Adventures in Grilling
Adventures in Grilling
Adventures in Grilling
adventures
tailgate party
pig roast
hot-smoking salmon
backyard barbecue
Contents
INTRODUCTION 6 Grilling Equipment 8 Grilling Accessories 10 Fueling the Fire 12 Grilling Methods 15 Firing Up a Charcoal Grill 16 Firing Up a Gas Grill 17 Grill Temperature Chart 18 Grilling Guidelines 21 Choosing Ingredients 22 Beer Pairing Guide 25 Wine Pairing Guide ADVENTURES IN GRILLING 29 Summer Picnic 33 A Day at the Lake 37 Beach Grilling Party 41 Backyard Barbecue 45 Pig Roast 49 Hot-Smoking Salmon 53 Tailgate Party 57 Turkey on the Grill 61 FRUITSVEGETABLES 95 BEEFPORKLAMB 133 POULTRY 167 FISHSHELLFISH 195 ON THE SIDE 215 DRINKS 227 SAUCESMARINADESRUBS 251 CONDIMENTS 266 Basic Recipes 268 Index
Grilling Equipment
There is a grill for every situation. Sure, we all think of full-sized grills when visions of a sizzling steak or sauce-slathered ribs drift through our minds, but small grills for a quick trip to the beach or a balcony also yield great smoking flavor.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills come in almost any size or shape. Sizes range from small portable grills to popular 22-inch (51-cm)-round kettle grills to even larger rectangular grills. Look for stability, good-quality construction, and adjustable vents and a lid that allow you to control your fire. If you plan to smoke foods, a side firebox is handy. A standard-sized kettle grill fits the needs of most grillers. In any case, a sturdy, high-quality grill will last longest and be most economical over time.
Gas Grills
Gas grills range from simple to fully-loaded models with smoke boxes, rotisserie and side burners, and infrared searing sections. Two burners are necessary if you plan to cook with indirect heat, but a three-burner unit will give you more heat control and is the best choice for many. Dont get carried away with BTUs; 35,000 is fine for most of us. Look at how the heat is dispersed. Angled metal plates that cover each burner deliver more even heat with fewer flare-ups; stainless steel or powder paintcoated stainless grill racks conduct heat well. Infrared technology is more apparent in gas grills today; they cook slightly differently.
Grill Pans
Dont let the weather or apartment-house rules keep you from achieving grilled flavor. Grill pans can rescue you; they cover one or two cooking elements on your range. Cast iron is ideal for a grill pan, as it provides a good sear and with the pre-seasoned models, its also easy to use.
Portable Grills
There is no reason not to take grilling on the road. Many grocery stores stock disposable aluminum grills in their picnic sections, especially during the summer. Small, reusable bucket grills are also handy, some are even gas powered by small propane tanks. Look for grills whose frames and legs fold easily for transport.
GRILLING EQUIPMENT
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BEEF
Sip a red Meritage or a Cabernet Sauvignon with big flavors and a tannic finish alongside your steak or burger.
SHELLFISH
Sancerre, with its grapefruity acidity, pairs beautifully with crab. Muscadet de Servre-et-Maine, with its soft and creamy citrus notes, knocks oysters to a different level. With any shellfish, try a good Chablis, that is flinty with hints of vanilla.
PORK
Since fruit works so well with pork, a jammy, fruit-forward Zinfandel would be perfect.
VEGETABLES
Grner Veltliner is crisp and slightly spicy, making it a nice choice as the natural sugars of most vegetables come out when grilled. Sauvignon Blanc with its herbaceous, grassy notes has long been paired with asparagus and even tomatoes.
LAMB
Any New World Shiraz with a good peppery finish will cut through the fatty richness of lamb.
POULTRY
Chardonnay with little oak works well with simply grilled chicken. A Viognier with notes of apricots, peaches, and pears is nice with quail and duck. Turkey is a challenge; most will go with a Riesling, but a lighter Zinfandel is a surprising change.
SPICY MARINADES
Riesling and Gewrztraminer both have a sweet component to offset spiciness. Rieslings peach and floral essence or Gewrztraminers rose and spice crispness can temper a spicy marinade and let the underlying flavors shine through.
FISH
With seafood, try a Champagne from the Ctes des Blanc region of France, light and not overpowering, or a standby Sauvignon Blanc, with their citrus herbaceous crispness, especially one from California or the Loire Valley. Dont overlook Pinot Noir, particularly with salmon and tuna; these wines feature notes of raspberry, strawberry, and plum with a hint of smokiness.
