How to Grill Pork Chops

April 19, 2010 by Cooking Class  
Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

grill pork chopIf you are not an experienced grillmaster, you may be a bit intimated to try and cook juicy pork chops on your grill. Don’t worry, it isn’t difficult.

Here are a few tips to how to grill pork chops that will make your mouth water:

  • Thin chops need to be grilled fast on a high heat. First, place your meat on the grill and close the lid for 1 minute. Rotate chops 45 degrees without flipping and close the lid again. After about a minute, open the lid and flip the chops (just once now). Repeat the rotation step once and then remove from heat. The entire cooking time should not exceed five minutes.
  • Thicker pork chops need a little more time on the grill (and a lower heat). Begin the cooking process by searing them on a hot grill for one minute on each side, and then reduce the grill heat to its lowest setting. Let the chops cook for about 4 minutes on each side, flipping them only once.

Learning how to grill pork chops isn’t hard, but it does take a little know-how to avoid ending up with dry brittle meat.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken?

April 8, 2010 by admin  
Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

How Long Do You Grill ChickenWhen it comes to figuring out how long do you grill chicken, a lot depends on what parts you are cooking; how big the bird was; and of course, whether or not it has been boned or not.

If you are wondering just how long do I grill chicken, be sure to follow these basic cooking recommendations:

  • Drumsticks and thighs take about half a hour on medium heat
  • A whole four pound roaster will take about two hours on the grill
  • A five ounce boneless and skinless chicken breast should be cooked about 5-7 minutes on the grill (turning at least once)
  • A two-pound bird that has been halved takes about 1 to 1 ¼ hours to thoroughly cook

How Long Do I Cook Pork Chops on the Grill

April 7, 2010 by admin  
Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

How Long Do I Cook Pork Chops on the GrillThere’s no need to wonder, how long do I cook pork chops on the grill, ever again. Here’s the answer: For 2-3 pounds of pork chops grilled over a medium heat, be sure to cook them about an hour for rare chops; an hour and a half for medium ones and as long as two hours for well done grilled chops.

Of course, answering the question, how long do I cook pork chops on the grill does depend on the amount of chops you are grilling; how thick your chops are and of course how high the heat.

How To Cook Bacon

March 21, 2010 by Cooking Class  
Filed under How To Cook, How To Cook Meat

cod_stuffed_wrapped_baconWhile most cooks traditionally fry bacon, it can be baked just as crispy in the oven. Lay slices of bacon on a rack placed on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or so in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose to fry bacon, keep in mind that cooking bacon requires keeping a careful eye on it and turning the strips often. Thinner strips of bacon fry up crispier. Cooking bacon slowly on medium to medium-low heat helps to reduce shrinkage and render out excess fat. Another tip for cooking bacon is to prick the bacon strips with a fork to keep them from curling.

How long to cook bacon in the microwave will vary according to the wattage of the microwave oven, as well as the thickness of the slices. Place 6 strips of bacon in a single layer on a microwave safe dish covered with a paper towel. Cover the strips of bacon with another paper towel to absorb the fat. Set the timer on the microwave for 2 minutes to start. Check bacon at one-minute intervals after that until the bacon strips reach the desired crispness. Cooking 6 strips of bacon in the microwave generally takes about 5 minutes on high heat. If you let the bacon sit for a few minutes after removing it from the microwave, the strips will get crispier as they cool.

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.

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