Simple Tips on How to Cook Pork Ribs in a Slow Cooker

January 23, 2010 by Firehouse Chef  
Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

Simple Tips on How to Cook Pork Ribs in a Slow CookerDon’t have time to pull out the grill; mix up a specialty rib sauce and spend hours preparing mouth-watering ribs? You don’t have to! Want a quick and easy way to prepare pork ribs that taste great? Follow these simple tips on how to cook pork ribs in a slow cooker:

  • Choose your ribs carefully. Not all pork ribs cook well in a slow cooker. Fatty ones will get way too greasy. But ones that are too lean will not have the rich flavor they should. Look for ribs with a little bit of fat on them (but not too much).
  • Place your ribs in a slow cooker at the lowest temperature with about 1 cup of chicken broth for 3-4 hours.
  • Next, mix your other ingredients including seasonings to taste and all of your vegetables, and put them in with your ribs. Let this mixture stew for another 3-4 hours on low heat.
  • A simple and easy way to learn how to cook pork ribs in a slow cooker, this recipe is a favorite among busy folks who don’t have the time or energy to cook pork ribs in a more traditional and time consuming way.

    How to Cook Beef Tenderloin

    January 23, 2010 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Beef TenderloinBeef tenderloin is a very delicate cut of meat and requires great care in preparing and cooking it in order to bring out its true flavor. Not taking the time to learn how to cook a beef tenderloin properly can result in a culinary disaster; plus a waste of a great piece of meat.

    To ensure that you know how to cook beef tenderloin correctly, be sure to follow these expert tips:

  • Be sure to cook your beef tenderloin for a short amount of time Unlike heartier cuts of beef, tenderloin is so delicate that cooking it too long will not only ruin the flavor, but make it tough.
  • • Never cook a tenderloin more than medium rare to ensure the best (and tastiest) result.
    • Never put a tenderloin in the oven cold. Always let it sit out at room temperature at least half an hour before cooking.

  • Always tie your tenderloin with butcher’s twine before cooking. This will keep the ends from curling up and getting hard.
  • Be sure to sear your tenderloin on each end for two minutes before oven baking
  • Rub the meat with olive oil, salt and pepper and then place a 400 degree oven until the internal temperature reaches 125 degrees (this will take between 30-50 minutes).
  • After taking your tenderloin from the oven, be sure to let it rest in its own juices or at least 10 minutes before serving.
  • Learning how to cook a beef tenderloin isn’t just a good idea, it is a must to ensure a great dinner worthy of the price you paid for your main course.

    How to Cook Barbecue Chicken in the Oven

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Barbecue Chicken in the OvenChicken is a great dinner for just about any family. After all, who can resist a succulent barbecue chicken? Even the kids will love it! Not sure how to cook barbecue chicken in the oven without it coming out either charred or undercooked? Try this simple recipe for instant success:

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees
  • Make a simple marinade using brown sugar, soy and Worchester sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and water to taste
  • Prepare your chicken by making several small slices in each piece of meat to allow the marinade to soak completely through
  • Next, boil the chicken in a pan of hot water until partially cooked
  • Remove from hot water and place in a casserole pan
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken
  • Cook in hot oven for about 20 minutes
  • For an even easier variation of this recipe, use store-bought barbeque sauce instead of preparing your own marinade.

    As you can see, learning how to cook barbecue chicken in the oven isn’t hard. The key to success is pre-boiling the meat to allow it to be cooked at a higher temperature in the oven without burning the barbeque glaze.

    How to Cook New York Strip Steak

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook New York Strip SteakWant a great steak that isn’t going to cost as much as a great filet? Try a New York Strip Steak. It is a tasty cut of meat, that when prepared properly can rival any filet around. The key to a perfect meal is learning how to cook a New York Strip Steak the way the pros do: tender and juicy.

