Fourth of July is almost here and what better way to celebrate Independence day than with a barbecue! Which is why we asked the experts in meats and grilling from around our Pioneer Square to share with us (and you!) everything they know so we can become experts in grilling, too!
Step one: Where to get your meat
To get the best meat for grilling, skip the grocery store and go straight to the butcher. We visited the best butcher shop in Pioneer Square to get an inside scoop on the best meat to grill. But what Joe Harper, an expert butcher at Rainshadow Meats shared is much more than just meat, but also how to prepare and cook it right.
At Rainshadow Meats, they care where their product comes from, which is why they only choose local, small farm, 100% grass-fed meat so you can get the best quality. For Joe, choosing the best cuts depends on what you’re going to do with it, because there are really no bad cuts.
- Are you making a salad? They have the perfect flat iron skirt steak for it.
- Do you want a show stopper? Joe suggested their big, bone-in, rib eye steak.
- Looking for something with a marinade? Joe’s go-to is a sirloin flap because it holds the marinade really well.
- Making Kebabs? Shoulder pieces are the best for this. Top sirloin is your best option to keep some tenderness.
Joe explained sometimes the tastiest steak can be simplest to make. By sprinkling salt and pepper and cooking right you can make a mouthwatering steak with little effort. Cooking it right is the tricky part, he says you should first and foremost make the thermometer your best friend. Trying to get the perfect medium-rare steak? Cook it until it reaches 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit then take it off the grill to rest. Joe’s rule of thumb is to let it rest half the total cooking time.
Step two: Know the grilling basics
- Turn the grill on several minutes before you want to begin grilling. You want the grill nice and hot for when you begin.
- Grab a paper towel and soak it in oil, grab it with tongs and rub it over the rack to avoid the meat from sticking to the grill.
- Pat your meat dry with a paper towel before you place it on the grill to get the perfect sear.
- Grill pans are great for giving the smoky flavor to vegetables and fruits without them falling through the rack.
Step three: Recipes
You have your meat and basic grilling tips, all you need now is a few recipes for your meat to make your BBQ perfect. Here are five of our favorites.
- Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Beer Marinated Grilled Steak
- Grilled Cilantro Lime BBQ Wings
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, Carrot, Mushroom and Peppers
- Chipotle Baby Back Ribs
Looking for more summer and barbecuing recipes? Follow our Pinterest Board!
What are your plans for Independence Day? Do you have any grilling tips or secrets? Share them with us in the comments!