TANGY SAUCES
A Bandol ros is always good with a barbecue sauce; it is even keeled and can handle any sauce you throw at it. A Barolo thats at least 5 years old is earthy, with hints of truffles and a bit of chocolate, and sturdy enough to stand tall with a tangy sauce that complements it at the same time.
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ADVENTURES IN GRILLING
Meyer Lemon Aioli (page 256) Lemons 2 Garlic 3 cloves Salt and ground pepper Black peppercorns 4 Small artichokes 1520 Extra-virgin olive oil 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Dried oregano 1 tablespoon
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FRUITSV EGETABLES
PANZANELLA SALAD
Nothing goes to waste in the Italian kitchen, including slightly stale bread. Day-old bread is preferred for this typical Italian summer salad. The recipe calls for rosemary focaccia, but you can substitute any good-quality artisan country or sourdough bread.
Cut the heirloom and pear-shaped tomatoes in half. Place the tomatoes in a colander over a bowl and generously season with salt. Let stand for 10 minutes to drain, and reserve the liquid released by the tomatoes. Prepare a CHARCOAL or GAS grill for DIRECT grilling over MEDIUM-HIGH heat (pages 1516). Brush and oil the grill grate. Brush the focaccia slices with oil. Grill the focaccia directly over medium-high heat turning once, until nicely charred, about 45 minutes per side. Transfer the focaccia to a cutting board. Let cool slightly. Tear or cut the grilled focaccia into 34-inch (2-cm) chunks. With the flat side of a chefs knife, crush the garlic cloves into a paste. In a large bowl, stir together the reserved liquid, vinegar, 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) water, and 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinaigrette. Add the garlic and grilled bread chunks and toss to soak the bread. Add the tomatoes, basil, and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning and toss again. In another large bowl, combine the arugula, romaine, and red onion and season with salt and pepper. Add the balsamic vinaigrette, 1 tablespoon at a time, and toss to coat. Add the tomato and bread mixture and toss again. Mound the salad in a large serving bowl or divide evenly among individual salad plates and serve at once.
Balsamic Vinaigrette (page 261) Heirloom tomatoes 6, about 3 lb (1.5 g) total weight Small pear-shaped heirloom tomatoes 1 pint (12 oz/375 g) Salt and ground pepper Rosemary focaccia 6 slices Olive oil for brushing Garlic 6 cloves Balsamic vinegar 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Fresh basil 10 leaves, rolled lengthwise and sliced crosswise into ribbons Fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley 3 tablespoons minced Arugula (rocket) 3 cups (3 oz/90 g), tough stems removed Romaine (cos) lettuce hearts 2 cups (2 oz/60 g), cut into 3 4-inch (2-cm) chunks Red onion 1, thinly sliced
FRUITSV EGETABLES
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Coarse salt 14 cup (2 oz/60 g) Ground pepper 3 tablespoons Light brown sugar 3 tablespoons, firmly packed Paprika 3 tablespoons Onion powder 3 tablespoons Granulated garlic and dry mustard 2 tablespoons each Ground cumin and chile powder 1 tablespoon each Whole beef brisket 1, 57 lb (2.53.5 kg), trimmed to leave a 14-inch (6-mm) layer of fat White bread for serving (optional)
Basic Barbecue Sauce (page 231) for serving (optional)
Transfer the brisket to a large cutting board, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice the meat into thin slices. Serve with barbecue sauce on the side and slices of white bread, if using.
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BEEFPORKLAMB
Jerk Marinade (page 241) Stone Fruit Chutney (page 265) Chicken legs and thighs 6 Tomato ketchup 14 cup (2 oz/60 g) Soy sauce 2 tablespoons Malt vinegar 3 tablespoons Fruitwood chips or chunks 12 lb (500 g1 kg), soaked for 30 minutes
heating elements. Place the chicken on the grate over the drip pan. Cover and cook, turning once, until browned on all sides, 2030 minutes. Remove the pan. Move the chicken to grill directly over medium heat and brush with the barbecue sauce. Grill, turning and basting often, until nicely charred on all sides, 510 minutes longer.
Transfer to a platter and serve at once with the stone fruit chutney on the side.
