However, for those of us who enjoy this delicious crustacean, it is certainly worth paying attention to where the lobster is sourced from, how it’s prepared, what it’s served with, and, as we’ll discuss today, what’s the best wine with lobster. Pairing wine with seafood, in general, is an exciting endeavor in and of itself.

With the many flavors of the ocean at our disposal, there-in lies a seemingly endless array of possibilities to choose from when it comes to wine pairings. This is one reason why I particularly enjoy seafood: the sheer quantity of edible options literally floating around is astounding!

Types of Lobster – Quick Look

Before we dive into pairing wine with lobster, however, let’s take a quick look at the creature itself. While I could spend a great deal of time discussing the variety of lobsters found across our planet, I’ll instead categorize them all into two groups: Clawed lobsters and Spiny lobsters.

Clawed Lobster

I’d venture to say what most people think of when the word lobster is brought to their minds is a Clawed lobster – a lobster with two large claws at the forefront of the body. These are the lobsters you are most likely to see on display in a tank of water while at a seafood market or a high-end steakhouse.

Spiny Lobster

Spiny lobsters, on the other hand, are quite different from Clawed lobsters even though their bodies have many resemblances to each other. The notable difference in appearance between the two is that Spiny lobsters lack claws at the head of the body, instead having large antennae that give it its “spiny” characteristic. Both types are edible, and both are delicious!

Best White Wine With Lobster

When it comes to pairing wine with lobster, it’s best to locate a wine that compliments the inherent delicate, sweet flavors found in the lobster meat. While the actual flavor profile of the lobster can vary depending on its preparation it’s a general rule-of-thumb that crisp, delicate, and fresh wines are best paired with this dish.

Chardonnay

This green-skinned varietal, which originated in Burgundy, France is incredibly diverse, not only in terms of where it can be grown but also regarding its flavor profile and what food it can be paired with.

Chardonnay as a wine can range from being rich, buttery, and oaky with notes of vanilla, all the way to being completely unoaked, steely, and crisp with notes of citrus and fruit.

With this wide range of flavor profiles, one can easily imagine the sheer scope of food pairing options available to it.

Generally speaking, California produces a fair amount of Chardonnay that lean towards the more full-bodied, rich, buttery side of the flavor spectrum, while Burgundy produces a host of selections that lean in the opposite direction: more crisp and elegant with plenty of citrus and minerality.

However, California and Burgundy produce plenty of both styles. What’s great about this spectrum differentiation between the two regions is that lobster, in its wide array of preparation methods, can easily pair with wines from either camp.

Lobster that is served in rich, buttery sauces can be complimented by an oaky, equally rich Chardonnay from Napa Valley.

On the other hand, Lobster that has been boiled or baked can go well with a young white Burgundy from Chablis, which can offer up more of a lean, mineral-laden profile. Since there is plenty of diversity to be enjoyed when it comes to both Chardonnay and lobster, the options to explore when pairing both together are bountiful.

Chardonnay Suggestions with Lobster:

• William Fevre, Chablis, Champs Royaux
• Alexana, Terroir Selection Chardonnay
• Sandhi, Bentrock Chardonnay

William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux

Check Price on Wine.com

Sauvignon Blanc

Like Chardonnay, this varietal is green-skinned and originates from France. While Chardonnay originates from Burgundy, Sauvignon Blanc hails from Bordeaux. Grown across the world this varietal produces an incredibly food-friendly wine that is crisp, dry, and quite refreshing to drink – especially on a hot summer day!

Tropical fruits, white flowers, lush green grass, fresh bell peppers are just a few of the many notes one can smell and taste in Sauvignon Blanc. With this diversity comes a host of food pairing options, and that’s where lobster comes in.

When I envision pairing Sauvignon Blanc with lobster, I picture a succulent broiled lobster that’s been basted with a thin glaze of clarified butter and sprinkled with fresh lemon juice. Simple, delicate, flavorful but not overly robust, this is the kind of food Sauvignon Blanc can truly shine with.