    Not familiar with this steak? Here are a few tips to show you how to cook a New York Strip Steak that anyone at your dinner table will love:

  • Don’t forget to marinate. Letting a good cut of meat soak in a tasty marinate can turn it into a great meal. Marinating steak does more than add flavor, it also helps give it the moisture it needs to remain juicy during the cooking process.
  • Take Your Time. If there is one thing mistake most people make when learning how to cook a New York Strip Steak, it is not taking their time. No matter what method of cooking you use – grilling; oven baking; or roasting – the key to maintaining a steak’s juicy tenderness is cooking is very closely over low to medium heat. It may take a little more time and attention, but the result is well worth being patient.
  • Let Your Steak Sit Before Serving. You’ve just pulled a beautiful steak off the grill and you want everyone to enjoy it. Wait 3-5 minutes before serving. Most steak cuts will continue to cook in their own juices for a few more minutes, which helps to seal the juice (and the flavor) inside.
  • Enjoy. Cooking a great New York Strip Steak is that easy. Now enjoy!

    How to Cook Filet Mignon

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Filet MignonFilet Mignon isn’t cheap and for good reason. It is a fabulous cut of beef that can be cooked to tasty perfection with a little knowledge and skill. If the thought of ruining such a fine piece of meat scares you, then you will want to learn how to cook filet mignon the correct way. Begin by following these basic tips:

  • Pick your cut carefully. Choose a thick piece of meat that is bright pink in color. Be sure there are veins of white marble running through it to ensure juicy flavor.
  • Begin by rubbing a bit of olive oil over your meat to give it more flavor.
  • Always use hot quick heat when cooking filet mignon to seal in its natural juices. This can be done by broiling it in the oven on the highest heat setting for about 5 minutes on each side, or grilling it on high heat for the same amount of time. If you choose to oven cook your filet, be sure to pan sear it first in a frying pan; then cook it at 500 degrees until it is still a bit pink inside.
  • Never cook a filet mignon to well done. Medium rare offers the tastiest results.
  • Let your steak sit for about five minutes after removing it from the heat. It will continue cooking for a few minutes and then the juices will begin to make their way through the entire cut of meat. This makes it very tender and delicious.
  • Following these tips that show you how to cook a filet mignon will ensure that you never overcook or dry out a great steak again. Now that you know how to cook a filet mignon it is time to head to the butcher and show off your new cooking skills to your family and friends.

    How to Cook Hamburgers on the Stove

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Hamburgers on the StoveEveryone loves a grilled hamburger, but what if you don’t have the time to fire up the grill, or it is the middle of winter and you have a hankering for a thick juicy burger? Learn how to cook a hamburger on the stove so that you won’t be left hungry when grilling isn’t an option. Here’s how:

  • Add some of your favorite seasonings to your patty. This will not only add some flavor, but can help keep it moist and juicy.
  • Be sure to place your hamburger patties in a hot skillet, then sear for about 1 minute on each side.
  • Turn the heat on the stove down to low.
  • Add about 1/8 inch of water to the bottom of the pan.
  • Bring the water to a boil
  • Cover the skillet with a lid
  • Cook the patties in your covered skillet for about 15 minutes
  • Remove lid

  • Allow patties to continue cooking until all of the water has been evaporated form the pan
  • Be sure that no pink remains in the center of your burger, then eat!
  • There really is no need to forgo the taste of a great burger just because you can’t grill one. Learn how to cook hamburgers on the stove with these quick tips and you can enjoy this favorite meal anytime.

    How to Cook Pork Spare Ribs on the Grill

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Pork Spare Ribs on the GrillNo one can resist a plate of pork spare ribs straight from the grill. With flavors ranging from sweet to spicy, ribs are a specialty to be devoured. The key to learning how to cook pork spare ribs that everyone will love is following these 4 basic rules:

  • Take the time to perfect your marinating sauce. Any grill master will tell you that learning how to cook pork spare ribs that everyone will love take a fantastic sauce. Ditch the premade stuff from the grocery store. Try whipping up a batch of your own instead. It may take a little time (and lots of practice), but the result is well worth the effort.
  • Marinate those ribs as long as possible. Once you have perfected your marinate sauce, you will want to give the meat a chance to really soak in its flavor. This takes about 24 hours. While a shorter marinate time will not ruin your ribs; the longer marinate the better for the most flavor.
  • Cover your grill rack with aluminum foil (which you lightly oil) to keep the meat from sticking
  • Cook for about 10 minutes on each side on a medium heat.
  • Cooking up a great plate of ribs isn’t difficult. All you really need is to take some time to learn how to cook pork spare ribs on the grill for a meal no one can resist.

