Grilling Go-To’s

Summer is practically here with Memorial Day next week, which means that it’s grilling season. So dust off that grill, strap on your apron, and make sure you have your tongs in hand! While many people stick to hamburgers and hotdogs when grilling up some food on a nice warm, summer afternoon, there are other types of meat that will ensure that your BBQ is the best in town. Check them out!

Steak

Choosing steak as your summertime staple comes with so many delicious options, including:

• Tenderloin, ex. Filet Mignon
• Strip steak
• Rib-eye steak
• Skirt steak
• Sirloin steak
• T-bone steak
• Flat-iron steak
• Flank steak

According to a butcher interviewed by Food52, the best steak to grill is a flavorful Porterhouse, a type of T-bone steak. He claims you get the best of both worlds as one side is a nice tenderloin and the other side is a New York strip steak. 

There are many different ways to season and cook a steak, but there is one universal question: how would you like your steak done? This refers to how long the steak is cooked, and there are a few options.

• Blue: Should only be seared for one minute on each side. The internal color should be entirely red.
• Rare: Should be seared for 2.5 minutes on each side. The internal color should be mostly red with pink edges.
• Medium Rare: Should be seared for 3-4 minutes on each side. The internal color should be red in the center surrounded by an equal amount of pink.
• Medium: Should be seared for at least 4 minutes on each side. The internal color should be red only at the very center with the surrounding area pink.
• Medium Well: Should be cooked for 5 minutes on each side. The internal color should be mostly brown with a hint of pink.
• Well: Should be cooked for 6 minutes on each side. The internal color should be entirely brown.

Chicken

While most people tend to stick with beef when grilling, chicken is another great option for a summer afternoon meal, especially if you’re trying to eat a little healthier. Whether you decide on chicken tenders, breasts, thighs, or another option, all you need to do is marinate the chicken in your favorite seasoning before firing up the grill. Check out some of the tastiest grilled chicken recipes from The Spruce Eats for your next summer afternoon BBQ.

Seafood

Grilling seafood is the best way to make your summer feel like you’re spending it at the beach. Whether you try your hand at grilling this lemon-garlic salmon recipe from Taste of Home or feel like throwing some shrimp on the barbie with these teriyaki shrimp and pineapple skewers from All Recipes, we promise that you’ll be glad you left the hotdogs at the last BBQ.

Veggies

You don’t have to have meat to have a summer picnic! There are plenty of vegetarian options, such as grilled corn, asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, etc. Just be sure to season your veggies to your liking before placing them on the grill!

Start Your Summer Off Right

Next time you’re in charge of the meats for the BBQ, change it up by bringing something new! And if you need some inspiration, check out the dinner menu at Kevin’s Bar & Restaurant. We’re sure you’ll find a new family favorite.