Latest news with #BBQ
Time Out
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The chef behind Kam Rai Thai has opened a new restaurant in Hudson Yards
Chef Dhanapol "Oak" Marprasert has had quite the culinary history. Born in Washington D.C., chef Marprasert moved to the Samsen neighborhood of Bangkok as a child. Growing up around the historical transit hub with its swirl of street eateries, Marprasert developed an interest in Thai cuisine. But it was his mother who instilled a passion to push it further. "My passion for cooking started by watching my mother,' said Marprasert. 'Growing up, I saw how she used food to bring our family together and care for everyone.' He formerly attended culinary school in Bangkok, eventually making his way to the States in 2014. Landing in Tennessee, he found a job at a Thai restaurant as a pot washer, working his way up to the kitchen where he began cooking traditional Thai cuisine. Along the way, he also gained a new love: barbecue. Drawn in by the 'smoky aroma' and 'the unique cooking process' found in the Tennessee scene, Marprasert entered his first barbecue competition. Ready to bring his cuisine to a global stage, he moved to New York and opened the affordable Thai eatery, Makin, in 2020, following up the contemporary Thai restaurant, Kam Rai Thai, in 2023. His love of BBQ followed, participating in Brisket King NYC. He even clinched the number three spot at the National BBQ Festival this year for his slow-roasted BBQ pork belly. His latest restaurant seemingly serves as a culmination of his journey thus far, blending his Thai techniques with his love of slow-cooking and fire. Yesterday, Samsaen (480 Ninth Ave, New York, NY) made its debut, located on the cusp of Hudson Yards and midtown. Chef Marprasert hopes to use his first Manhattan location to showcase the diversity of the region he loves so much. 'Opening a restaurant in Manhattan felt like the natural next step to further elevate and share my culinary vision,' he said. 'With Samsaen, I'm excited to showcase a new, more elevated side of my cooking, pushing the boundaries of traditional Thai flavors and techniques.' Inspired by the transit hub in which he grew up, the restaurant reads like a train car, intended to take you on a journey. The bar is front in center upon entry, decorated with a backsplash of red tiles and red fringe lampshades. While the restaurant is currently waiting on its liquor license, there is a small selection of wines and beers on hand, or you are welcome to BYOB. Just beyond the bar leads to the dining room. Longer than it is wide, the hallway leans further into the theme, fashioned with leather-bound suitcases that hover above on metal racks, red cushions that line the walls and square golden mirrors that mimic the windows of a train car. The rear of the restaurant culminates in a cozy corner outfitted with handsome wooden walls and marble tables, easily made private with the tug of the red velvet curtains. Chef Marprasert's presentation here seems to be a marriage of his past, balancing Thai street eats in one hand while pushing the cuisine forward in another. The cheekily named 'Coach Car' menu calls to the night markets of Thailand. Start with the Ua Tod or deep-fried Thai pork rolls that hide herby minced pork that's heavy on lemongrass, chili and Thai herbs or the Shiitake Spring Rolls stuffed with glass noodles and cabbage. Familiar favorites do get an elevated treatment as the Pad Thai is served with jumbo river prawns, and the crispy pork belly is stir-fried with morning glory. The second half of the menu, titled 'First Class Lounge,' dives into royal Thai-style cuisine. Reinterpreting the popular jellyfish salad found in many Asian cuisines comes the Jellyfish & Squid Ink Soup. Starting with a vivid, cilantro-infused broth, a server brings over a chalice and pours over an inky black, lime-based squid ink. The underlying heat of chilis gives it zip, while the cold strips of marinated jellyfish give a bit of chew. Starters continue on with a fire-roasted bone marrow, glazed in a slightly sweet Thai gor lae with more sauce on the side for dipping. Entrées nod to his love of BBQ cookery, as the slow-braised brisket found in the Massaman Curry comes to cook in a peanutty coconut sauce. The menu continues on with chicken confit braised in a rich and creamy coconut curry with egg noodles, jumbo river prawns in a deep red pad cha sauce (chili, garlic and young peppercorn) and a whole crispy fried fish made fragrant with a tangle of Thai herbs. It all comes to a close with a round of sweetened coconut ice cream with a crispy flower cookie blossoming on top.