Both the lobster and the wine compliment each other in their restrained expressiveness; one is not dominant to the other. The fresh and zesty citrus notes often found in Sauvignon Blanc can mingle well with the lobster’s sweet meat, savory glaze, and citrus sprinkling.

Sauvignon Blanc Suggestions with Lobster:

• Henri Bourgeois Sancerre, Les Baronnes Blanc
• Cade Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
• Arkenstone ‘NVD’ Sauvignon Blanc

Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Les Baronnes Blanc

Check Price on Wine.com

Riesling

Wine can be a divisive experience in some regards, namely because people have unique palates and their own personal preferences on what they like and don’t like. However, few varietals are so misunderstood and so divisive as Riesling, in my opinion.

Generally regarded as nothing more than a sweet, nectar-like wine that ought not garner a price tag exceeding $15/bottle, Riesling is not taken seriously by millions of wine-drinkers, especially when it comes to pairing it with food.

I’m here to convince wine-drinkers to reconsider. Riesling is a varietal that requires an intimate and oftentimes lengthy courtship in order to understand it – this process is worth every minute, every bottle, every sip.

When it comes to food pairings, Riesling is an absolute powerhouse as it can be paired with sweet dishes, spicy dishes and seafood, as well as garden-driven cuisine.

It has the power to be chalky and full of minerality; yet, it can also be a sweet, borderline viscous wine. It’s a wine that can be amazing when consumed young and ethereal after numerous decades of aging.

When it comes to Riesling I think of broiled lobster as I do with Sauvignon Blanc, and this is mainly due to the lobster meat’s natural sweetness. This sweetness can pair quite nicely with Riesling’s acidity, sweetness, and overall floral & citrus notes.

However, Riesling’s usefulness when lobster is on the menu doesn’t stop there, nor does lobster have to remain within the confines of being broiled or baked when Riesling is being served.

Consider this: Asian cuisine is well-known for its heavy utilization of exotic spices, and that even goes for lobster dishes. A sweet Riesling that has a fair amount of zing from its acidity can not only stand up to spicy dishes; it can be an outright stunner!

The heat of a spicy dish is beautifully counteracted by the Riesling’s sweet, refreshing, and tantalizing flavor profile, all of which comes together for a union that’s sure to impress.

Riesling Suggestions with Lobster:

• Domaine Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Riesling
• Schloss Vollrads Riesling Kabinett
• S.A. Prum, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling

Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Riesling

Check Price on Wine.com

Best Red Wine With Lobster

However, don’t let this generalization limit you to just white wines! Yes, believe it or not there are some great red wines that are equally suited to being paired with lobster. Whether white or red, let’s dive in and see what friends lobster has in the world of wine.

Pinot Noir

The final varietal I’d like to discuss is Pinot Noir. However, I will preface this by saying that I’d like to limit this discussion to just one region: Burgundy

This famous wine-growing region in France is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world (and some of the most expensive), which goes for both red and white wine. Alas, Burgundy as a region (and France as a country) can offer wines ranging from a few dollars per bottle to tens-of-thousands of dollars per bottle and everything in between.

The options are wonderful, and the quality is remarkably consistent across the price spectrum. Burgundy as a region is well-known for producing Pinot Noir as its dominant red varietal and Chardonnay as its dominant white varietal.

Wine in Burgundy is classified according to the geographic location of where the fruit is sourced from. This classification system generally denotes overall quality, as well.

For the purposes of our discussion, I’ll be limiting us to only Regional and Village wines. Regional-level wines are made from grapes that are sourced from all over Burgundy.

For these wines you will see the word “Bourgogne” on the label, which is French for “Burgundy.” Stepping up one notch on the classification ladder are Village-level wines, which are made from grapes that are sourced from a more select area of Burgundy.

The wine label for a village-level wine will have the name of the actual village (or commune) on it, such as Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé, Moulin-à-Vent, and Nuits-St-Georges, to name a few.

