What is Grilling

Grilling is already something we grew up with. For sure, you’ve experienced family bonding with your father and uncles grilling on the side. And now, you’re probably doing it for your family and friends, too.

We have been obsessed with grilling for years, that this has already been included in our list of to-dos every summer. And now that we’re in the age of the internet, more and more dedicated websites have been created solely for grilling enthusiasts.

But, what is grilling, and why are we so obsessed?

The dictionary definition

Based on the dictionary, grilling refers to the act of cooking meat on a frame of bars over a fire. This form of cooking uses dry heat and applies it directly to the surface of food so that it cooks faster. It’s also important that the heat is set at high temperatures of usually 500-550 degrees Fahrenheit.

In other words, grilling is the act of cooking foods hot and fast and is most suitable for cooking small and tender cuts of meat.

What’s the difference between grilling and barbecuing?

When we talk to our friends about having a barbecue weekend, we usually refer to grilling, which is described above. But, is it wrong to use that term because barbecuing is not grilling?

If you’re not aware of it yet, barbecuing is a totally different cooking style from grilling. Unlike grilling that cooks food hot and fast, barbecuing cooks food low and slow.

Generally, barbecuing uses indirect heat instead of the direct one, and meats are usually cooked at lower temperatures of 225-275 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the reason why cooking takes a long time and needs a lot of patience. The best part about this is that it usually utilizes smoke, which gives food a more flavorful smoke flavor.

Meats like ribs, briskets, or pork shoulders are usually cooked through barbecuing. Yes, it will take hours to cook, but you are guaranteed a slice of juicy meat that melts in your mouth as a reward for your effort.

So, can you use a grill for barbecuing?

Of course, you can. You just need to let the fire go low first before you start cooking. Or, you can also use a smoker.

Do you think you should prefer one method over the other?

Not really. When it comes to difference, there’s probably not much other than the speed and temperatures used. Both cooking methods are utilized every barbecue season. Because, sometimes, to get the perfect cook on a certain cut, you need to use one method or the other.

What foods are suitable for grilling?

Speaking of foods, let’s tackle the foods suitable for grilling.

We’ve mentioned that lean or tender meats are most suitable for the grilling method. This is because the hot and fast cooking will help increase the meat’s internal temperature to a safe level without drying it out (3). It’s like giving your food a quick sear.

These foods would include:

• Whole fishes such as a small, round fish, a flat fish, and fish fillets;
• Various meat cuts like sausages, pork chops, steaks, bacon, and more;
• Chicken cuts;
• Offal products;
• Various vegetables;
• Fruits like pineapple;
• Eggs; and
• Prepared meat dishes like kebabs, hamburgers, and hotdogs

Basically, you can cooklots of foods through grilling as long as they are small cuts. Also, since we’re talking about direct, high heat, you should monitor your meat, vegetables, and fruits, so you don’t end up burning them.

It’s simpler than you think

So, why do are we so obsessed with grilling?

Well, we’re sure this is not something to think about anymore.

Grilling is fun. That’s it! And since many people love meat, it’s amazing how a simple grill or smoker can actually bring out more flavor to a slice of meat.

On top of that, barbecue weekends have already been a tradition. It’s already something families and friends do as a form of bond. That kind of connection in food just speaks differently, and we think that’s why people love to grill meat so much.