The Sun
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Popular £1.15 crisps RETURN to UK supermarket's shelves with two new flavours – and they're perfect for a weekend BBQ
CRISP fanatics are going wild as one UK supermarket brings back popular budget friendly crisps with a new flavour. Shoppers are going wild for Aldi's crinkle cut crisps which have been brought back with an American twist. Aldi's new flavour 3 Aldi has relaunched its Taste of America range as British BBQ season gets fully underway. Crisp chaos will certainly ensue with the release of the Specially Selected Hot Dog & Onion Crisps. Available for just £1.15, a pack boasts unmistakable flavours of America. Smoky pork, tangy tomato, and caramelised onion encapsulate the flavours of a hot dog in crinkle cut potato form. How to get the new flavours Appetite whetted for a July 4 Independence Day inspired BBQ? The new range dropped in stores on Thursday June 26 and will be in stores for a limited run. Aldi has warned customers that once the new crisp range is gone, it's gone. So don't miss out on the chance to get a taste of America in a cost-effective form. The arrival of the new flavour comes after the launch of two new types of America's most beloved snacks - Takis. The bold new flavours of Takis (£2.99, 180g), Intense Nacho and the Aldi-exclusive Teriyaki, landed in shops on June 12 and were the perfect precursor to the the full American range. There's something for every American foodie Aldi will truly be a home a way from home for any American's wanting to get a taste of the States - or for any foodies wanting to join in on the fun flavours. 3 From new BBQ essentials, snacks for any good picky-tea and sweet treats to please even the most savoury of tastes, find out what Aldi has on offer. Vive American Style Sodas (49p, 1 litre) Bramwells American Style Mustard (990, 290g) American Style Tear & Share Brioche (£2.49, 400g) Crispy Onions (99p, 100g) Snackrite Stacks Cheeseburger (£1.49, 165g) Harvest Morn American Granola (£1.69, 350g) Snackrite Pretzels (£1.49, 250g) Crispy Square Bars (£1.35, 136g/116g) Harvest Morn American Cereals (£1.69, 375g/350g) Country Cream Cookie Dough (£7.49, 700ml) Holly Lane Cinnamon Swirl Cake (£1.59, 120g) Village Bakery Sliced Seeded Burger Buns (£1.99, 12 pack) Snackrite America Waffles (£1.35, 175g) Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (£1.49, 55g) Ready, Set…Cook! Buffalo Chicken Nacho Kit (£2.29, 330g) Ready, Set…Cook! Philly Cheesesteak Style Wrap Kit (£2.29, 398g) Bramwells American BBQ Sauce (£1.99, 520g) Ready, Set…Cook! American Hot Sauce (£1.19, 165g) Dominion Mega Marshmallows (£1.49, 300g) Bramwells Pickle Relish (£1.79, 245g) Specially Selected American Cookies (1.29, 4 pack) Reeses Nutrageous Bar (£1.35, 87g) Whoopie Pies (£1.49, 2 pack) Specially Selected Hot Dog & Onion Crisps (£1.15, 150g)
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Random Summery Products You Need In Your Life
A pack of reusable poop-shaped water balloons to take your next Battle at the Beach to a whole 'nother level. Because these have magnets that ensure a quick and easy seal, you can use them over and over! And it makes refilling them a breeze. I'm pooping — I mean, I'm rooting for you! A cute sand remover bag because you love the beach, in theory, but in practice? You hate getting sand all over your body. This talc-free and reef-friendly bag easily removes sand and leaves you feeling clean. A slim stainless steel can cooler for keeping your White Claw cold while you yap away at your BBQ guests. Seven "long story shorts" later and your drink is still cold. That's because this triple-insulated cooler can keep cans cool for up to 12 hours! A pack of 10 DEET-free mosquito-repellent bracelets that use essential oils to keep bloodsuckers away. Some reviewers suggest wearing one on your wrist and one on your ankle if you're in mosquito-dense areas. A pack of bug-bite patches designed with bug-magnet-y kids in mind. These patches contain hydrocolloid, aloe, and witch hazel to help with itchiness (but let's be real, they really just help make sure your little ones don't scratch themselves raw 😬). A rechargeable heated ice cream scoop because it's finally appropriate weather for a cold treat, but your regular-degular spoons just can't get you the scoops you deserve. This helpful gadget heats up to 158 degrees, making digging into a fresh carton of Van Leeuwen an easy task. All you have to do is grip the handle to activate heating — no pesky buttons! A 6-foot inflatable beer pong table — when Marco Polo and chicken fighting have lost their luster, bring this bad boy out and test your hand-eye floating. This comes with three pong balls to get you started (but you might as well get a few more)! This can also be used as a floating lounge. But maybe only for the winner. A frizz-taming pre-braid priming