Pinot Noir Suggestions with Lobster:

• Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Rouge, Grand Chaillots
• Joseph Drouhin Cote de Beaune
• Louis Jadot Pommard

Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Rouge Grand Chaillots

Check Price on Wine.com

Pinot Noir, in general, is a food-friendly varietal and can be enjoyed with a multitude of cuisines from all over the world.

From the ripe, fruit-forward Pinot Noirs found throughout California’s winegrowing regions to the more earthy, savory Pinot Noirs found in Burgundy, the ability to create an experience at the dinner table that is centered around this varietal is quite easy to do.

When it comes to pairing lobster with a Bourgogne Rouge (a regional red wine from Burgundy) the preparation of the lobster ought to be considered, just as it must be for the prior varietals we discussed. Lobster Thermidor comes to mind when thinking about a pairing with Burgundian Pinot Noir.

Rich, savory and very flavorful, Lobster Thermidor is a French dish that comprises cooked lobster, brandy, egg yolks, and oftentimes a cheese, all of which is combined to form a creamy mixture that is then poured inside of the lobster’s shell and cooked in the oven.

A great deal of Pinot Noir from Burgundy exhibits an overall flavor profile that is full enough in body to withstand the richness of Lobster Thermidor without overpowering the senses.

Burgundy Pinot can oftentimes exude notes of bright red cherries, sweet tobacco leaves, crushed gravel, iron, and even clove and menthol. This spectrum of smell and taste ensures for a flavorful yet balanced approach to enjoying a luxurious dish like Lobster Thermidor.

Best Wine With Lobster – Wrap Up

Lobster is a delicacy, and it ought to be treated as such. We pay careful attention to how the lobster is caught, how it’s stored (whether alive or not), how it’s prepared, and how it’s ultimately served and enjoyed.

From the time it’s caught to the time it’s consumed; a lot goes into getting a lobster to the dinner plate. The same can also be said of wine when it comes to getting it into your glass.

Pairing these two labor-intensive delicacies with one another is truly a heavenly match and can evoke emotional responses ranging from excitement and exhilaration all the way to serious, inner contemplation at just how amazing the two are for each other.

While lobster can oftentimes be viewed as a serious dish that ought to be reserved for special occasions, try and have some fun with this pairing – let’s call it experimenting in style! And whether it causes a smile from ear-to-ear, or just a satisfied mmmmm, enjoy the experience, enjoy the journey, and happy sipping!

Looking for more wine suggestions?  Check out these posts next:

• Best Wine With Steak
• Best Wine With Salmon

The post Best Wine with Lobster – Our Pairing Suggestions & Guide appeared first on Own The Grill.

Amongst other things, they are especially known for being one of the top producers of American Wagyu Beef.  And if you’re the type to frequent top end restaurants, don’t be surprised if you come across their products for sale at some of the highest rated steakhouses in the country.

Snake River Farms also employs a farm to table model, where you can buy many of their products online and have them delivered directly to your doorstep.

We’ve known Snake River Farms by reputation for a while and decided that it was time to see what the hype was all about – so we initially ordered one of their Gold Grade American Wagyu Traditional Ribeye steaks and fired up the grill.

Spoiler alert, the results were excellent – and nowadays we order Snake River Farms three to four times per year for special occasions.

In this Snake River Farms review we’ll go over everything you need to know about the company, the products they offer, and share details on what you can expect from the experience of ordering from them online.

About Snake River Farms

Snake River Farms and their sister operation, Double R Ranch, are family owned and operated ranches that have dedicated themselves to being one of the highest quality beef and pork producers in the United States.

The ranch was founded in 1968, and part of what makes their operation unique is that they place a tremendous amount of focus on every single step of the animal’s lifecycle.  This attention to detail and animal nutrition forward approach is what allows them to provide the best products possible to your doorstep.

Sustainability and Animal Well Being

I also love this about Snake River Farms – they are totally committed to sustainability and the well-being of their animals.  Here are just a few of many practices they have implemented to ensure a high level of sustainability:

• The majority of their cattle feed is sourced from suppliers within 150 miles of their feed yard locations
• Water reclamation projects reduce water use by up to 40%
• Cattle waste is composted and recycled into fertilizer for use by local farmers
• Low stress animal handling techniques
• Cattle are checked daily for health
• Fresh, high quality feed is replenished twice a day and fresh water is available around the clock for all cattle

What Makes the Meat So Good?

