Meat Me at the Barbeque

Noelle Blair, Staff Reporter

Noelle_Blair@csumb.edu

May 8, 2008

With summer approaching, the familiar scent of food barbequing

will begin lingering in the air. Steaks grilled over charcoal and ribs

slathered in a smoky sauce may be the cravings of a hungry student,

but what is the best way to get from shrink-wrapped raw meat to

delicious smoky barbeque?

First one must gather all of the essential barbeque tools. 

The most important, if not obvious, of these is the barbeque itself. 

Basic park barbeques can be found on-campus in North Quad, 

but if a personal one is desired the best option would be either a small

 hibachi grill or a small traveling grill, both of which can be found for as

inexpensive as $30. Unless this grill will be staying in one

backyard, portable options are the more than likely going

to be the most useful to a college student. Look for a

grill with large handles and a sturdy base. Basic tools

for the grill, such as tongs, a scraper, and a spatula,

are usually sold in sets. The next thing a griller will need is charcoal.

Most barbeque purists will say that charcoal

adds a delicate smoky flavor to food. There are generally two types 

that can be found in the store: easy lighting and regular. Easy lighting 

charcoal already has lighter fluid in it. Most types and cuts of meat can

be used on a grill. Beef is a popular option. Avoid cuts that

 say “stew” or “brisket”. These cuts tend to have lots of connective 

tissues, which need long, slow cooking methods to be dissolved. 

Fish fillets and chicken are also great options on the grill. 

To ensure that the meat will not stick to the grill, rub cooking oil 

on it before the charcoal is lit. The best flavors for any

meat are simple so try a dusting of salt and fresh ground pepper. For a 

little more kick, considering picking up or making a rub, a

powdered seasoning often rubbed on meat for barbeque. Barbeque sauce 

can also be used but is often too sweet and mask the flavor of the meat.

For more tips on barbequing and grill, visit www.barbequen.com.