BBQ PARTY? FOLLOW THESE UBER COOL TIPS!

Weekends just passed by like a flash huh? Wish I could say the same for the weekdays though. Anyway, just like what I have told you guys last week, I had an awesome time feeding myself with delicious nasi kandar and enjoy what Penang has to offer me. Last week was great; thanks to the school holidays I hear my family will be holding a barbeque party just to celebrate the holidays. This has been going on for a while, and I realize that this has become a tradition in the family. Well, I dare to place a bet that it is also a tradition for so many people out there, but are we grilling our meat the right way? Through proper grilling with right level of fire and heat will not only ensure the texture of the meat but as well as the taste. Today, I will share some tips on grilling the right way, check it out people!

Courtesy of Wowwoo

Courtesy of Wowwoo

So, if you are grilling ground beef, the right temperature is 160°F while for steaks, the right temperature is 145°F. See, there’s a lot of difference there! Did you know that the right method to cook sausages, chops, steaks, and hamburgers are by using direct heat, and indirect heat for roasts and larger cuts of meats. It will make a whole lot of difference.

Here comes the yummy part, no pun intended. And yes, I am talking about chicken! If you are grilling chicken breast, well the best temperature is 165°F and the same temperature for chicken legs. Thin pieces of chicken meat can be cooked under direct heat whereas larger chunks of chicken are best to cook over indirect heat.

Courtesy of Wowwoo

As for pork meat, the right temperature to grill sausages is 165°F while pork chops need to grill over 145°F for the right texture. The correct way to cook sausages are to start them on high heat to get a nice char from the outside, and gradually move it to the cooler side to cook it through. As for seafood, the right temperature to cook salmon is 145°F and the right temperature to cook shrimp is 145°F. The right method is to oil the fish well with neutral flavored oil such as canola to keep it moist. By using the direct heat, fish cooks quickly.

If you are holding a BBQ party soon, well here’s some heads up for you to follow to ensure a happy BBQ session!

First, keep your hands clean. Wash your hands and the grill and leave them squeaky clean for obvious reasons. We do not want to fall sick after a great party, are we?

Second, preheat your grill proper. Light the coals 30 minutes before you plan to cook. Do not put your food on the grill until the fire dies down to glowing coal.

Third, cook with right temperature. Not sure of the temperature? Refer back to above and follow the guide. Use a food thermometer to measure the temperature.

Fourth, give your grill a rest. Remove meat from the grill, and allow the grill to rest for a specific amount of time. Its temperature remains stable or rise which will kill the germs.

Fifth, Hot food should be held 140°F or warmer. Perishable food should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Sixth, always refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours. Otherwise your grilled meat will go stale!

You may be thinking, “Oh shucks! All these rules and regulations are tedious!” Tell you what, if by following all these ‘tedious’ rules will keep you and your family safe and healthy and save you trips from clinics and hospital, aren’t all these rules following worthwhile?

  *3 seconds dramatic pause*

Exactly! So the next time you are having a BBQ party, make sure you follow all these to keep you and your family safe!