To understand what makes the quality of Snake River Farms beef so good, you need to have a little bit of background on Wagyu beef and Berkshire hogs.

Snake River Farms Beef

How Their Meat Is Different

Wagyu is a Japanese breed of cattle that are especially known for their incredible flavor and tenderness.  In particular these cattle are laden with intra-muscular fat cells, which melt and render during the cooking process to flavor the beef and keep it tender.

This intra-muscular fat is commonly referred to as “marbling” – and Wagyu beef is the best of the best when it comes marbling.

A New Frontier

In the 1970’s, Wagyu cattle began to be imported to the USA and bred, leading to a boom in the availability of quality American Wagyu beef stateside.

Wagyu is so good in fact that it’s graded on a completely different system than most beef in the USA.  In the states, the Department of Agriculture has a grading system for beef that consists of Choice (safe to eat but average quality), Select (good quality), or Prime (the best quality).

Most of the Wagyu you’ll find at restaurants and at Snake River Farms would grade well above beef that is Prime rated by the USDA.  Wagyu is graded via a precise Japanese grading system that incorporates scores for the beef’s marbling, color, fat color, texture, and firmness.

Snake River Farms initially imported Japanese Wagyu (before it was made illegal in Japan), and bred them with Angus beef to create a new breed of American Waygu – which yield unbelievably high quality beef.  You can read more about the differences between Wagyu and Angus beef right here if you want to learn more about this topic.

Snake River Farms Pork

While their beef gets most of the glory, Snake River Farms pork is top notch quality too.  Specifically, they have a wide offering of Kurobuta pork – which comes from Berkshire hogs.

Kurobuta is considered to be the Wagyu equivalent for pork, and Snake River Farms is one of only a few brands that offers pork from 100% pure breed Berkshire hogs.  The meat from these hogs are known to be extra tender and juicy with a touch of sweetness to them.

What to Expect Ordering Online From Snake River Farms

My experience with Snake River Farms was the first time I’ve ordered beef online before – so I didn’t know what quite to expect.

After all, beef and pork are perishable goods.  So at the least I was intrigued to see how they would handle delivering high quality perishables through the mail.  Here’s a rundown of how it works when you order from Snake River Farms.

Placing Your Order

Snake River Farms has a clean, aesthetically pleasing website that’s easy and intuitive to browse around.  The user experience is really nice and what you’d expect of a quality online shopping experience in this day and age.

After you’ve selected your beef or pork, you’re directed to a traditional checkout experience.  Enter your address, enter your billing info, and then it’s time to coordinate your delivery date.

Since they’re shipping perishables, a little bit of planning has to go into the logistics process.  Essentially, they ship your meat frozen and vacuum sealed in a cooler full of dry ice to ensure that it remains safely stored.

At the time of this writing, Snake River Farms can deliver on Wednesday through Saturday.  Simply pick the day of the week you want your food delivered, and you’re good to go.  It’s very important though to ensure that you’ll be home and available to receive delivery of your shipment – so be sure to mark your delivery date down in your calendar.

Receiving Your Meat

As mentioned above, your meat is vacuum sealed and delivered in a cooler that’s full of dry ice.

Here’s what their box and packaging looks like.  The shipment even came with a reusable cooler!

Be careful when you unpack the food as dry ice is so cold that it can actually burn your skin if you touch it directly.  Dry ice is used to ensure that the meat stays properly cold and frozen during delivery.

You can stick the package in the freezer or move it straight to the fridge if you’re planning to cook it soon.  A frozen steak takes about 24 hours to thaw after you place it in the fridge, so it’s best to schedule your delivery at least a day ahead of the date you plan to cook it.

Inspecting the Beef

Now for the fun part!  Any time you hear “Wagyu” or are paying this kind of coin for a cut of meat, you want to be dazzled by the quality of the cut.

