Whether you’re a novice chef or a professional, you buy your meat in a grocery store, or you hunt your own meat, the same tips apply to getting the best possible flavor. Cooking meat involves getting just the right timing at just the right temperature, and of course, knowing what flavors to add. If you’re looking for some of the top insider tips for how to cook meat, read on.
Choose High-Quality Meats
Even though it might be tempting to buy a cheaper cut, the truth is that you get what you pay for. If you’re just getting started cooking meat, then buying a more expensive cut is a pretty simple hack for getting the most flavor out of it.
When choosing what meat to cook with, the trick is looking for the most fat marbling. The more fat there is, the more taste the meat will have. When comparing prices, know that that little extra amount that you pay will make all the difference in terms of flavor.
Use a Thermometer
There are all sorts of tricks out there for finding out whether your meat is cooked to perfection yewt. However, the most reliable way to tell if your meat is ready to eat is to use a meat thermometer.
Each kind of meat has a unique temperature it must reach before it can be consumed. Beef, for example, needs to reach just about 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while chicken needs to reach closer to 165.
However, don’t make the mistake of believing that meat stops cooking the minute that you remove it from heat. Always remove your meat from heat just before the thermometer shows the temperature that you want it to be at. That way, you’ll know after a few minutes that your meat will reach the perfect temperature to enjoy.
Add Marinades
If there’s one secret weapon that most top chefs agree on, it’s your marinade. Marinating your meat won’t just help tenderize your meat, but it will give it extra flavor.
Consider marinating your meat for an entire night before cooking it. It may seem like an extra hassle; however, the difference you’ll get out of the flavor will be well worth the extra time you put in.
Squeeze Your Meat
No, seriously, squeeze your meat. It may sound crazy; however, you’d be surprised how many people don’t touch their meat enough when preparing it. Squeezing and handling the meat you’re cooking is important because it helps sink all of the flavors deep inside.
Obviously, you should wash your hands and clear off any cooking services after. However, don’t be squeamish about squeezing raw flesh. Squeezing the flavor deep into your meat will take the final flavor to the next level!