foam that'll nourish your hair with all the coconut oil and shea butter in its formula. It also strengthens hair and provides grip for an easier time braiding. And if you sleep in those braids, you'll likely wake up with waves as beautiful as those that crash on the shore. A gentle K-beauty SPF 50 sunscreen stick since it offers a matte finish and sebum control; its formula contains plant-based Sebum Control P Complex (a blend of pine leaf, evening primrose, and pueraria), which helps to suppress the excess activity of sebaceous glands and absorb oil. And not only does it moisturize skin, but it can also double as a pore-blurring primer! A set of boho-chic hair tie bracelets because they're so cute, they can absolutely pass as jewelry! These are designed to not damage your hair OR hurt your wrists, which can't be said of the basic hair ties you've been using that low-key cut off blood circulation. A pair of leakproof "wet bags" — OK, I'm gonna hold your hand while I say this: All those summers you spent carting around waterlogged swimsuits on beach days, getting everything in your beach bag have to happen like that. These have heat-sealed seams and can also be used to store diapers, soiled bibs, and more. A lightly tinted SPF 30 lip oil that'll help keep your smackers protected from UVA/UVB light while also giving them a little shimmering goodness. Made with argan, castor, and sunflower seed oils, antioxidants, and vitamin E, your smoochers will not only be moisturized but also protected against free radicals. A pack of four "Beverage Buddee" can covers so you can enjoy a refreshing La Croix on your front porch without worrying about dirt, dust, and bugs finding their way inside. Reviewers even use these when they're at the beach to prevent sand from drifting into their canned bevs. A scrunchie/towel hybrid if you like air-drying your wet hair but hate to have a bunch of water dripping all over you. A patio umbrella light to provide some much-needed lighting when the sun sets but your fam is in the middle of an intense Uno game. It has three brightness modes depending on what ~vibe~ you're trying to create. A pair of à la mode boxer-style shorts that are, like, a big-number percent cheaper than the $98 Reformation versions (sorry, I'm bad at math). You'll likely wanna live in these cuz they're so cute and comfy. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Get them in several colors? Absolutely! An inflatable sunbathing lounger, because the beach isn't the only place on the planet where you can get a tan. And since it has two drink holders, you can stay hydrated with your Owala and have a little fun with a tumbler full of margarita. So grab your sunscreen, adjust the removable pillow, and get that oh-so-sacred vitamin D. Plus, it can also be used as a floatie if you've got a pool! A cooling Naturium gel body wash if after a long day out in the sun, your body is begging for a system reset. Formulated with mandelic acid, fermented sugar cane, and menthyl lactate, this refreshing soap works to fight and prevent odors while providing a gentle, cooling feeling post-shower. A surprisingly chic, stadium-approved clear purse perfect for all those summer concerts and music festivals on your calendar that are hosted by pretty strict venues with pretty strict bag guidelines. This cutie features leather binding and a gold-colored chain strap. Because you can still look hawt while carrying around hand sanitizer and butt wipes (you simply can't trust those porta-potties). An insulated cup with a built-in stadium horn called "The LoudCup" so you can cheer on your favorite teams without losing your voice for once. As soon as you're done taking a sip, just turn the tumbler around and blow into the noisemaker! A moisturizing Sally Hansen instant cuticle remover to help your hands recover from the wintry cold and its dry air. You might miss your chance to say goodbye to your excess cuticles since this works in 15 seconds! This fast-drying formula contains soothing and conditioning aloe and chamomile. You'll wanna become a hand model after using this, and who could blame you? A pretty and practical bike cup holder if your favored mode of transportation in the summer is your bicycle. Oh, and not only can this hold your water bottle, but it also has a cellphone holder, so your iPhone doesn't go flying from your pocket while you are zooming down city streets. And a handwoven plastic wicker bike basket because — hello — it's absolutely darling! But, in all seriousness, it'll also come in real handy on your many summer errands; it can handle a few grocery bags, a small pup, your water bottle, and more! A lightweight cotton dog collar whose summery print might just add an extra bit of pep to your pup's step! An inflatable beach pillow that won't get blown away by the wind! This soft and durable pillow wicks away water and