Grilling is America's number one
favorite method of cooking and beef is America's number one favorite on the
grill! Here are some helpful hints for this low-fat cooking favorite!
Starting The Fire
 | Before you start the fire, if your grill has
bottom vents, open them. |
| For a more even-burning fire, use high-quality
charcoal. |
| To determine the number of briquettes needed,
spread briquettes one layer deep on the fire grate, extending them one to
two inches beyond the area the food will cover on the cooking rack.
|
| Then arrange those briquettes in a pyramid shape.
|
| Add lighter fluid and carefully light.
|
| In about 30 minutes the coals should be
ash-covered. |
| Carefully spread them in a single layer with a
long-handled tongs and set the cooking grid in place. |
Temperature
Beef should be grilled at medium temperature. To
check the temperature of coals, hold the palm of your hand 4 inches above
the coals. If heat forces you to pull your hand away...
| after 2 seconds the coals are high. |
| after 4 seconds the coals are medium.
|
| after 5 seconds the coals are low. |
Actual cooking time will vary depending on the
position of the meat on the grill and the degree of doneness desired.
Beef Doneness Guide
The best way to determine doneness is to use a meat
thermometer. Always cook ground beef to medium doneness (160 degrees F). If
you don't have a meat thermometer, cook ground beef until the center is no
longer pink and the juices run clear. Test burgers by cutting them in half.
It's perfectly safe to enjoy steaks while they're
still pink in the middle. Use the following guidelines to determine your
preference:
| Rare - bright red in the center and lighter pink
towards the outside, 140 degrees |
| Medium - light pink in the center and brown
towards the outside, 160 degrees |
| Well done - brown consistently throughout, 170
degrees |
Best Beef For Grilling
Grilling is a low-fat cooking method, because as
the meat cooks, the excess fat drips off the meat and into the fire. Of
course steaks and burgers are the standard grilling favorites, but don't
forget about beef kabobs and ribs! Grilling even gives beef roasts a great
smoky flavor.
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