowing red.
Be sure to read the cooking instructions before you begin, and then grill your meat for about 6-8 minutes per side (or until it’s cooked through). Pork, beef, and chicken all have different cooking times, so be sure to check your meat frequently to avoid overcooking.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Once your meat is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help ensure that all the juices stay locked inside the meat. Then all you need to do is serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Hopefully, you now feel more informed on how to cook the perfect barbecue. Preparing the meat correctly beforehand, it will be best placed for the cooking process. In turn, everyone will appreciate your hard work – including the delicious flavors of the meat.
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.