How not to incinerate July 4 BBQ

It’s time for our 6th annual Independence Day discussion of maximizing the potential of a key piece of Orange County real estate: your backyard!

In honor of July 4th and the outdoor cooking it inspires, every year on this weekend we at Insider QA invite a local grillmaster to help use improve our culinary skills. Then, after we’ve digested it all, we can go back to debating the direction of the housing market.

This year’s Independence Day guest is Gabriel Gordon, Chef/Owner of Beachwood BBQ in Seal Beach and soon to be Long Beach, too!

Us: What are good meats/cuts to consider to successfully offer a fine meal?

Gabe: If you are grilling I would always suggest thick cut ribeye. They have tons of marbling so they taste great even if you overcook a bit. For smoking briskets for those who have time and energy to spend manning the smoker for 6 to 12 hours depending on the size. For those with less time, tri-tip is great.

Us: What should we be thinking before we start cooking?

Gabe: You always want to make sure that you you time everything so that it finishes all around the same time. Its a bummer when all the sides are finished and the guests have arrived but the meat is far from done. If you blow it, make sure to have plenty of good beer around. Your guests will be much more forgiving.

Us: What should we remember to always do as the cooking progresses?

Gabe: Check to make sure you have enough wood or charcoal and that you have the heat nice and even. To hot and you get burnt outsides on raw inside. To cold and your meet will dry out. Also have fun.

Us: How do we make sure we dont incinerate our main course?

Gabe: If you are grilling, initially add more charcoal than you think you need and let it burn down a bit. Evenly spread the coals through out the grill. Then push a little extra over to one side. This will give a hot side of the grill and a less hot side. You can move your steaks around as need be to control the cooking!

Previous grilling tips from our red-white-and-blue blog tradition …

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