Grilling

 

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Grilled steak, asparagus, and potatoes

Become Your Own Grill Master

Follow this cooking guide to grill all your fresh favorites to perfection. Whether you're serving meat, seafood or veggies, use these tips to make your next backyard BBQ deliciously simple.

Steak Grilling Tips

  • Porterhouse Steak, T-Bone Steak or Top Sirloin Steak (1” thick) – Cook for 10 - 12 minutes over direct heat (high). Season with salt and pepper, using grilling tongs to gently turn and flip your steak when grilling.
  • Flank Steak – Cook for 10 - 12 minutes over direct heat (medium); move to indirect heat for another 5 minutes to allow marinade to seal the outside.

Ribs Grilling Tips

  • Beef Short Ribs (3/4 - 1” thick) – Cook for 8 - 10 minutes over direct heat (high); move to indirect heat for another 6 - 8 minutes to allow for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
  • Country Style Pork Ribs – Cook for 18 - 20 minutes over direct heat (medium) to seal in the juiciness and flavor; move to indirect heat for another 12 - 14 minutes to desired doneness.
  • Pork Spareribs – Cook for 1 ¾ - 2 ½ hours over indirect heat (medium). Set your timer for halfway through; then remove ribs, lather with your favorite sauce, wrap in aluminum foil and place back onto the grill for remaining time. At the end of indirect cooking, take ribs out of foil and finish on direct heat for 7 - 8 minutes to seal in the juices.

Chicken Grilling Tips

  • Chicken Tenderloin – Cook for 10 - 12 minutes over direct heat (medium). Season with salt and pepper; use grilling tongs to gently turn and flip your chicken pieces. Tip: Allow a little extra time on the grill – if the meat sticks, don’t try to flip the piece; it will unstick itself when it is ready to flip.
  • Chicken Thighs – Cook for 16 - 20 minutes over direct heat (medium). Season with salt and pepper; use grilling tongs to gently turn and flip your chicken when grilling.
  • Chicken Breast – Cook for 10 - 12 minutes over direct heat (medium). Season with salt and pepper; utilize grilling tongs to gently turn and flip your chicken pieces. Tip: Allow a little extra time on the grill – if the meat sticks, don’t try to flip the piece; it will unstick itself when it is ready to flip.

Seafood Grilling Tips

Salmon – Cook for 6 - 8 minutes, skin-side down, over direct heat (medium). Cook the other side for an additional 2 - 4 minutes over direct heat (low) – if the meat sticks, don’t try to flip the piece; it will unstick itself when it is ready to flip.

Shrimp – Cook both sides for 2 - 3 minutes over direct heat (medium). Tip: Cook with the shells on to avoid drying out your shrimp.

Produce (Vegetables) Grilling Tips

Corn – Cook in husks for 15 - 20 minutes over direct heat (medium). Turn occasionally until the husks are evenly charred and corn is tender.

Asparagus – Cook both sides for 2 - 3 minutes over direct heat (high).

Peppers – Cook skin side for 4 - 6 minutes over direct heat (medium). Flip and cook the inner side for 2 - 4 minutes.

Potatoes – Cooking times vary, depending on the type and size of the potatoes.

Whole sweet – Cook for 60 - 90 minutes over direct heat (medium).

Whole russet – Cook for 30 - 40 minutes over direct heat (high).

Whole new – Cook for 25 - 35 minutes over direct heat (medium).

Fingerling (cut lengthwise) – Cook for 4 – 5 minutes over direct heat (high).

Pro Tip

If meat is on your menu, bring it to room temperature first and heat the grill for at least 20 minutes. After grilling, allow meat to rest at least 5 to 10 minutes in a warm place before cutting to ensure the juices won’t run out.

Grilled veggie skewers

Meatless Summer Meals

Tickle your tastebuds with a wide variety of fresh, flavorful vegetarian options.

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Deli fruit and cheese tray, grilled chicken and grilled veggie kabobs

Summer Sides, Simplified

Hosting a backyard BBQ? We've got the sides covered. Order ahead for easy pickup.

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Using Charcoal Vs. Pellet Grills

Charcoal and wood pellets are both great for grilling, but there are some notable differences you may want to consider. Learn more about each method, then fire up your grill and savor the flavors!

Pellet Grills 101

Pellet grills are an easy, modern way to cook. They use fuel made of ground-up wood. Many call them smokers instead of grills, but whatever you call them, here are a few fast facts about pellet grilling:

· Pellet grills operate with electricity

· Offer digital temperature control

· Provides steady, low heat, perfect for slow-smoking meats or using a more hands-off approach to grilling

· Add a smoky, wood flavor to your food

· They are typically more expensive and heavier than a charcoal grill

Charcoal Grills 101

Charcoal grills have long been a backyard BBQ staple! They require more attention but make food taste smoky and delicious. Here are some fast facts about charcoal grilling:

· Portable option for outdoor cooking

· Temperature is controlled manually

· Requires an active approach to grilling and fire maintenance

· An excellent, versatile choice for cooking at high or low temperatures

· Adds a classic charred flavor to your food

Pellet Grills Vs. Charcoal Grill: You Decide

Charcoal and pellet grilling are both excellent options! If you're looking for portability and affordability, a charcoal grill may be your best bet. But, if you'd like to smoke meat and you're willing to invest a bit more, a pellet grill is a worthy purchase.

 

Whether you choose to grill with pellets or charcoal, we’re here for it. You'll find your favorite cuts of meat and a wide variety of fresh local produce at your neighborhood Tom Thumb. So, go ahead. Get your grill on!

Grilling patties

It’s Time to Grill!

Good times are always on the menu when you've got a cook out planned with family and friends. From juicy steaks and burgers to chicken and plant-based options, Tom Thumb has the meat, seafood, veggies and side dishes you need to make your backyard the place to be.

Grilling in summer (or any time of year) is fun, but it takes time to master a supreme grill technique. Tom Thumb provides the recipes and advice to make it a cinch to serve up everything on your cookout menu. We've also got helpful content about interesting topics, from the differences between using a pellet or charcoal grill to creating a perfect party platter. Need summer grilling ideas? Get inspired with options for grilling classics like corn on the cob, as well as more unusual fare, such as grilled watermelon, avocados, tomatoes and even cantaloupe!

When planning your weekend festivities, remember to stock up on all your barbeque necessities, like beverages, condiments, tableware, trash bags, charcoal, pellets, fire logs and lighter fluid. We've helped plenty of people take their BBQs to the next level, so stop by your local Tom Thumb or visit us online to get your cookout party started.