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If there’s one recipe that makes me think twice about spending money on Chipotle, it’s this Southwest steak bowl. With its tender steak, fluffy rice, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro—this dish is guaranteed to be more flavorful and satisfying than any bowls you can find at Chipotle. Ready to have your cravings satisfied? Let’s … Read more

Steaks are usually associated with hearty meals served with a side or two. But apart from being eaten with a fork and a knife, steaks can also shine between two pieces of bread! Provided, of course, that you use the right recipes. That said, let me share some of the best steak sandwich recipes, covering … Read more

Bye-bye winter and hello spring!  When I think of spring, I picture colors, flowers, and a lot of greenery.  During this season, the sun’s finally out and the weather’s more manageable, making me want to do a lot more outdoor activities, and there’s one activity in particular I’m looking forward to — grilling! Even if … Read more

Are you ready to kick off Super Bowl Sunday in style with these awesome recipes? From smoky appetizers to savory sliders, I’ve got grilled dishes that will have your guests cheering for more! It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just a newbie with the grill, all these FAN-tastic treats are drool-worthy enough … Read more

I feel like grilled chicken sandwiches don’t get enough credit. They’re often overshadowed by their more popular relative — the burger — and it’s time we change that narrative. This time around, we’re turning grilled chicken sandwiches into main characters by showcasing what they’re truly capable of. 1. Cowboy-Style Grilled Chicken Sandwich When it comes … Read more

Would you believe me when I say that you can make breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert using only one appliance?  Well, you better believe it because, with the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill, you can air fry, roast, dehydrate, and — let’s not forget — grill all-in-one device!  And if you’re not sure where to begin, … Read more

From Burger King’s Chicken Fries and Sonic Jumbo’s Popcorn Chicken to McDonald’s classic Chicken McNuggets, everyone seems to have their own opinion on which nuggets are the best.  I’ve had my fair share of chicken nuggets, and I have to say — among everything I’ve tried, I think that Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets are supreme. And … Read more

Are you tired of eating overcooked, dry pork chops?  I’ve been there, done that. It even came to a point where I had to set my foot down and say, enough is enough! So, after a lot of trial and error, I’ve finally figured it out. I’ve cracked the code and now, I know the … Read more

Sausages have a long and rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. Over the years, they evolved into iconic delicacies in many European countries. And somehow, sausages made their way across the globe to become a key component in American cuisine.  Now, we eat sausages any chance we get — from BBQ cookouts to game … Read more

Did you know that BBQ meatballs come in all sizes — and each one has a specific purpose?  Take, for example, cocktail meatballs. These are around 1” or less in diameter. They’re easy to eat in just one bite, which in turn, makes them perfect for appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. On the other hand, large … Read more

Steak kebabs are a BBQ classic. The moment someone mentions these savory skewers at a cookout, everyone knows exactly what to expect.  The usual beef kebabs are made with beef cubes marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, threaded onto a stick with grilled bell peppers and onions. But, what if you throw … Read more

Suppose you had a big BBQ blowout in your backyard last weekend. There was plenty of tasty food to eat, but now, you’re left with a fridge full of leftover grilled chicken.  So, what’s your plan? I know that if we had to choose between fresh food and leftovers, most of us would pick the … Read more

Here’s a little trivia question for you: Which nationality eats the most potatoes?  You’d think that because every fast-food restaurant in the country has a side of fries, Americans would rank at the top of the list. But, you’d be wrong. The right answer is actually Belarusians, reaching a whopping 170 kg of potatoes per … Read more

If there’s one grill you want to invest in, it’s got to be the pellet grill. It’s a grill, smoker, and oven in one, and you can make practically anything with it.  Grilled veggies? Check. Smoked ribs and brisket? Most definitely! How about desserts, like fruit pies and cheesecakes? Absolutely! You name it, your pellet … Read more

According to the hit TV show Young Sheldon, Meemaw may have the best brisket in Texas, but we can sure as heck try our best to come close to second.  The number one brisket in Texas may be a tall act to follow. Still, I have a strong feeling that these smoked brisket recipes can … Read more

Among all the dishes in a BBQ cookout, smoked ribs are on another level. They’re the peak of the event and that’s why there’s a lot of pressure that goes into making them.  I know this firsthand because I could make the top-of-the-line appetizers to wow you. I could even serve up some fun and … Read more

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I grill it?” I’m here to tell you that yes, you 100% can — whatever it is! Now that summer is here and the grilling season is in full swing, you’re probably planning your next cookout with friends and family. And if you’re wracking your brain, thinking of recipes … Read more

