6 Meats to Master on the Grill This Summer
Grilling is a popular way to cook when the weather is nice. Whether you’re new to outdoor grilling or need a new recipe to try for your next cookout, meat for grilling can vary from seafood to steaks. Consider these recipes and grilling options next time you fire up the grill.
1. Steak
Steak is one of the top meats for grilling. When choosing a steak to grill, opt for thick, high-quality cuts like ribeye or T-bone steaks with good fat marbling. The fat is where the flavor and juiciness come from in a steak. Steaks should be grilled on high heat — the hotter, the better.
Before you get to grilling, let your steaks sit at room temp for about 30 minutes to allow the meat to get tender. This is also when you can season or marinate the meat to your preference. Turn the grill to high heat and add oil to prevent the meat from sticking.
Once the grill is heated, put the steaks on. Let them cook on the first side for six to seven minutes, then grill the other side for five more minutes. Adjust the cooking time depending on your desired doneness. Checking the internal temperature is the best way to determine when the steak is cooked through.
Steaks should be at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit internally to be safely consumed. Once you’ve reached your desired internal temperature, remove the steak from the grill and wrap it in foil to rest for a few minutes.
Pair your steaks with sides like potatoes, green beans, salads, corn, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, creamy pasta or another preferred side.
2. Chicken
You have many different cuts of chicken to choose from when grilling, including:
- Breasts: Chicken breasts are boneless and skinless, making them extremely versatile. Flatten to an even thickness using a mallet or rolling pin before grilling.
- Thighs: Avid grillers often prefer chicken thighs because they’re more affordable, juicy and flavorful. Leaving the bone in and the skin on keeps the chicken flavorful and moist while the skin gets crispy.
- Drumsticks: Wings like drumsticks are fattier cuts that stay tender and moist while the skin gets crispy.
- Quarters: Chicken quarters include the drumsticks and thighs.
- Butterflied whole chicken: Think of this like grilling a rotisserie-sized chicken.
Chicken can be grilled in numerous different ways, including after brining, with a marinade or topped with sauce — your options are really limitless. Be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of which cut you’re grilling, measure the temperature in the thickest part without touching a bone.
Potatoes, vegetables, salads, pasta and many other sides pair well with grilled chicken.
3. Burgers
Burgers are simple to grill, though it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re unprepared. For burgers with the best texture, it’s all about the fat content — look for 20%-fat ground chuck. Flatten your ground meat into patties and make a small depression in the middle to allow for even cooking and to prevent a rounded top. Oil your grill and place the burger patties over medium-high heat and let them cook.
Your burgers will turn out best if you just leave them to cook on each side. Avoid constantly flipping them or pressing down on them with the spatula, as this releases juices. Flip them after the edges start browning, and move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through. Ground beef should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your burgers are cooked through, top them with cheese and let it melt before taking the burgers off the grill. Brush olive oil on a nice bun and lightly toast it on the grill before assembling. Provide other toppings like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles and condiments as desired. Burgers pair well with sides like fries, chips, potato salad and macaroni salad.
4. Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon, mahi-mahi and swordfish are best for grilling. In general, fish is delicate so you’ll want to handle it carefully when grilling. Salmon can be prepared in several ways. When grilling, it’s easiest to let the salmon soak in a brine or marinade for several hours first to give it extra flavor.
When you’re ready to grill, be sure to oil the grates and the salmon to prevent sticking — this is essential with fish. Sear one side of the fillet over medium heat, then move to a cooler spot to finish cooking through. Baste the fish while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful. Once the salmon is fully cooked, the internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and the fish should look opaque.
You could also use wood cooking planks or wraps to grill fish and other seafood items. Soak the planks in water for several hours before grilling to avoid grill fires. Char the planks over medium heat then move it to indirect heat and place the fish on the plank. This method keeps the fish off direct heat and gives the fish a smokey flavor.
Salmon pairs well with pasta, rice, red potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, broccoli or asparagus.
5. Kabobs
You can really grill any meat and veggies on kabobs. Opt for tender pieces that will grill quickly. For example, popular kabob meats include cubed chicken breast, sirloin steak, sausage or shrimp. Marinate the meat ahead of time for extra flavor. Chop up various veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini or any other preferred vegetable. Add your choices to a skewer, alternating meat and veggies. Place on an oiled grill or foil packet and grill until cooked through.
6. Sausage
Sausage is one of the best meats to grill because it comes in many varieties. You can also choose from various types of sausage, including the following:
Sausage is extremely versatile. Sausage links are great for grilling and can be thrown in a bun like a hotdog or chopped up and put in other dishes. Patties can be served on hamburger buns. Ground sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef in nearly any recipe. Sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Use the best ingredients in your meals when grilling this summer, especially regarding your meats. Premio sausage is MSG-free, contains no unnecessary preservatives and is protein-packed and flavorful. We offer various sausage types so you can find the right meat for your dish. Explore our grilled meat recipes for more ideas, and find Premio sausage in a store near you.
