Leave Some Fat on Steaks

By Kristin Donnelly

Mayonnaise in marinades, sauce on a stick and burger patties basted with butter: We polled some of our favorite grilling experts to get their most extraordinary ideas for everyday cooking.

Cocoa-and-Chile-Rubbed Pork Chops

Chef Tim Love offers this advice: “Be sure there’s at least a quarter-inch of fat around steaks and chops to keep them moist. Score the fat in advance so that the meat doesn’t curl up on the grill.”

20 Grilling Tips

Tip 1: Baste burgers with butter
Tip 2: Dip meat in cold water
Tip 3: Use mayo in marinades
Tip 4: Crisp vegetables in ice water
Tip 5: Tenderize in onion juice
Tip 6: Add yogurt to marinades
Tip 7: Prevent bones from burning
Tip 8: Sweeten rubs just a little
Tip 9: Leave some fat on steaks
Tip 10: Grill your sauce on a stick
Tip 11: Cook ribs low and slow
Tip 12: Know your ribs
Tip 13: Create faux wood flavor
Tip 14: Grill with real wood
Tip 15: Tie fresh herbs to a basting brush
Tip 16: Use a citrus squeeze
Tip 17: Try different leaves
Tip 18: Wrap delicate fish fillets
Tip 19: Build one fire for two dishes
Tip 20: Plan for leftovers

More Great Grilling Tips & Recipes

Ultimate Grilling Guide

Grilling Equipment

Delicious Steaks

Published June 2009

20 Smart Tips for Everyday Grilling