Grilling Hints

The doneness of meat, whether rare, medium, or well done, is affected to a large degree by the thickness of the cut. Expert chefs say it is impossible to have a rare doneness with a thin cut of meat.

The cooking time is affected by the kind of meat, the size and shape of the cut, the temperature of the meat when cooking begins, and the degree of doneness desired.

When defrosting meats it is recommended that it be done overnight in the refrigerator as opposed to a microwave. This in general yields a juicier cut of meat.

Use a spatula instead of tongs or a fork to turn the meat, as a spatula will not puncture the meat and let the juices run out.

To get the juiciest meats, add seasoning or salt after the cooking is finished on each side and turn the meat only once (juices are lost when the meat is turned several times). Turn the meat just after the juices begin to bubble to the surface.

Trim any excess fat from the meat before cooking. To prevent steaks or chops from curling during cooking, slit the fat around the edges at 2-inch intervals.

DO NOT LEAVE THE GRILL UNATTENDED WHILE COOKING.