I was impressed to say the least with my Wagyu ribeye.  It came with a healthy amount of white, translucent fat, beautiful marbling, and a vibrant red hue.  It also had a really nice firmness and texture to it.

The page I ordered off of said that the steak would be 1.5″ thick and on average 1.2 pounds (so about 19 ounces).  The steak I got came right in at 1.5″ thick and 18.5 ounces… close enough!

Perhaps the coolest part of the steak I got was the massive ribeye cap section – which is rare to find at a local grocer or butcher and contains some of the most legendarily tender and tasty beef you can find.

The Results

Snake River Farms Gold Grade Ribeye

I wanted to go for a maximum sear on the outside of this steak, so I opted for a flat top cooking surface instead of a traditional grill grate.

So I put a little bit of oil in a cast iron skillet to sear each side for about 4 minutes, then I finished it off in the oven until the center reached an internal temperature of 125°F (measured with a probe thermometer) for medium-rare doneness.

The great thing about cooking in a pan or skillet is that your steak ends up with an incredible, consistent crust on the entire outside.

After that, I let the steak rest for a little less than 10 minutes, then it was time to slice and dig in.

It was unbelievably good.

Part of making great food at home is knowing how to cook, for sure.  But this experience was a reminder to me that the quality of your ingredients are often the most important factor when it comes to making a delicious dinner.

You can check out the exact Wagyu Ribeye cut that I ordered right here:

Snake River Farms American Wagyu Gold Grade Ribeye

Snake River Farms' top of the line ribeye steak is hand cut to 1.5" thick.

Check Price on Snake River Farms

Snake River Farms Tenderloin Roast

For the holiday season I decided to treat the family to a beef Wellington on Christmas Eve. Even though I only needed the center cut section of the tenderloin for my recipe, I went ahead and ordered a whole tenderloin.

I was glad that I did! The tenderloin was huge, weighing in at almost 6 pounds.

I had a lot of fun butchering the beef too – the center section of meet I needed was only about 1.5 to 2 pounds, so that left a lot of other meat to work with.

All in all, I ended up with a 2 pound center cut section for my beef Wellington, plus two thick filets, five petit filets, and about 1.5 pounds of cubed and bite sized meat pieces that ended up going in a Mongolian beef dish later.

All of the meals we made with the Snake River Farms tenderloin were unbelievable – the meat was unbelievably tender and packed with beefy flavor.

Here are a couple of photos from our Christmas Eve feast:

And here’s a link to the same tenderloin we ordered:

Snake River Farms American Wagyu Tenderloin Roast - Gold Grade

The Snake River Farms Gold Grade tenderloin roast is an elegant and luxurious cut that is beautiful roasted whole or cut into filet mignon steaks or smaller roasts.

Check Price on Snake River Farms

What’s on the Menu at Snake River Farms?

They are probably most known for their American Wagyu beef steak cuts, but Snake River Farms actually has a fairly extensive menu to order from.

Beef:

• Various Steaks
• Various Roasts
• Wagyu Brisket
• Burgers and Hot Dogs (yes, Wagyu!)
• Wagyu Beef Short Ribs
• Specialty Cuts (Picanha, Tri Tip, Bavette, etc.)

Pork:

• Pork Chops
• Kurobuta Pork Ribs (Baby back, spare ribs, etc.)
• Kurobuta Pork Roasts
• Bacon

Additionally, they have a wide selection of gift packs that provide you with a sample of multiple types of meat.

Snake River Farms Pros and Cons

Overall, my personal experience with Snake River Farms was a great one, and I’ll definitely be back in the future for more.  Here’s a quick list of the upsides and downsides of ordering with Snake River Farms.

