Fired Up
Sizzling Secrets for Successful Grilling with Joe Lazzara
Summer is here, and we’re bringing the heat with local butcher and grilling expert Joe Lazzara, owner of Joe's Butcher Shop in Carmel. From his favorite cuts of meat to pro tips and best practices, Joe’s insight will make you a grill master in no time.
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Q: What do you love about grilling, as opposed to cooking indoors?
A: The correct answer would be the Maillard reaction — a complex process you get from grilling that turns a steak’s protein and sugars into that wonderful brown crust and unique flavor. But the truth for me is more about the friends and family gathering outside for great food! Q: What's your personal favorite cut of meat to grill, and how do you prepare it? A: New York Strip Steak. Pat it dry, season it well, let it rest covered on your counter until it's room temperature. Sear it on each side, then cook it indirectly until its internal temperature is 120-125 degrees. Let it rest, and it’s perfect every time. Q: What is an underrated cut of meat you recommend? A: No question—the Flap/Vacio Steak. On its own or marinated for fajitas, it's a great combo of beefy flavor and tenderness, and so versatile. Q: Can you share a simple yet impressive rub or marinade recipe to try at home? A: My brother Chuck’s chicken recipe is great. Mix half Italian dressing with half key lime juice and add brown sugar to taste. Marinate for 24 hours or more, then grill the chicken over indirect heat to prevent the sugars from burning and leaving the chicken juicy. It makes a memorable sandwich, especially with Cajun-spiced mayo. |
Q: How do you recommend determining the doneness of grilled meats without cutting into them?
A: Use an instant-read digital meat thermometer and record your finish temperatures for use next time. In just half a grilling season, all your guests will call you a grilling pro! Q: What are the biggest mistakes you see when grilling, and how can they be avoided? A: Cooking cold meat (with the exception of burgers and chicken) and overcooking. Season steaks with salt first to reduce bacteria count as they come to room temperature. And use a meat thermometer. Q: Do you have any tips for pairing grilled meats with side dishes or beverages? A: Grilling a great piece of meat already gives you the heat, salt, and most of the time, the fat. Grilled meats demand acid, be it from your wine, a marinade, or a vinegar-based side. If your grilled meat is lean, a buttery or creamy side will be the perfect complement. Q: What are your two go-to grill tips? A: Always season your steaks first and let them come to room temperature before cooking. And use a meat thermometer and record your finish temperatures to dial in what you like next time. |
A note from Joe…
Freshness, sustainability, pH, marbling, how the animal was fed and treated, and the lack of added hormones and antibiotics are facts that matter. They are facts that make a difference in how your proteins taste, perform, and affect your health. They are also facts you, as a consumer, can control only by purchasing from a trusted source. Great meals start with superiorly sourced proteins.
Joe's Butcher Shop, at 111 West Main Street in Carmel, has the best sustainably sourced meats to take your grill game to the next level. From juicy steaks to succulent chicken and fish, Joe's has everything you need to make your next barbecue a success, including side dishes and wine to complement your grilled creations. For more information, visit joesbutchershop.com and follow @joes_butchershop on Instagram.
Freshness, sustainability, pH, marbling, how the animal was fed and treated, and the lack of added hormones and antibiotics are facts that matter. They are facts that make a difference in how your proteins taste, perform, and affect your health. They are also facts you, as a consumer, can control only by purchasing from a trusted source. Great meals start with superiorly sourced proteins.
Joe's Butcher Shop, at 111 West Main Street in Carmel, has the best sustainably sourced meats to take your grill game to the next level. From juicy steaks to succulent chicken and fish, Joe's has everything you need to make your next barbecue a success, including side dishes and wine to complement your grilled creations. For more information, visit joesbutchershop.com and follow @joes_butchershop on Instagram.