sheds sand, so you can lie comfortably by the shore. A trendy trucker hat with a mesh back to help keep you cool on all your outdoor adventures. It's also got a sweatband because it knows you hate to get sweat in your eyes when you're trying to concentrate on breathing while hiking. A set of stackable starfish-shaped sand cup holders so you don't have to fight to keep your bottle of water upright in the sand. It's also great for holding your phone, sunscreen, or keys — anything you don't want getting lost or covered in sand. An inflatable floating flamingo pool light that'll make swimming at night an even more fun affair! This solar-powered light can shine bright for up to eight hours. A lightweight 3-in-1 backpack, insulated cooler, and chair if your summer calendar is full of hiking, camping, or fishing! With lots of pockets for storage, this backpack will help you organize your outdoor equipment. And! It folds open to a chair that can hold up to 400 pounds.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Grammy-winning singer is headlining this free West Palm Beach festival
A Grammy-award-winning blues singer will headline the 10th annual BBQ, Blues and Brews festival this weekend in West Palm Beach's Heart and Soul Park. The free festival takes place June 28 from 5-9 p.m. and will feature live music, a barbecue competition and beer tastings. Headlining the festival is blues singer Cedric Burnside, a Mississippi-based musician whose 2021 album 'I Be Trying' won the Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album. He also has been a nominee for three other Grammy awards. Burnside is scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m. Performing before him will be Ladi T and the Super Star Players and The Derek Mack Band. A judged barbecue contest will feature grillers from several local barbeque spots, including Fosters BBQ, A & A Roadside BBQ and Jerk Center, MeatHead's BBQ, Gilberts Riblets, Da King of BBQ, Eat N' Cake and Twisted Smoke BBQ. 'They will grill, roast, smoke, and serve classics like juicy pulled pork, tender chicken, smoky ribs, and more to guests and to the judges, who will award prizes in multiple categories,' a city news release stated. The festival, organized by the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, takes place at Heart and Soul Park, 825 N. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach. Lot parking is available nearby at 444 W. Railroad Ave., as well as a county government parking lot at 505 Banyan Blvd. For more information visit the official event website at Andrew Marra is a reporter at The Palm Beach Post. Reach him at amarra@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Grammy-winning singer is headlining the BBQ, Blues and Brews festival
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Think Twice Before Throwing These 13 Foods On The Grill
Grilling food is a quintessentially American tradition, as it's a great way to make a delicious meal while also enjoying a nice summer day. Many foods can be grilled to give them that charred flavor, including some that wouldn't seem too conventional from the get-go. For instance, you can very easily cook popcorn on the grill! But while there are plenty of foods that can be grilled, there are certain culinary delights that aren't fit for this cooking method, and for very practical reasons. As a chef with over five years of experience, I have to emphasize that while grilling these foods is possible, it could lead to them drying out, turning chewy, or even causing dangerous accidents. Some items also tend to stick to the grates, and cleaning that will be a task you didn't sign up for. All these problems usually come up when you pick food that doesn't have the right texture and fat content. Moreover, it's not as easy to control the temperature of a grill, especially when using one with charcoal or wood pellets, which can make a few ingredients unsuitable for this cooking technique. If you'd like to reduce the chances of things going south, to enjoy a breezy grilling session, take a look at these foods you might want to reconsider trying to grill. Read more: The BBQ Sauce Brand That's Won Some Seriously Prestigious Awards Bacon isn't a food item you should be cooking directly on the grill grates for several reasons. First, placing those strips on the grates can lead them to overcook easily, as they're usually quite thin. Moreover, a lot of bacon is essentially just fat, and all that fat can render and fall into the heat source. This can cause the flames to shoot up and turn your outdoor cookout into a fire zone. That said, considering how popular grilled bacon is, you may still want to try making it. If you do, it's best to opt for some other safe methods to grill your bacon. Try heating a cast iron skillet on the grates and cooking your strips in that. This way, you can make your