I’m often asked how to bring out the best flavors when grilling at home. Whether you’re using wood or gas, here are some tips to elevate your grilling game.
Cooking over a wood fire, or with wood embers or charcoal, adds deep, smoky flavors that can enhance any dish. However, at home, a gas grill is often the practical choice, especially for individual-sized steaks. For wood and charcoal grilling, forget the hot-and-fast methods and cook like the Argentinians—low and slow—building and stacking flavor and smoke (but not too much, as to not overpower the meat).
As a chef, I've developed easy-to-follow techniques that bring out rich flavors no matter what grill you’re using.
Here are some tips to make every grilling session a success. We’ll also provide additional tips for different cuts and breeds in the future.
Sear First, Then Slow Cook
Throw reverse searing out the window. While reverse searing works for volume cooking, for the best taste, try searing first and then cooking slower. Slow-cooking processes and tender meat don’t always mesh well.
Create Heat Zones
To better control the cooking process, set up distinct temperature zones. On a gas grill, set one side to high and the other to medium-low. With charcoal, pile most of the coals on one side. This method allows you to sear meat over high heat and then move it to a cooler area for slow cooking, avoiding flare-ups.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is key to consistent grilling. While experience helps you gauge doneness by feel, a thermometer ensures accuracy, helping you build confidence as you learn the nuances of different temperatures. I prefer thermometers that give you instant readings.
Flip Often
Flipping often allows the heat to penetrate the meat in small pulses, preventing those unsightly “gray bands.”
Re-Sear After Resting
After letting your meat rest, give it a quick re-sear before serving. This brief return to high heat reheats the meat and revitalizes the crust, ensuring it’s served at the ideal temperature. If the meat hasn’t reached your desired temperature after resting, an extra moment on the grill will do the trick.
What are you planning to cook on your grill next?
If you have any questions about preparing or grilling the meat you've recently bought from Pursuit Farms, feel free to reply to this email—I’m here to assist.
- Erik Sun, Pursuit Farms