    How to Cook Chicken on a Gas Grill

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Chicken on a Gas GrillAnyone who has ever tried to cook chicken on a gas grill knows that it isn’t as easy as it may look. Oftentimes, the breast gets done well before the other parts of the chicken, leaving you with a meal that is half overcooked or half underdone. If you want to learn how to cook chicken on a gas grill to perfection, follow these simple tips:

  • For the most flavorful chicken around, be sure to pre-rub it with a good mixture of herbs and seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic, onion, thyme and sage. Let sit in the refrigerator for several hours before cooking to allow the spices to permeate the meat.
  • Preheat grill to medium heat.
  • Begin grilling dark meat pieces first, since they will take longer to heat.
  • Heat until the dark meat reaches 180 degrees and the breast reaches a temperature of 165 degrees.
  • A few minutes before you are ready to take your chicken piece off of the grill, baste in a rich barbeque sauce (either store-bought or handmade). This will help to seal in the chicken’s natural juices and flavor.
  • Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
  • The trick to learning how to cook chicken on a gas grill is to use a medium heat and start those dark meat pieces cooking first. That will ensure that your entire meal gets finished at the same time.

    How to Cook a Steak on a Gas Grill

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook a Steak on a Gas GrillSome grill snobs would make you believe that the only way to cook a great steak is on a charcoal grill with specialty wood chips to enhance the flavor. Don’t fall for this fallacy. You can learn how to cook a steak on a gas grill and get the same great flavor. All you have to do is follow these simple tips:

  • Choose your steak wisely. Do not pick a cut less than 1 ¼ inch thick (anything thinner than this will dry out); and no thicker than 1 inch (a cut thicker than this is difficult for anyone but the most experienced griller to cook properly).
  • Score, or slice your steak about every inch or so. Learning how to cook a steak on a gas grill successfully requires keeping it from curling while it is being heated.
  • Since gas grills aren’t as hot as their charcoal counterparts, it is very important to heat your grill as hot as possible before attempting to cook any type of meat – but especially steak.
  • Be sure to lightly oil the grill bars before laying your meat cut on them (otherwise you risk the steak sticking)
  • Season to taste
  • Be sure to position the steak on the hottest part of the grill, but not directly over the grilling bars since this can cause a flare-up.
  • Be sure to flip your steak every 5-8 minutes for even cooking.
  • Take off grill and then let stand for 5 minutes before serving (this will allow the juices to make their way through the steak, making it taste even more tender and delicious.
  • Taking the time to learn how to cook a steak on a gas grill is a great idea; especially if you don’t have the time or talent for charcoal grilling.

    How to Cook Steak in the Oven

    December 23, 2009 by Firehouse Chef  
    Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

    How to Cook Steak in the OvenFor most people, cooking steak in the oven is the fastest and easiest way to get dinner on the table. Unfortunately, few of us have ever been taught how to cook steak in the oven the right way, leaving us with dry, tough meals. To avoid making your next steak dinner taste more like shoe leather than a good cut of meat, try these simple tips:

    • Begin with the right steak. Not every steak cooks well in the oven. Some are too thin and can dry out; while others are too thick and take way too long (and too much work). For best results stick with cuts that are about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches thick and 12-16 ounces in weight.

  • Marinate for better flavor. There are plenty of ways to marinate a steak, but a little olive oil and your favorite spices will work well. Some people even use Italian salad dressing for a quick easy marinate. No need to let your steak soak overnight; a half hour is more than enough time.
  • Sear your steak for about 1 minute on each side before placing in the oven. It will make it easier to cook, plus it will give it that “grill” look on the plate.
  • Cook in a 325 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes for a perfect medium steak.
  • Never thought it could be that easy did you? Learning how to cook steak in the oven is fast, simple and oh, so tasty!

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