cooking a lot safer while also saving up delicious bacon grease that can be used in many recipes later on. Similarly, you can also place a sturdy baking tray on the grill, line it with some aluminum foil, and place your strips in it. If you're still craving that charred flavor, you can finish cooking the bacon on an electric grill at a low heat once all the fat has rendered. Though many fruits taste fantastic once they're grilled, using overly ripe ones directly on those grates is a rookie mistake. Unlike bacon, using overripe fruits won't lead to flare-ups, but it will make cleaning the grates a task. Since most fruits become mushy while they cook, the high heat and direct flame of a grill can lead to them sticking to the grates, or worse, falling through them. Additionally, overripe fruits also tend to contain a lot of sugar, so when you place them on the grill, the surface may caramelize excessively or burn before the inside is cooked through. Ideally, I'd recommend sticking to fruits that are just ripe, or even slightly under-ripe for that matter, as they are a better fit for the scorching heat. However, if you're in a situation where you only have overripe fruits, there are some ways to cook them on the grill. Placing them on a tray or wrapping them in aluminum foil and then grilling them are two good options. You can also consider chilling the pieces slightly and lowering the heat if you have a gas grill. There's no denying that scallops can be grilled, and they taste delicious when they are. However, it's not something I'd usually recommend, as it's tricky business. There are plenty of varieties of scallops and using the wrong kind, especially wet scallops or really tiny ones, will surely make them fall through the gaps. Plus, if you don't oil the scallops properly, they'll likely stick to the grates and break apart. Another risk, if you aren't careful enough while grilling scallops, is that they can overcook and turn into a rubbery mess. For someone who really enjoys grilled scallops and would like to try this cooking method regardless of all the potential challenges, there are a few things worth keeping in mind. Start by using dry scallops, and try placing them in a grill basket to prevent them from sticking. Even while using a grill basket, you need to be sure to oil the scallops and also the grates generously. Using skewers is another practical way to keep them from falling through the grates. If you don't feel confident about cooking this delicate seafood on a grill but would still like it to have a charred flavor, you can carefully heat a metal skewer and press it down on scallops that you've already cooked. Dairy-based marinades work great for meat, vegetables, and even tofu, because they're packed with flavor and can give your food a deliciously creamy taste. The downside is, they aren't ideal for grills for a few reasons. The dairy may scorch and curdle, and if you don't oil your grates properly, the food is bound to stick and also fall apart when you try to take it off. This will end up ruining the flavor of whatever you cook later on as well. Lastly, dairy cooks up a lot faster than whatever you've marinated with it. Imagine trying to grill some luscious kebabs and the surface ends up getting burnt while the inside remains raw. What a bummer! The good news is that there are ways to grill dairy-marinated food. Nonetheless, you need to be careful and use the right techniques. To start off, I'd suggest switching off your grill and using the residual heat for cooking. Besides that, it's also wise to use skewers instead of cooking the food directly on the grates, to reduce the chances of it sticking. Also, remember to remove some of the marinade and lightly oil the food, as that can lock in the flavor while reducing the chances of it burning too easily. It may seem like a good idea to toast your bread on the grill, until it all turns into a mess! This frustrating situation may happen as thin slices can lose moisture very quickly, especially when exposed to high heat — something grills are known for. Leaving them unattended for even one extra minute can cause them to burn or even fall into the heat source. Also, brioche and milk bread have a high sugar content and are generally softer, so placing thin slices on the grill can cause them to burn even faster than other types. Of course, no one is suggesting that you should stop grilling bread altogether, but when you want to, the safest bet is to stick to thicker slices, and even opt for rustic varieties like sourdough or a baguette, as they aren't too delicate. When you have no option besides grilling thin slices, it's best to place a cast iron skillet on your grill and cook them in that. Additionally, even when you're cooking thicker slices directly on the grill, try not to slather them with butter as it will melt and drip, causing smoke and