POULTRY
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Meyer Lemon Aioli (page 256) Small calamari, tentacles and bodies, thawed if frozen 2 lb (1 kg) Lemons 2 Olive oil 12 cup (4 fl oz/ 125 ml) Red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Garlic 3 cloves, minced Red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon Coarse salt 2 teaspoons Ground pepper 1 teaspoon Hot-pepper sauce Fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley 14 cup (13 oz/10 g) finely chopped
FISHSHELLFISH
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WHOLE LOBSTER
Lobsters are great on the grill. When using live lobsters, be brave and take on the role of executioner, a daunting but necessary task. Dont be squeamish about dispatching live lobsters; a quick downward stroke with a knife kills them instantly. Its over in less than a second.
Bring a large pot three-fourths full of salted water to a boil. Have ready a bowl of ice water large enough to fit the lobsters. On a cutting board, use the point of a chefs knife to cut an incision through each lobster head shell about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the eyes, pushing down hard through the shell to instantly kill the lobster. Immediately plunge the lobsters into the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer to the ice bath. When cool enough to handle, split the lobsters in half lengthwise. Remove the intestinal vein from the tails, the grain sacs from the heads, and any green tomalley from the bodies; reserve any black egg sacs in a small bowl. Pour 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) boiling water over the egg sacs and, using a fork, gently break the membrane to release the roe; it will turn bright red in the hot water. Strain through a sieve and let dry on paper towel. To make the garlic-lemon butter, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic and the lemon zest and juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, herbs, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved lobster eggs, if any. Keep warm. Prepare a CHARCOAL or GAS grill for DIRECT grilling over MEDIUM-HIGH heat (pages 1516). Brush and oil the grill grate. Brush the cut side of each lobster half with the garlic-lemon butter. Place the lobsters, cut side down, directly on the grill. Cover and grill until the flesh is opaque and firm to the touch, 56 minutes. Grill the lemon slices over the hottest part of the fire until lightly charred, 12 minutes per side. Brush the lobsters with garlic-lemon butter and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with grilled lemon slices and serve at once.
Live Maine lobsters 2, 1122 lb (750 g1 kg) each, or 2 frozen spiny lobster tails, thawed
GARLIC-LEMON BUTTER
Unsalted butter 12 cup (4 oz/125 g) Garlic cloves 3, minced Zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus 2 lemons thinly sliced into rounds Salt and ground pepper Fresh herbs such as chervil, flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, tarragon, or any combination 1 tablespoon each, minced
FISHSHELLFISH
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Dried pasta such as macaroni or penne rigate 1 lb (500 g) Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (2 oz/60 g), melted Olive oil 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Fresh bread crumbs 112 cups (3 oz/90 g) Fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley 14 cup (13 oz/10 g) minced Fresh thyme 1 tablespoon minced Garlic 2 cloves, crushed into a paste with 12 teaspoon salt Pecorino romano cheese 1 chunk, 68 oz (185250 g), very finely grated Coarse salt and ground pepper Heavy (double) cream 2 cups (16 fl oz/500 ml) Orange or white unprocessed American cheese 5 slices (5 oz/155 g) Sharp Cheddar cheese 114 cups (5 oz/155 g), shredded
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ON THE SIDE
VINAIGRETTE
Extra-virgin olive oil 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Fresh lime juice 3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons Cumin and chile powder 1 tablespoon each Salt 1 teaspoon Ground pepper 12 teaspoon Hot-pepper sauce Onions 2 small, quartered Yellow and red bell peppers (capsicums) 2 each, quartered and seeded Anaheim and jalapeo chiles 2 each, halved and seeded Black beans 2 cans (15 oz/ 470 g each), drained and rinsed Fresh cilantro (fresh coriander) 1 bunch, leaves only, chopped Red onion 1 medium, diced
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ON THE SIDE
Fresh basil leaves 12 cup (12 oz/15 g) Olive oil 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Garlic 4 cloves, sliced Green garlic 2 heads, chopped Shallot 1, minced White wine 12 tablespoons Chicken stock 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Salt and ground pepper
SPICY MARINADE
This marinade also doubles as a dipping sauce. Serve with grilled poultry or beef to add an Asian flare. Fish sauce and sesame oil can be found in Asian markets or in most well-stocked supermarkets.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions, shallot, chile, and lime zest and juice. Use as a marinade or transfer to a small serving bowl to use as a dipping sauce. Serve at once.
