Direct and Indirect Grilling
Direct Grilling -
For most grilling, the ignited coals are spread in a single layer under the food. This
is called direct grilling and is appropriate for relatively quick-cooking items such as hamburgers,
steaks and most seafood. The single layer of coals emits even, steady heat, whether the grill lid is
open or closed, and represents the way most people grill. For more control, pile some of the coals
on one side of the grill where they will emit intense heat. You can move the food around on the grill,
setting it over the very hot coals when you want to sear it or when a thick piece needs to cook a
little more quickly. You can also use the adjustable charcoal grate and dampers to control the
temperature in your grill.
Indirect Grilling -
For items that take longer to cook, you will want to use indirect grilling. This
method is for long, slow cooking in a covered grill. For indirect cooking, the coals are piled two or
three coals deep on one side of the grill, or divided and piled on two sides. This leaves an empty
space next to the coals or between them. Food cooked over indirect heat is often started over
direct heat and then moved to the cooler (empty) part of the grill for even, slow cooking. To make
the heat as even as possible, construct two piles of coals. It is common to place a metal drip pan in
the empty space beside or between the coals, which is filled with water, wine, beer, broth, or a
combination. Place the food directly over the drip pan. This injects a little extra moisture into the
cooking environment and also catches dripping juices, which makes clean-up a little easier and
reduces the possibility of flare-ups. (Remember to keep a spray bottle filled with water on hand to
extinguish any flare-ups.) Once you get used to the indirect method, you may prefer to use it for
more grilling tasks. Although it may take a little longer, it is an excellent cooking method and a sure
way to prevent the food from burning and to promote even cooking.
Grilling with Wood Chips/Wood Chunks
For a more robust smoke flavor while using charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, try adding wood
chips or several wood chunks to the fire. Wood chunks are available in a variety of natural flavors,
and can be used alone or in addition to charcoal. As a general rule, any hardwood that bears a fruit
or nut is suitable for cooking. However, different woods have very different tastes. Experiment with
different woods to determine your personal favorite, and always use well-seasoned wood. Green or
fresh-cut wood can turn food black, and tastes bitter.
Our Recommendations:
Chicken
- Alder, Apple, Hickory, Mesquite, Sassafras, Grapevines
Beef
- Hickory, Mesquite, Oak, Grapevines
Pork
- Fruitwoods, Hickory, Oak, Sassafras
Lamb
- Fruitwoods, Mesquite
Veal
- Fruitwoods, Grapevines
Seafood
- Alder, Mesquite, Sassafras, Grapevines
Vegetables
– Mesquite
USDA Recommended
Internal Cooking Temperatures
Ground Meat
Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb......................................160°F
Turkey, Chicken.................................................165°F
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb
Medium Rare.......................................................145°F
Medium................................................................160°F
Well Done............................................................170°F
Poultry
Chicken & Turkey, whole.....................................165°F
Poultry Parts.......................................................165°F
Duck & Goose....................................................165°F
Fresh Pork
Medium..............................................................160°F
Well Done..........................................................170°F
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