potentially even a grease fire. Instead, oil your grill well and place the slices on that. Then, once they're done, take them off and then add all the butter you like. Grilling potatoes may not be the most common way to cook them, but some people love this method as it gives the vegetable a smoky flavor. The problem comes from placing a large, raw chunk of potato on a grill and expecting it to cook perfectly. As you likely know, potatoes take a while to cook all the way through. The high heat of a grill will surely sear the surface of a potato, and by the time the heat actually reaches the center, the exterior may already be burnt. Having said that, there are ways to grill potatoes to get the perfect char that you're after. You could cut them into thin strips (not paper thin!), oil them well, and then grill them. It's best to sprinkle salt, herbs, and spices once they are almost ready, to prevent the seasonings from scorching. Another option is to roast large slices until they're three-quarters cooked, then place them on the grill for a few minutes on each side until the surface is crispy and golden-brown. Lastly, you can also cut them into halves and parboil them with some salt, and use the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side (depending on how hot your grill is) to finish them. This simple process will give your potatoes a toasty flavor while ensuring the interior doesn't stay raw. It may seem like a fantastic idea to grill chicken nuggets, jalapeno poppers, or even mozzarella sticks, to make them somewhat healthier, especially if your grill is already hot enough. But I'd suggest air-frying or baking them instead, if you're looking for alternatives to deep-frying breaded food, as grilling them without caution can cause the surface to overcook while the inside remains raw. Also, the coating can easily fall off while you try to flip the item. If you don't grease the grates well, the breading may stick, too. Those who still want to give grilling a shot can try it out while being meticulous. Start by laying a piece of aluminum foil on the grill, preferably over indirect heat. Place the food items on the foil and let them sear for some time. For chicken nuggets, 5 minutes on each side should do the trick, whereas for breaded fish or vegetable-based snacks, 3-4 minutes on each side is enough. Alternatively, you can also use a grill basket, as that will make flipping the food easier. Even when using this tool, it's best to line the grill underneath with aluminum foil to catch any loose breadcrumbs and prevent them from falling into the heat source. Also, remember to oil the foil lightly to prevent the food from sticking. Just don't oil the food itself, as that can make the coating fall off. Unless you're highly experienced with grilling chicken breasts perfectly, it's best to steer clear of this cut of poultry when thinking of having an outdoor cookout. Chicken breast is really lean, and hence extremely prone to drying out quickly and turning almost inedible. Due to the absence of fat, there's nothing to keep the meat juicy — at least, unless you've brined it in salt water beforehand. This lean piece of poultry is also likely to stick to the grates easily. However, there are plenty of delicious grilled chicken recipes out there that you may want to give a shot. Fortunately, if you keep some tips in mind, you can still give grilling chicken breast a go. Instead of placing a raw chicken breast directly on the grates, consider shutting off the heat source and placing a piece of foil on the grates. You can then cook the breast with the residual heat for 5-6 minutes on each side. For a smoky flavor and grill marks, you can cook the breast this way until it's three-quarters done, and then grill it over thoroughly oiled grates for a couple of minutes on each side for a nice finish. I'd suggest not leaving the chicken unattended after it hits the grates, as it can overcook in a jiffy. Also, pound the breast to flatten it before cooking it over indirect heat, so that everything is even and cooks at the same speed. Grilling cheese directly on the grates is definitely possible. In fact, you can grill an entire cheese wheel, and the result is phenomenal. Soft cheese, though, isn't ideal for this. Like most other items on this list, it all comes down to the cheese's fat and moisture content. Soft cheeses like mozzarella and brie are very delicate and famously melt quite easily, and that's exactly what causes major pitfalls when you place them directly over such high heat. The cheese will melt for sure, but it will stick to the grates as well, and by the time you try to take it off, it might even melt into the heat source. Plus, since cheese is a dairy-based ingredient, any stuck bits will end up burning in seconds and essentially ruin your grill. It's better to stick to hard or semi-soft varieties, like