Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs

For a smoky spice taste, try Whole Foods Market Tequila Lime Seasoning on boneless skinless chicken thighs. Start by brushing the thighs with canola oil. Next, rub the spice on and into the chicken. You'll want to use a lot of this seasoning, so crust it over well. Next, marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours to allow the seasoning to properly flavor the chicken.


When ready to grill, set the grill for direct high heat using the 3 second measuring technique. Place the thighs on a well oiled grill grate and cover and grill for 3 minutes. Next, flip the chicken thighs and grill covered for another 3 minutes.Finally, make one last flip and grill covered for 4 minutes.

When you take the chicken thighs off the grill, let them rest for approximately 5 minutes so the juices can re-distribute. Serve with Mexican rice or grilled corn for a delightful, spicy dinner prepared by a Master of the Grill !

Basics of Grilling - Grilling Temperatures

In the Basics of Grilling, I mentioned using high heat for grilling. For most of my recipes, this is the temperature I use since it keeps things simple. There will be times, however, when you will need to lower the temperature, such as when cooking ribs. The following chart is from The Barbecue Bible by Steve Raichlen.
 In using this chart, hold your hand palm down about 3-5 inches above the grill gate and count the seconds until the heat forces you to move your hand.

• 1 second    Very Hot          650 degrees
• 3 seconds     Hot               600 degrees   This is the temperature I use the most
• 5 seconds    Med. Hot       400 degrees
• 7 seconds    Medium         350 degrees
• 10 seconds  Med. Low      300 degrees
• 15 seconds     Low            250 degrees

As always, keep notes on the temperature you used, as well as the cooking times so that you keep things simple and consistent. Remember, consistency will help you become Master of the Grill !

Basics of Grilling - Simply Perfect Grill Marks

Every Master of the grill needs to know how to get that beautiful cross hatch pattern on their steaks. Start with a hot well oiled grill ( see the Basics section ) and divide your cooking time into 1/4's. Place your steak on the grill at 10 o'clock for the first 1/4 of cooking time, rotate to 2 o'clock for the second 1/4, flip and repeat for the last 2 1/4's. You should now have a perfect cross hatch pattern on your steaks. Practice this simple grilling technique and you will be one step closer to being the Master of your grill !

Grilled Porterhouse Steaks

Porterhouse steaks are a cut which have filet on one side and strip steak on the other. The way I like to prepare them is with a little olive oil,sea salt, and pepper on each side. Set your grill up for direct grilling and high heat ( see my article under the Basics category ). For steaks that are about 1 1/4 inches thick, place them on the grill at 10 o'clock,cover, grill for 2 minutes, rotate to 2 o'clock, cover again and grill for another 2 minutes. Next, flip them over and repeat the process. Your steaks should be a nice rare/medium rare. Pull the steaks off the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. Use this time to clean (scrape) your grill with a good wire brush. As I mentioned in the Basics section, make notes of the time grilled and the results. After a couple of times, you will have perfected grilling porterhouse steaks !
Always remember to keep it simple by keeping notes on the cut of meat you used, the time grilled and the results. By keeping it simple and consistent you will be on your way to be the Master of your grill !

The Basics of Grilling

While everyone at sometime has had a grilling disaster, don't fear the grill. With a couple of tips, every grilling experience can be enjoyable.
First, whether you choose gas or charcoal, make sure your grill grate is clean and well oiled. Every hardware store has multiple types of grill brushes. Whichever type you choose, just remember to use it every time before you cook. I like to wait until the grill grate is hot and has loosened any residual char from the last meal to make this task easier. Also, if you clean the grate after every use there should be very little to clean before the next use.
Next, always oil the grate before use. The easiest way to do this is to use tongs and a rolled up paper towel dipped in a cooking oil. I like to use canola oil as it has a high burn point. A couple of swipes across the grate and you're ready to go.
Now that you're ready to grill you need to decide the grilling method to use - either direct, or indirect. For direct, if gas use all burners..if charcoal, spread briquets evenly. Use this method for searing and quick cooking (steaks,hotdogs..). For indirect, use burners on only one side, or move charcoal to one side. On the unlit side, place a grill pan with a little water. This will help steam as well as catch any drippings to keep the grill clean. Use this method for longer cooking times (chicken).
For most recipes, you will use high heat. The easy way to test is to hold your palm over the grill for 3 comfortable seconds. When you can do that, the grill is ready. Next, make sure you have a watch that you can use to time your cooking and keep notes on the type of food grilled, thickness of the cut,time grilled and outcome (rare,medium,well done).
By following these grilling basics, you will soon be the Master of your grill !