Pros

• The quality of their meat is undeniably good.  Whether you’re in the mood for American Wagyu beef or Kurobuta pork, they are definitely at the top of the list of quality American purveyors of these types of meat.
• They use sustainable ranching practices and have systems in place to ensure animal well being.  While this may not be the biggest deal to some, it’s certainly a big consideration for me to make sure that I’m supporting sustainable producers.
• Their shopping experience is simple and effective.  Ordering Michelin star restaurant quality beef and pork is made super easy on their website.
• The shipping process is straightforward too.  All you have to do is pick a date and they’ll deliver your meat, properly and safely packaged.
• Snake River Farms has great customer service.  If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your order, their customer service team is easy to get ahold of and very helpful.

Cons

• The price of many of their cuts of meat are very expensive, especially compared to what you’d find locally.  Of course, the quality of Snake River Farms meat is some of the best in the USA – so many think it’s justified.  There’s no doubt though that it’s not exactly the price range that most people can afford to eat on a regular basis.  For me, I view Snake River Farms beef as a “treat yourself” kind of experience.
• There are limited options for fresh meat.  This one makes sense, as there’s only so much you can do when you’re shipping farm to table.  But if you swear by fresh meat – the options are a little more limited and you’ll have to pay $50 in overnight shipping to deliver any fresh, not frozen beef or pork.

Snake River Farms Review – Final Thoughts

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to try Snake River Farms out, I’d say they are definitely worth ordering from at least once.  It’s expensive, and maybe not realistic to order multiple meals from them per week.

But if you are looking for a glorious steak to celebrate a birthday or accomplishment – you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to order beef from.  You can find everything from ground beef for burgers to massive tomahawk steaks on their menu.

At the end of the day, there’s a reason you’ll see the Snake River Farms name appearing on the menus of some of the finest steakhouses in the USA.  It’s not by accident – their beef and pork are in the conversation for the best of the best when it comes to American beef and pork.

Have you tried Snake River Farms before?  What did you order?  And how did you like it?  I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section below.

The post Snake River Farms Review: American Wagyu Delivered to Your Doorstep appeared first on Own The Grill.

We’ve created a list of the best meats to smoke, but “best” doesn’t necessarily mean easy, although there is definitely some overlap between the two lists.

Some cuts of meat can also be much more expensive than others and you wouldn’t want to ruin a good cut. So, always follow the best meat smoking tips and choose the right methods to ensure that you are smoking the meat in the best way possible.

Whole Chicken

A whole chicken is one of the easiest meats to smoke. It is also cheap, so you won’t feel too bad if you happen to make a mistake and it doesn’t turn out the way that you wanted. Salt and pepper are enough to season it unless you are feeling creative.

You can also purchase a chicken rub or create your own. Most people find the best success smoking whole chicken for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature is about 164 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don’t want to get into a whole chicken, smoking chicken thighs is pretty easy to do as well.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is the best meat to smoke if you are completely new.  Even if you aren’t a beginner, it’s a bona fide classic that’s worth going back to for BBQ night.  It is well-marbled which means it is very forgiving when it comes to smoking. It is also much cheaper than other kinds of meat which makes it great for experimenting and trying for the first time.

Pulled pork or Boston butt with the bone still in it will usually give a better texture and can naturally infuse flavor much better. You can use any kind of wood for smoking pulled pork because it tastes good with all kinds of flavors. Most people still stick with a neutral one though to make the process easier.

Smoke it for about 4-5 hours at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Then wrap it and put it back in the smoker for 4-5 hours. To get the best texture that isn’t too stringy, smoke it until the temperature is about 199 degrees Fahrenheit.

Almost any kind of rub works for pulled pork so you can use something that’s already in your cabinet for the most cost-effective method. Some people choose sweet rubs for a more delicate taste. If you like spice, you can also use paprika or chili powder.

Pork Ribs

There are many types of ribs out there, but pork ribs are the easiest option for smoking. Pork ribs can also use a sweet rub like pulled pork, so you don’t need to buy additional seasonings. Most people find the best method for smoking pork ribs is to smoke it, wrap it, and then smoke it again.

Smoke it first for 3-4 hours and try not to open the lid to avoid temperature spiking. It should be smoked at a temperature of about 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Afterward, wrap it in foil and put it back in the smoker for 1-2 hours.