Without fail, every grilling season brings with it new opportunities to feature new flavors.  This time around, I don’t want to simply focus on burgers, steaks, and hot dogs. I want to take the healthier route — and to me, that’s salmon with a side of some fruits and veggies. Salmon is a dish that … Read more

Part of the fun of grilling is that you get to sit down and relax while you wait for your dish to cook. Sometimes it can take 45 minutes, other times, it takes hours (especially for briskets).  But if you don’t have that much time to spare — like if you’re running late to a … Read more

I know you think that getting your fix at a wing stop is much better than making smoked chicken wings at home, but I’m here to convince you otherwise.  When you make wings at home, there are so many benefits you can enjoy, like: If these reasons don’t convince you to try making smoked chicken … Read more

I’ve had a long history with nachos since I was a kid. Every time my family and I went to a Mexican restaurant, we would always order nachos. And it’s always been a goal of mine to find the best nachos ever. Well, seeing as I still haven’t achieved this objective yet, I figured the … Read more

Cookouts are super chill and relaxed, right? So, you’d think the food prep would be more like a buffet than a multi-course meal. Then, you might be wondering: why should there be appetizers? I’ll tell you why.  Naturally, if you set up your party at, say, 3 PM, not all of your guests will arrive … Read more

Don’t get me wrong, I love throwing hot dogs, seafood, burgers, and steaks on the grill, but you know what I crave the most during a cookout? Grilled veggies. I’m not just saying that to convince you to eat your vegetables. I’m saying it because it’s true. Unlike the different meats and seafood, I don’t … Read more

With the growing popularity of Erewhon, you would think that everyone’s jumping on the healthy eating bandwagon. But to this day, not everyone is ready to embrace a big bowl of greens. Trust me, I’ve been there. I used to be pretty skeptical about salads, but then I tried one recipe, and it completely changed … Read more

Have you ever wondered why marinated grilled chicken is so much better than grilled chicken that’s only been seasoned with salt and pepper? Aside from the obvious reason that marinades add flavor to the chicken, they also help tenderize the meat by breaking down the proteins.  So, it’s no wonder that marinated chicken is often … Read more

Although BBQ chicken is a must-have in any cookout, some people shy away from it because they think that it’s too hard to make at home.  But that couldn’t be further from the truth. With the right recipes and techniques, BBQ chicken can be extremely easy to prepare.  And I’ll show you a couple of … Read more

Everyone knows that carrots are packed with nutrients, but how do they actually benefit us? For one, they’re loaded with antioxidants that fight off bacteria and other viruses. For another, they can potentially lower our risk of developing cancer. On top of these, they have a ton of beta-carotene content which helps keep our vision … Read more

If you’ve never heard of smoked queso dip before, where have you been? It’s been taking over social media lately, and everyone seems to be in on it, creating different variations and joining in all the fun! Of course, I couldn’t just sit back and watch. I had to join the party! So, I tested … Read more

When I think of American cuisine, there are only a few items that come to mind. Aside from grilled steak and burgers, mac and cheese is pretty high up there. In fact, in 2011, baked mac and cheese was ranked as the number one comfort food in America by Alton Brown, who is a famous … Read more

As a food lover, I try not to restrict my diet because I want to experience as many flavors as possible. Because of this, you could say that every day has been a cheat day for me.  And even though I keep telling myself that I’ll start eating healthy, I always find an excuse to … Read more

It’s been an endless debate in pop culture and the culinary world to see which grilled cheese recipe reigns supreme.  From Martha Stewart’s fig, pear, and gruyere grilled cheese to Gordon Ramsay’s ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, the verdict is still out on which cheesy creation is the best of the best.  And since I want … Read more

As much as we want to knock everyone’s socks off with killer side dishes, sometimes life can get pretty hectic — leaving us with no time or energy to go all out! Luckily, there are quick and effortless side dish recipes out there that we can always fall back on when we have a lot … Read more

While I do like a nice plate of grilled chicken every now and then, I sometimes find it bland and boring.  So, I made it a mission to find recipes — inspired by cuisines around the world — to elevate a basic grilled chicken dish. And here are my top six picks.  1. Tandoori Grilled … Read more

When planning a BBQ cookout, many people tend to pour all their TLC on the main courses, leaving the side dishes to the wind.  Well, side dishes deserve the same attention and treatment, too. With this list, you can match your best main course recipes with a mix of crowd-pleasers and some unconventional pairings — … Read more