Fresh ginger 2 tablespoons, peeled and grated Soy sauce 12 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) Fish sauce and sesame oil 2 tablespoons each Garlic 3 cloves, minced Green (spring) onions 2, thinly sliced Medium shallot 1, minced Thai chile 1, seeded and thinly sliced Zest and juice of 1 lime
SAUCESMARINADESRUBS
237
CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE
Champagne vinegar, a vinegar made from Champagne grapes, is the key ingredient here. It has a more subtle, mellow flavor than most other vinegars, making it perfect for salads.
In a medium bowl, combine the grapeseed and olive oils in a measuring cup with a spout. In a nonaluminum bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, shallot, salt, and white pepper. Add the oils in a slow steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour the vinaigrette into a sauceboat or small serving bowl. Use at once or cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Grapeseed oil 12 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) Extra-virgin olive oil 14 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) Champagne vinegar 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Shallot 1, minced Salt 1 teaspoon Ground white pepper 12 teaspoon
BUTTERMILK DRESSING
Pack up this refreshing dressing in a glass container, put it on ice, and bring it along to your next picnic to drizzle on salads or vegetables, or toss it on coleslaw.
In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream. Stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Season with salt and white pepper. Use at once or cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Mayonnaise 34 cup (6 fl oz/180 ml) Buttermilk 12 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) Sour cream 14 cup (2 oz/60 g) Fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley 1 2 bunch, leaves and tender stems, finely chopped Fresh chives 12 bunch, finely chopped Salt and ground white pepper
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CONDIMENTS
Basic Recipes
Included here are basic recipes that pair well with grilled pork chops, lamb kebabs, chicken, and turkey. Serve them with these suggested dishes or alongside the grilled food of your choice.
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter until the foam subsides. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and cloves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir until the mixture is fragrant and the sugar has melted, 57 minutes. Add the apples and Calvados and toss to coat. On a charcoal or gas grill prepared for direct grilling over medium-high heat, arrange the apples on the grill grate or in a vegetable-grilling basket over the hottest part of the fire. Grill, turning often, until caramelized and soft, 1012 minutes. Let cool and transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Meanwhile, working in batches, process the apples until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning; the apple pure should be highly spiced. Transfer to a saucepan and keep warm on the grill or stove top or let cool to room temperature. Grilled Apples with Ice Cream: Grilled apples are delicious when served alongside ice cream. Follow the directions above but omit the pureing step. Let the grilled apples cool and serve on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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BASIC RECIPES
ADVENTURES IN GRILLING Conceived and produced by Weldon Owen, Inc. In collaboration with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. 3250 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109 A WELDON OWEN PRODUCTION Copyright 2009 Weldon Owen, Inc. and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Printed and bound in China by Toppan-Leefung Printing Limited This edition first printed in 2012 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Library of Congress Control Number: is available
WELDON OWEN, INC. CEO and President Terry Newell VP, Sales and Marketing Amy Kaneko Director of Finance Mark Perrigo VP and Publisher Hannah Rahill Associate Publisher Amy Marr Editor Donita Boles Associate Editor Julie Nelson Assistant Editor Becky Duffett Creative Director Emma Boys Art Director Ali Zeigler (cover) Senior Designer Rene Myers (interiors) Design Intern Caitlin Ferrell (cover) Production Director Chris Hemesath
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS From Willie Cooper I want to thank my team at Weldon Owen, especially Amy Marr for her vision and moral support; Hannah Rahill and Emma Boys for the use of their homes and grills for the photography in this book; editor Donita Boles for her patience and hard work editing my recipes and food rantings; photographer Ray Kachatorian for getting the shot when we needed it; and designer/art director Rene Myers for going beyond the backyard on our grilling adventures. Weldon Owen would like to thank the following individuals for their kind assistance in making this book a reality: Chris Andre, Sarah Putman Clegg, Ken DellaPenta, Lori Engels, Marisa Kwek, Jeffrey Larsen, Leslie Neilson, Ed Rudolph, Matthew Savage, Katherine Shedrick, Sharon Silva, Kate Washington, and Dawn Yanagihara. Homeowners Emma Boys, Willie and Kelly Cooper, Hannah Rahill and Tom Tunny, Jennifer and Christian Stark. Models Pat Campion; Charlotte, Emma, and Willie Cooper; Greg Eng; John Leekley; Scarth Locke; Owen Lucas; Karina Mcloughlin, Gary Miltimore; and Julian Stark.