Then, unwrap it and put sauce on the ribs. Put it back in the smoker for another hour or so to finish it up.

Beef Brisket

When you think of legendary BBQ, briskets and ribs might be the first things to pop into your mind. Briskets are not the easiest meat to smoke, but beginners can still give it a try if they remember a few things.

The hardest part of brisket is the amount of time it takes – and other than a few general “good-to-knows”, there isn’t some magic bullet for making a good backyard brisket.

Beef brisket will often take longer to cook than you may have planned, so always start earlier than you think you need to. This is especially important if you have guests or need to have everything done by a certain time.

Always use a water pan and a proper brisket rub. The brisket will need to be smoked for 10-16 hours at about 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Beef Cheeks

Beef checks are great for low and slow-smoking. Always start on the low setting and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This will infuse that smoky flavor that beef cheeks benefit the most from. After 30 minutes, turn the temperature up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smoke it at a high temperature for 2-3 hours. Then, braise them in a baking tray for another 2-3 hours in broth or liquid. The internal temperature should be about 205 degrees Fahrenheit when you take it off the grill.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breasts are fairly easy to smoke, but they can dry very easily. A brining method is recommended because it will keep the meat very moist. Any kind of rub will work for seasoning, so make sure to use one to add extra flavor.

Carefully watch the temperature to make sure it doesn’t get dried out quickly.

Sausage

Any kind of sausage is great for beginners to try smoking meat. This includes bratwurst. They are also cheaper than other kinds of meat and sold just about everywhere. It can also add a smoky flavor to many dishes.

Remember that any kind of sausage will need time to cool off. Don’t serve them right after they are done cooking to avoid burning your mouth.

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb is also great meat for beginners to smoke, but a less common one. Lamb is an excellent choice and is great if you are tired of other meat varieties. The main reason it is so great for smoking is that it is a dense meat that allows the connective tissue to break down easily.

This makes the meat extra tender and keeps the moisture locked in.

Lamb Leg

If you are feeling like having even more lamb, try to smoke the leg of the lamb as well. If your local market has the shank end and the upper sirloin end, choose the fatty sirloin for smoking. The fat will melt away slowly while being smoked and will make the meat extra tender.

Most lamb legs will need to be smoked for at least 3-4 hours.

Whole Turkey

Much like whole chicken, the whole turkey is also great for smoking. It has very lean meat and cooks much quicker than other meats you might have smoked in the past. Turkey also absorbs flavors very easily, so it makes a great smoky flavored meal.

Tips for Smoking Meat

Now that you know the best kinds of meat to smoke for beginners, let’s review some basic tips to make sure the smoking process is easy. Following these tips can make sure there is less mess and less wasted time.

Use a Water Tray for Meats That Cook for a Long Time

As the temperature of meat rises, it will begin to lose moisture. Most moisture is lost through the surface, so trying to keep it wet will ensure that your meat stays juicy. Place a tray of water in the smoker.

It will keep the smoker more humid and lessen the effects of evaporative cooling. The added humidity will keep the meat more tender and will also decrease your cooking times.

Always Keep the Lid Closed

I know, I know.  It’s tempting to open the lid and admire your work.

The problem with that is opening the lid can cause the temperature in the smoker to change very quickly, even if the lid is only open for a few seconds. This could add time to your cooking and make your meat take much longer to be done.

Try and only open the lid when you absolutely have to and when you are actively cooking.

Start Low and Slow

The whole point of smoking is to gradually cook the meat. No meat can be smoked quickly and still achieve the same quality of results. Slow cooking time will also allow the tissues and collagen to break down properly in the meat. The slower it breaks down, the moister and tender the meat will be.

Pushing the meat to be done faster will waste the quality of the meat, so make sure to only smoke it at the advised temperature.

Always Start Earlier Than You Think

You can’t rush outstanding smoked meat.   Giving yourself extra time to smoke the meat will make sure it stays cooked low and slow. Make sure to invest in a warming tray or insulated box in case your meat gets done before the company arrives.

