Elevate Your Grilling Game This Summer
As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, the aroma of grilled meats beckons. Grilling is not just a summer pastime; it’s an art form, one that can turn an ordinary cookout into an unforgettable feast. To help you master this culinary skill, we turn to Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille’s Master Development Chef, Rick Moonen. With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Chef Moonen shares his essential dos and don’ts for perfect grilling.
Essential Do’s for Perfect Grilling
- Keep It Clean: A clean grill is crucial. Brush the grates with a wire brush after each use to prevent flare-ups. To clean thoroughly, place aluminum foil shiny side down on the grates for ten minutes while the grill heats up.
- Season the Grill: Properly seasoning your grill prevents sticking. Use a paper towel coated with canola oil to rub the grates. Once the smoke clears, your grill is ready.
- Preheat the Grill: Aim for medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear, locking in juices and flavor.
- Choose Quality Cuts: Select well-marbled meats from reputable sources. Perry’s Online Market offers premium steakhouse-quality meats for delivery. For the best flavor, consider ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon.
- Use Marinades and Seasonings: Marinades can enhance flavor but avoid over-marinating. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
- Utilize a Basting Brush: Brush on moisture and flavor while grilling. It’s especially effective for chicken, pork, or ribs.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Aim for 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, allow your meat to rest for 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
Key Don’ts to Remember
- Don’t Forget Safety: Always have a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups and never leave your grill unattended.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Limit marinating time to no more than four hours to avoid altering the meat’s texture.
- Don’t Constantly Move Your Meat: Let your food cook undisturbed. Use tongs sparingly to flip meats no more than five times.
- Don’t Press Down with a Spatula: Pressing down on meat squeezes out flavorful juices. Let it cook naturally.
Enhance Your Grilling Experience
To truly elevate your grilling, consider using flavored woods like hickory or cherry for added depth. These can be placed in a smoke box for gas grills or directly on coals for charcoal grills. Additionally, a grill basket is perfect for vegetables or delicate fish, ensuring they cook evenly without falling through the grates.
Pairing Wines with Your Grilled Meats
No great grilling experience is complete without the right wine. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille offers a selection of exclusive Perry’s Reserve Wines tailored to complement grilled dishes:
- Ribeye: Pair with Perry’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for a rich and bold experience.
- New York Strip: Enjoy with Perry’s Reserve Big Red Blend for a robust flavor match.
- Filet Mignon: A delicate Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with this tender cut.
- Grilled Fish: Opt for Perry’s Reserve Rosé for a refreshing complement.
Shop Perry’s Online Market
Ready to take your grilling to the next level? Visit Perry’s Online Market for an exceptional selection of steakhouse-quality products, including signature seasoning blends and flavored butters recommended by Chef Moonen. Whether you’re stocking up for summer gatherings or looking for the perfect gift, Perry’s has everything you need for an extraordinary cookout.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried any of Chef Moonen’s grilling tips? We’d love to hear your experiences and favorite grilling techniques in the comments below!
For more insights on the food and beverage industry, check out our articles on restaurant marketing tips and hospitality trends.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