halloumi and provolone, when you'd like to enjoy that gooey, grilled goodness. If you're still worried about hard or semi-soft cheese sticking to the grates (which can happen if you leave it on the grill for too long), place your cheese on lightly oiled sheets of aluminum foil instead. Grilled steak is undeniably delicious, and the grill is possibly also one of the best ways to cook it. Problems arise, though, when you grill the wrong kind of steak, especially lean ones. Since they barely have any fat in them, lean cuts can easily dry out on the grill due to the intense heat. And it's not just steaks, either. Even certain cuts of lamb shouldn't be grilled for the same reasons. With lamb, another issue is that it doesn't cook as quickly. It's a tricky meat to work with, and if you end up grilling lean cuts of lamb, it's very easy to misjudge the timing, which could lead to overcooking. While a rack of lamb and lamb burgers do cook exceptionally on a grill, lamb shoulder doesn't, and lamb neck is perhaps the worst cut to throw on a grill. You may wonder how grilled flank steak is popular, given it's a lean cut. The secret is to keep a meat thermometer handy and check the internal temperature constantly. Grill the steak for 3-5 minutes on each side until the interior reaches a temperature of 135 F. Then, take it off and let it rest for a while so the juices redistribute. This is a good way to grill such a lean steak without drying it out, though you'll need to pay close attention. While it's possible to grill fresh pineapple, canned pineapple isn't worth placing directly on the grill grates. In its canned form, this tropical fruit is usually packed either in sugar syrup or its own juice, and both of these can cause problems while grilling. When you place canned pineapple with sugar syrup on the grates, the heat will make the sugar burn rather than caramelize, making the fruit taste bitter. Canned pineapple in its own juice, on the other hand, is usually quite watery, and placing it on the grill grates will make the juice drip into the fire. The juice will steam and turn your pineapple slices soggy instead of charring them. Canned pineapple is also quite mushy compared to fresh, firm slices, and they can easily fall apart. It's best to stick to fresh pineapple slices when grilling, and brush them lightly with sugar syrup for a caramelized finish. That said, the good news is that when you're all out of fresh pineapples during your cookout, there are ways to grill the canned variety. One of the biggest mistakes people always make with canned pineapple is not patting it dry. Trust me, that will get rid of all the excess liquid that usually causes problems. Also, place your pineapple on indirect heat, or lower the temperature before grilling, to minimize the possibility of it breaking apart or burning. Ah, frozen food! It's convenient and easy to prepare in all kinds of ways. However, throwing ice-cold food on the grill isn't a good way to cook it, as the excess moisture will make it steam instead of char, turning the food soggy. Aside from things like burger patties, most frozen foods aren't meant for a grill. Large cuts of frozen meat can end up staying undercooked because the heat doesn't distribute evenly, which can potentially lead to foodborne illnesses. Still, with some precautions, you can sometimes grill frozen food when you want an alternative to deep-frying, baking, or air-frying — but you'll first need to thaw your food completely. Patting the item dry with a paper towel will also reduce the chances of the surface turning soggy. In case you aren't too confident about handling the frozen item directly on the grill, place it on foil instead. Thinly sliced vegetables, like squash or eggplant, can easily burn before you even get a chance to flip them. Unless you have a grill basket, or can place them on an oiled piece of aluminum foil, it's best not to attempt grilling thin cuts of veggies. A safe way to grill these vegetables is to place them in a skillet with oil, place that onto the grill, then transfer them to the grates for just about a minute, to give them a good finish. Try seasoning the vegetables while they're in the skillet, to prevent the herbs and spices from scorching in the high heat. The best bet, though, is to slice your vegetables thickly, to reduce the chances of mishaps. You might expect that thin-sliced vegetables are a good idea for a grill, since they'll cook a lot faster, but that's actually what works against them. Leaving thin cuts on the grill for too long can turn them dry, and ruin their flavor. An added complication is that different veggies cook at varying speeds. By the time you try to flip one of them or take it off the grill, the other may have already dried out and shrivelled, leaving you with unevenly cooked veggies. Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