I’ve always been a firm believer that food is not just a science, it’s also an art form. Because of this, I’ve always been on the lookout for grilling recipes that push the boundaries of cooking.  After scouring my resources, I think I’ve found some of the craziest and most unusual grilling recipes out there.  … Read more

Step aside pepperoni pizza — this BBQ chicken pizza is coming to our dinner table tonight! Poll after poll, pepperoni pizza has always topped the list of America’s favorite pizza flavors. And while it is a classic, I think there are far better pizza options out there — case in point, this BBQ chicken pizza.  … Read more

When you think about it, the 4th of July is just one giant party.  It’s the perfect time to raise your flag, decorate your backyard, and — of course — cook up some mean old grilled dishes.  And not just any grilled dishes. We’re talking about dishes jam-packed with American spirit! So, get your grill … Read more

Whether you call them kabobs (sometimes, kebabs) or food-on-a-stick, there are so many ways you can be creative with this type of dish while threading on a lot of flavor.  Apart from the traditional Persian and Middle Eastern meaty renditions of this snack, here are some of the more unusual grilled kabob recipes you can … Read more

Are you getting tired of serving the same dishes for dinner day after day and week after week? Let’s face it, no matter how much we love a certain type of food, sometimes we just want something different. Take me, for example. For the longest time, I’ve been preparing salads every night because that’s the … Read more

Labor Day is one of the holidays I look forward to each year (only second to Christmas). It signals the end of summer and the unofficial start of the colder season — or “Ber-months” as I like to call it.  But before we say goodbye to the heat and say hello to sweater weather, we … Read more

Father’s Day is an incredible day to show how much your father means to you.  So, my question is, do you already have a special token or gift in mind for your dad? If not, here’s an idea: why don’t you grill him up some out-of-the-box dishes? Here are some interesting Father’s Day grilling recipes … Read more

Bell peppers come in a rainbow of colors, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile. Although red, green, and yellow peppers are the most common types, there’s a whole world of pepper varieties you probably still don’t know about. Orange bell peppers are a great example. They typically appear when red and green … Read more

If you’re on the hunt for an amazing grilled veggie dish, you better not sleep on eggplants. Eggplants have a long history of being a staple in many cuisines around the world. From the famous eggplant moussaka in Greece to the nasu dengaku (or miso-glazed eggplant) in Japan, there are so many ways you can … Read more

Did you know that zucchini isn’t actually a vegetable? Believe it or not, it’s technically a fruit, and here’s why. And while, in botanical terms, zucchini falls under the fruit category, zucchini is treated as a vegetable in the culinary world.  So, what recipes can we make with zucchini? Let’s find out. 1. Classic Grilled … Read more

It’s such a big misconception that vegetables are bland, tasteless, and boring. Oftentimes, I find that the majority of people who share this sentiment simply don’t know how to prepare their veggies correctly.  That’s why I’m setting the records straight by putting one cropped vegetable in the spotlight: the corn on the cob.  Corn season … Read more

You know as well as I do that no BBQ dish is complete without a BBQ sauce. And while you can easily get store-bought sauces, there’s nothing quite like making your own at home.  So, if you want to shake things up and make your sauces more gourmet, I’ve got you covered. You won’t even … Read more

When you think of pork belly recipes, what comes to mind? Bacon, right?  Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree that bacon is — and always will be — a crowd favorite. But there’s more to pork belly recipes than just bacon. From melt-in-your-mouth classic crispy pork belly to rich and flavorful pork belly ramen … Read more

If you ask me what’s one vegetable I can eat for the rest of my life — I can confidently say asparagus, and I’ll tell you why.  For one reason, I think asparagus is one of the most versatile vegetables out there, which is why it’s a popular side dish among local cuisines around the … Read more

Can you believe it’s almost Memorial Day? I’m so excited because it’s the perfect time to get together with friends and family for some great food and lots of fun. To make this year’s barbecue even better than last year’s, I’ve got three fantastic memorial day BBQ ideas that are sure to impress everyone. From … Read more

When you pull your meat off the grill, do you ever notice an oily black substance on the surface? While it isn’t aesthetically pleasing, this phenomenon is not all that unusual. Our guide to black oily coated meat will give you the rundown on the cause.  Black Oily Coated Meat  That black oily substance on … Read more

What is Morton Tender Quick, and can you use it instead of regular pink curing salt? More to the point, is one of these products better than the other? Let’s take a closer look so you can decide which one will best suit your needs.  Morton Tender Quick vs Pink Salt  Both Morton Tender Quick … Read more

