Grilling is a great way to get maximum flavor for minimum fuss. Whether you grill year-round or just during the warmer months, we’ve got lots of great tips to help you make the most of grilling.

• Trimming excess fat from meat prior to grilling will help reduce grill flare-ups.
• Use long-handled barbecue tongs for turning meat rather than a fork and knife, which can cause some of the meat's juiciness to escape.
• Be safe at the plate. Always use a clean serving dish for cooked meat. Do not reuse the unwashed plate that held raw meat. This will keep bacteria from spreading.

Steaks

For bone-in steaks, check for doneness by cutting close to the bone; for boneless steaks, cut through the center. Follow these color guidelines:

• Medium-rare — very pink center, slightly brown toward exterior
• Medium — light pink center, brown toward exterior
• Well-done — uniformly brown throughout

Please note: Consuming raw or undercooked meat is unsafe. To ensure your family’s safety, we recommend using a meat thermometer to accurately measure doneness.

General Grilling Times for Beef

Times given are estimates based upon uncovered grilling over medium-hot, ash-covered coals and are intended to achieve medium-rare to medium doneness. Remember to turn steaks once midway through cooking.

Courtesy of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Beef Board

Perfect Burgers

• For really juicy burgers, take a tip from the pros: look for beef with approximately 10 – 15% fat. Remember to turn the burger just once, half-way through. And, never press down on the burger. It makes the juices run out.
• When forming beef patties, shape each with a uniform thickness. This way, the center will cook at the same rate as the edges. If you have trouble with this, check out BJ’s Home & Housewares Aisles for a burger press.
• Use a long-handled spatula to keep your hands a safe distance from the heat.
• Check for doneness by making a small cut through the center of the burger and checking color. There should be no pink and the juices should run clear. If using an instant-read thermometer, it should read 160° F for a medium-done burger.

Products available for purchase in-Club only.
Availability of items may vary by Club location and/or by season.
Items available only while supplies last.

Share this page with a friend