We all want this Labor Day weekend to be a success! We're hoping to relax, make some memories, and grill up some delicious foods. Our goal is to help make that possible. Here's a list with some of the tips and tricks from all the Good Ranchers we know. We hope to help make your Labor Day a bit smother, a lot more fun, and a ton more delicious!
1. Grill Your Grill
Clean It
You've got to sit your grill down and have a one on one. It can't be hiding anything from you! No dirt, grime, gristle, or grease. No one likes a dirty grill. Clean it to give yourself that perfect grilling surface for consistent sears and perfect marks. Wondering how to clean your grill properly and safely? You can find videos and instructions on how to clean your grill here. Then you can show off your shiny new grill.
Fuel It
Not only that, but make sure you've got your fuel ready to go. The last thing anyone wants is to fire up the grill, place the steaks on, and have the heat sizzle out a few minutes later. Whatever fuel you use, check it now before it's too late. Propane? Do you have enough in the tank for the big day? This video shares a tip for testing how much propane is left in the tank. Pellets? Have enough to smoke or get smoked yourself! Charcoal? Better have more bricks than just your jump shot!
If Santa checks his list twice, then you can check your grill twice. Getting it set now will leave more room for prepping the food day-of and enjoying the company you invited over. Clean it, fuel it, and then grill it!
2. Take The Pre-Heats Seriously
Speaking of grills and the fuel that makes them hot; Be sure to fire up your grill at least 10-15 minutes before you throw your meat on. It sounds really simple, but if you skip this step, then you skip out on those sear marks that add the caramelization we all know and love. You can't get the smoky, sweet crosshatch grill marks on a steak if you throw it on a cold grill. Get the grill hot and let the grate get up to temperature! When you do that, the meat will sear and release so much easier. This helps you avoid that awkward moment of not being able to get the meat off the grill, and crying over how you left that caramelized crust behind to burn up. Don't skip the pre-heats! They get you ready for the championship.
3. Don't Flip Out
Your grill is hot and your meat is on. Now what? What do you do? We'll tell you what you don't do: flip out! Do not flip out when grilling. Now, you can flip your steaks multiple times or a single time. There are advocates of both methods, and it really depends on what you find gives you the cook and crust you desire. When grilling a large amount of items though, flipping can be your enemy. Trying to keep track of what you have flipped and haven't flipped becomes much harder when you're flipping everything 5-10 times. The single turn rule can really help you manage the grill and keep everything in order.
All of that to say, don't create chaos for the sake of flipping. Make sure you manage the temperature and different cuts/meats well, and to do that we recommend flipping minimal times (1-2).
4. Organize Your Grill
A very easy way to keep track of what is going to be medium-rare, medium, or more well-done is to organize your grill. Keep things close to each other based on temperature! This way you can pull off things in groups and not be confused about which meat is done and which one still needs more time. Also, have a few different platters ready so that the organization continues to the table for eating. Each one can be labeled to let guests know how it was cooked. This can make your life easier and saves you the trouble of letting every guest know where their perfect burger or steak is!
5. Fat Is Your Friend
That's a weird point #5 right? Why would they label it that? Well you're reading it aren't you? We're talking about marbling! The best way to prep for an amazing grill session is to buy the meats that are going to be full of flavor. That means you need beef with marbling throughout it! Lean meat is not going to cut it this Labor Day. Grass-finished beef is going to get dryer than the Sahara once it looks at your grill!
Treat yourself and your guests to a Prime or Choice cut with great fat throughout so that it stays moist on the grill and has pops of flavor in every bite. Make sure you buy the best now so that you can enjoy the best on Labor Day!
6. Bonus Tip!
The best tip of them all is to buy Good Ranchers! Our Labor Day Sale is live and you can save big! Use Labor25 at checkout for $25 Off any box! Every box is always filled with 100% American Beef, Chicken, and Seafood every time. We are the perfect meat for Labor Day and any day! You can get the highest quality delivered to your door for a price that's half as much as the other guys - who are selling seriously lean, imported meats by the way.
Click HERE to use your Labor Day savings today. Don't miss out and then have to wait until next Labor Day! Buy Now!
Also, make sure to check back in and follow us on social @GoodRanchers for more tips and info on all your Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Seafood needs!