Summer Grilling Tips + Red Lobster Gift Card Giveaway

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Summertime Grilling
Summer is here and that means a lot of exciting things for our family. It means that the kids are out of school, lots of family time, soaking in the sun and grilling in the evenings. We actually bought our first grill this year and have already really enjoyed it. There’s something to be said about the taste of food cooked on the grill. It’s absolutely incredible and a taste that I never get tired of. I’m no expert when it comes to grilling, but I’m all about learning and getting more tips on how to become better. If you are new to grilling or are wanting to improve your skills, the chefs and grilling masters at Red Lobster have some great tips and secrets to grilling fish, chicken and steak.

Chef Michael LaDuke, Senior Director of the Culinary Department at Red Lobster offers these 7 tips when it comes to grilling perfection:

1. Clean Reigns Supreme. Whether grilling fish, steak or chicken, a clean grill is a must. Start by scraping the grill with a wire-bristled brush to remove any remnants from previous grilling. Then, using a non-aerosol product such as a towel, coat the grill grates with a light coat of vegetable or olive oil to prevent food from sticking.

2. Use High-Quality Meats. Select fresh, high-quality seafood and meats to throw on the grill. By using high-quality seafood and meats it’s a virtual guarantee against flame flare-ups and makes cleanup easier.

3. Don’t be Shy with Seasoning. Whether you’re using a dry rub or wet marinade, don’t be bashful when it comes to the amount you layer on.
a. For steaks, Red Lobster recommends “the big four”: combine salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder, mix and shake on your protein.
b. For chicken use a wet marinade, be creative with ingredients and give it a kick by combining salt, pepper, ketchup, molasses, Worchester sauce, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and for a bit more fire, add hot sauce.
c. For seafood, use something light and simple to bring out the flavors: combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

4. Marinate Gradually. Let your meat marinate in a refrigerator for up to two hours before cooking to infuse the flavor. Set aside an extra dish of marinade just for basting while cooking to avoid spreading any bacteria. Finally, before putting your meat or seafood on the grill, drain off the excess marinade or sauce and pat dry.

5. Identify the Hot Spots. Check the grill for hot and moderate temperature zones. We do this at Red Lobster by briefly running a hand about three inches above the grill. It should be at least at 500 degrees for meat and fish. For even cooking, place thicker foods at the center of the grill, smaller pieces toward the edges, and leave one inch of space between each piece of food.

6. Check the Clock. Steak, fish and chicken do not have to be grilled at different temperatures, but do have to be grilled for different times. Fish, depending on thickness, should be cooked for about two to three minutes on each side. Steak, depending on preference, should be cooked for about four to five minutes on each side. For boneless chicken, cook for about four to five minutes on each side. And for bone-in chicken, cook for six to eight minutes and always use a meat thermometer to ensure a proper temperature of 165 degrees.

7. Grill ‘Marks’ The Spot. The Red Lobster Grill Master secret to great looking steak, fish and chicken is perfect grill marks. When meat or fish is nearly 60 percent done, set in one place on the grill for two to three minutes without turning. Then, rotate a quarter turn (90 degrees) on the grill and cook for two to three minutes longer on the same side. Flip to other side and repeat.

Red Lobster offers some amazing choices when it comes to grilled menu items.  I’ve never been disappointed with a food choice at Red Lobster and it’s a favorite place for hubby and I to eat.  We’ll be headed out on a date in the next week or two to enjoy the Wood-Fire grill taste from Red Lobster.

Right now you can enter to WIN a $20 Gift Card to Red Lobster, all you have to do is enter on the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Red Lobster for providing information, gift card to facilitate this post and gift card to give away. All opinions remaion 100% my own.

By: Tiffany on May 30, 2012.