Unless you cure your own meat products, you might not have heard of Prague powder or Morton Tender Quick.  Although Morton is a well-known salt brand, their Tender Quick is no ordinary salt. In fact, it’s important not to use it as such. This guide will explain why—and fill you in on the differences between … Read more

The main purpose of storing meat in vacuum-sealed packages is to keep it fresh for longer periods of time. That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for the meat to spoil while it’s in there, though. Here’s how to tell if vacuum sealed meat is bad or not.  How To Tell if Vacuum Sealed Meat is … Read more

When lamb chops are on the menu, the last thing you want is to overcook them. Well-done lamb chops are notoriously dry and stringy, which is why they’re often served medium rare.  This means you need to be extra careful when reheating the meat. The key is to lock in the moisture while bringing the … Read more

Many varieties of barbecue sauce have a sweet flavor profile. That’s fine if you like that sort of thing. Some of us, however, prefer a tangier, spicier, or more acidic vibe—or all three at once. Sound familiar? If so, our guide to non sweet BBQ sauce was created with you in mind. Keep reading for … Read more

Have you ever tried Killer Hogs AP Rub? This seasoning blend can take your smoked meats to the next level—if you can find it. While the product is sold commercially, it’s not available everywhere. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to make at home.  Killer Hogs AP Rub Recipe Killer Hogs AP (or “All-Purpose”) Rub is a … Read more

When browsing through forums dedicated to grilling and smoking, you might come across the term “slaughter house brine.” Though the name is a bit off-putting, this is actually a simple brine that yields delectable results. Read on to learn more about this recipe.  Slaughter House Brine  A slaughterhouse brine is a basic brine made from … Read more

In this guide, we’ll talk about Pop’s Brine, a popular recipe for wet curing. Where did this name come from, and how can the concoction benefit your smoked meat products?  Pops Brine The concoction known as “Pop’s brine” is actually a curing liquid. It includes curing salt #1, or Prague powder #1. This salt includes … Read more

Ever wonder about the difference between salami and bologna? For that matter, what exactly is in these popular lunchbox staples? In our salami vs bologna matchup, you’ll learn the answers to these queries, as well as several more.  Salami vs Bologna Salami is a blanket term for a broad variety of cured Italian sausages, usually … Read more

Barbecue sauce is a cookout staple, which means it spends a lot of time on picnic tables. But does it need to be refrigerated? And if so, how long is it safe to leave it out at room temperature—or in hot weather? Our guide will provide you with the answers.  Does BBQ Sauce Need To … Read more

After you’ve taken your succulent grilled or smoked meat off the heat, how long do you have before you have to refrigerate it? This isn’t just a matter of curiosity—if the food is left out at room temperature for too long, it won’t be safe to consume.  This guide will tell you all you need … Read more

If you’re trying to decide between sriracha vs chili garlic sauce, it helps if you understand the composition of each one. You may know that both are spicy condiments designed to boost flavor, but how do they differ from each other? And how are they alike?  Sriracha vs Chili Garlic Sauce  Sriracha is a spicy … Read more

Does that steak feel heavier when you take it out of the freezer than it did when it went in, or is that just your imagination? In other words, does meat weigh more frozen? Let’s explore this intriguing phenomenon.  Does Meat Weigh More Frozen? A piece of meat weighs more when it’s frozen because the … Read more

Can you cook beef and pork together, or is it better to keep them separate? If you’re using the same preparation technique for both—grilling kebabs, for example—it would certainly be more convenient to cook them together. But is this a good idea? Can You Cook Beef And Pork Together? When attempting to cook two different … Read more

Have you ever used honey as a meat tenderizer? It might be one of the lesser-known methods, but it’s worth a second look. Our guide will take you through the finer points of this sweet (pun intended) technique. Honey Tenderize Meat Honey works as a tenderizer by breaking down the larger proteins on the meat’s … Read more

Wrapping large cuts of meat partway through the cooking time can help them cook faster, which is one of the reasons why the practice is so popular. Aluminum foil is one obvious choice, but many pitmasters prefer to use butcher paper or parchment paper instead. What’s appealing about these options, and is one any better … Read more

If you’re anything like me, you like to fire up your grill all year round. Some pastimes—such as skiing, ice skating, professional sports— might be confined to certain seasons, but as far as I’m concerned, grilling isn’t one of them. That said, when it comes to actually purchasing a grill, it’s a good idea to … Read more

Did you know that as recently as 2017, 70 percent of Americans owned a grill or smoker? That statistic might not come as a surprise. However, we’d be willing to bet that when it comes to mastery of the BBQ technique, the number would shrink down into the single digits. When you know what you’re … Read more