Wednesday, June 29, 2016

5 Grilling Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Weekend

One of the most popular 4th of July activities is grilling! Whether you're a burger person or favor a nice juicy steak, there's nothing better than getting family and friends together for a nice meal outside. The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend and Your Lake Vacation has some tips for a successful meal on the grill:

1. The Perfect Steak. 


How do you know if your steak is cooked to your liking? If you cut it open to check the inside, you're just going to let all those flavorful juices run out. Instead, get a grill thermometer to check the temperature of your meat. Here are the temperatures to determine the degree of doneness:
  • Rare - 125° to 130°
  • Medium Rare -130° to 140°
  • Medium - 140° to 150°
  • Medium Well - 150° to 160°
  • Well Done - 160° to 170° 

2. A Clean Grill. 


A successful grilling experience starts with a clean grill. The grill is easier to clean when hot, so preheat the grill first and then take the brush to it. To make this step easier next time you go to use the grill, be sure to brush it again after you've cooked this meal. Once you have the grill nice and clean, it's important to oil it up to reduce sticking. The best way to do this is to rub a vegetable oil soaked paper towel on the rack; you don't want to use a spray as it will create large flames.

3. Fresh Meat. 


For the best tasting meat, you should use fresh meat, not frozen. The main issue with frozen meat is that it contains ice crystals. These crystals tear meat cells and lead to more fluid leaking out of the meat when it cooks. The end result is a steak that's more prone to quick oxidation and is less juicy than fresh steak. If frozen is your only choice, make sure to thaw out the meat completely before cooking it. About 20 minutes before grilling, remove meat from the fridge, and let it sit covered so it can get to room temperature.  

4. The Right Seasoning. 


Whether you choose to marinate your meat or sprinkle on some seasoning, the way you season your meat can make or break the meal. Adding flavor can take your meat from good to great! Marinades are flavor infusing liquids that make your meat juicy and delicious. For best results, marinade your meat in the fridge for several hours. And remember, don't baste with a liquid in which raw meat was in during the last 3 minutes of grilling. Another great way to season your meat is to, just before grilling, brush the meat with a little olive oil and rub on your favorite spices.

5. A Hot Grill. 


For best results, you want your grill to be hot! Crank that baby up! About 15 to 25 minutes before you start cooking, you want to preheat your grill. A properly heated grill will sear food on contact, keep the insides moist and help prevent sticking. You want your grill to be at least 450° or hot enough that you can only hold your hand over it for one second.

Happy 4th of July weekend from Your Lake Vacation! The majority of our Lake of the Ozarks vacation rental homes and condos have propane grills ready to be fired up this weekend. We hope you take this tips into consideration and have the best grilled meal you've ever tasted this holiday weekend!

For more information please call us toll free at 1-877-284-0267!!
4571 Osage Beach Pkwy, Suite A
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Local - 573-365-3367
Fax - 573-365-5076  

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