Q: Dear Dr. BBQI”m having issues with under-cooking my burgers. I have a custom gas grill. I leave the burgers out for 10 minutes to get to room temperature, and pre-heat my grill to 550°F. I cook the burgers for 6 minutes on one side and 6 minutes on the other on direct full heat, lid down. What am I …
No Ribs for Rover
Q: Dear Dr. BBQ, My Irish setter, Seth, always tries to steal ribs off my plate at the picnic table. Is it OK to let him have some?–Dolly A: Hello Dolly,No! Seth should never eat ribs, with or without the bones or meat. First off the bones can break up and become slivers that can choke him, or create bowel …
How Long Does Beef Brisket Keep?
Q: Dr. BBQ, Is it OK to age beef brisket up to 15 days before you BBQ it? Thanks, Morton A: Hi Morton, If the brisket is in the shrink-wrap and intact you can age it for up to 40 days if you keep it very cold. If it’s been removed from the factory shrink-wrap …
Wanted: Turbinado Sugar
Q: Dear Dr. BBQ, Where can I buy turbinado sugar? I have no luck with it in Chicago. –Joe A: Hi Joe, Turbinado sugar is commonly available under the brand name Sugar In The Raw. You should be able to find it in the supermarkets in Chicago. If nothing else, check the health food …
Baste, Mop, Slather—What’s the Difference?
Q: Dear Dr. BBQ,This may sound like I’m splitting hairs, but it’s kind of important to me. In most BBQ and grilling recipes, they call for a liquid concoction that’s applied to the meat while cooking. This liquid concoction has been designated as “baste,” “mop,” or “slather.” When I was first learning to cook outdoors, “baste” was the common word. …