Spending time preparing and cooking food on the grill only to have it turn out drier than you expected is not a good feeling. Plenty of cooks go through this at some point. How do you avoid this and achieve the juicy protein that you are looking for? Whether you have a charcoal grill or a Big Green Egg, Pinch A Penny is here to help with tips that will change your grilling.
A clean grill help food to cook evenly and avoid sticking. Clean the grill while it is still hot and use some oil to get rid of food deposits.1 A wire brush can help you get rid of stuck-on debris. Do this after each cook, regardless of which food you are cooking.
This goes for burgers and steaks. Meat that is too lean will dry out quicker than other cuts or blends. The ideal ground beef for burgers is 80% lean and 20% fat.2 If you are cooking steak, look for one with a decent amount of marbling, like a T-bone or rib-eye for that juicy, flavorful taste.3
You may have heard the saying, “only flip a steak once.” While not entirely true, handling and flipping your steaks or burgers can result in dry meat. Too much movement could cause a loss of flavorful juices in the meat.
Another tip: don’t flatten your burger patties with the spatula!4
This is especially important with steak and chicken. Cutting into the meat too soon will cause it to lose important juices. It will also allow the fibers in the meat to expand and soak up the juices.1
Overcooking is a disaster for any protein. This can cause dryness, harsh tastes, and burning. Undercooking the meat is also dangerous for health reasons.5 The solution is to buy a good thermometer, this way you can ensure that your meat is done to the desired temperature every time.
Don’t pack your patties too tightly and create a small indent in the top, and season them just before cooking to ensure the spices don’t absorb too much moisture.1
Marinate or brine the chicken before cooking, it will benefit from this immensely. Also, be sure to cook with the skin on to lock in juices and tenderize the meat. Make sure each cut is the same thickness.5
Whether you're a novice or an expert, everyone can benefit from some new skills on the grill. Following these tips will help make dinner time that much more delicious! You can stop by most local Pinch A Penny stores to check out their selection of grilling tools and accessories.
Selection may vary by location
1: 10 Mistakes (Almost) Everyone Makes When Cooking Steak
2: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Burgers
3: 7 Mistakes You’re Making When You Cook Steak
