Have you ever purchased a pair of delicious steaks and been disappointed with how they tasted? Preparing meat at home can be tricky. It takes skill to achieve the perfect caramelized exterior char. To step up your grilling game, here are three tips for cooking meat like a professional. 

How to Cook Juicy and Flavorful Meat

1. Let It Come to Room Temperature

Before putting meat on the grill, let it warm up to room temperature. The practice is safe as long as you don’t leave it sit for too long. Taking meat out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start cooking should be sufficient. By letting the meat warm up, you won’t create steam when you cook it, which happens when you put a cold steak or pork chop onto a hot grill or into a hot pan. 

2. Use a Meat Thermometer

During cooking, keep an eye on the meat’s internal temperature. A heat-safe instant-read thermometer is an essential kitchen tool for accurately gauging temperature quickly and easily. Insert a  thermometer into the center of the cut, and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired temperature. Cook steaks and chops to an internal temperature of 140 degrees, and poultry to 165 degrees. Taking meat off of the grill when it reaches temperature preserves its juicy interior.

3. Let It Rest  

After you pull meat off the heat source, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. As the meat cools, its juices get reabsorbed. You have to be patient if you want to dine on juicy and flavorful meats. 

Whether you’re craving flavorful sausages or perfectly marbled steaks, you should visit Hammann's Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli. For more than 25 years, this third-generation family-owned and -operated caterer has provided the highest-quality smoked meats and catering dishes to hungry Cincinnati customers from their home base in Fairfield, OH.  Explore their catering and deli lunch menus by visiting their website, or give them a call at (513) 858-3237 to learn how they can make your next event a tasty success.