Cooking faster if you’re not on schedule could ruin the meat for everyone. So, always give yourself ample time when smoking meat.

Pay Attention to Your Smoke

Some people think that more smoke will make the meat more flavorful, but sometimes it is actually the exact opposite. More smoke can make the meat taste bitter which is less than ideal.

Pellets may cause less smoke and that’s okay. Don’t let the amount of smoke affect your cooking too much and never try to add more smoke. Most professional meat smokers say that the best smoke is a thin-blue stream. This will make the meat smoky and not bitter.

Final Thoughts

Smoking meat is a great way to feed people for a family get-together or event. It can also make a great meal and let you showcase your grilling skills. It also makes the meat much more tender and juicier than traditional grilling.

Always start with one of the meats on this list and follow the tips to ensure you have the best quality smoked meat possible. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try all the choices.

The post Our List of the Top 10 Easiest Meats to Smoke appeared first on Own The Grill.

The beauty of getting a BBQ gift for someone is that there are a ton of options available to you, from getting a premium grill set, to personalized grilling aprons or a series of meat spices and oils to bring a ton of new flavors and options to your grill. There are tons of grilling accessories to choose from, so you will never be short of gifts to buy.

There are gift ideas to suit almost any budget and some excellent ideas for even the most well-equipped BBQ fanatic.

We have put together this list of some of our favorite BBQ gift ideas to help you find the perfect present for your favorite grilling enthusiast.

Best BBQ and Grilling Gift Ideas

Personalized BBQ Tool Set

If you want to give your friend or loved one something special this summer, why not consider giving them a personalized grill set?

You can allow your imagination to run wild here, getting their beloved grilling equipment named, or go for something a little more fun and quirky. You could even get individual grilling tools and personalize them, or a specific premium grilling tool as a crowning jewel of any grill set.

BBQ Cookbooks

There is a range of awesome BBQ cooking books out there, from famous and well-regarded chefs all over the world, taking inspiration from various regional and national cuisines. You could also look for smoker cookbooks to introduce the avid barbecue fan to a new style of bbq cuisine or help provide them with inspiration for their next day of grilling.

Great BBQ Cookbook

Smoker Cookbook: The Ultimate Smoking Meat Cookbook

Check Price on Amazon

Premium Meats

It’s never been easier to pick up world class beef online. Whether your loved one loves steaks or BBQ brisket, there are companies out there that will deliver out of this world beef to your doorstep.

One of our favorites is Snake River Farms, an American Wagyu ranch that produces some spectacular, albeit pricey steaks, roasts, and more.

There are other great choices for different price points too. Holy Grail Steak lets you order some of the world’s rarest Japanese Wagyu – and places like Porter Road will send you incredible USDA prime beef to your doorstep.

Snake River Farms American Wagyu Gold Grade Ribeye

Snake River Farms' top of the line ribeye steak is hand cut to 1.5" thick.

Check Price on Snake River Farms

Grilling Tools Starter Kit

With this stainless steel grilling kit, they will never have to worry about buying another one again thanks to how well stainless steel handles grease and heat.

The set includes everything they need to cook any delicious barbecue dish, including a grill pan, tongs, spatula, skewers, and a thermometer. It even comes with a recipe book so they can follow along with step-by-step instructions.

Cast Iron Skillet

A proper cast iron skillet will last you years if cared for properly, so it makes sense to invest in something sturdy that won’t break the bank.

Not only are cast irons great to have in the kitchen, but they can be used in conjunction with smokers and most grills. One of our absolute favorites is smoked mac and cheese – which is made in the kitchen on a cast iron skillet then transferred to the BBQ so it can absorb delicious smokey flavor.

Backcountry Iron Smooth Cast Iron Skillet (12 Inch)

Check Price on Amazon

Premium Thermometer

A high end wireless thermometer is an excellent choice for both grilling and smoking BBQ. These probe thermometers allow you to monitor your cook from afar and ensure perfect results every time.

While there are plenty of choices out there, we particularly love the Meater thermometer – which gives a reading for both your food’s internal temperature and your grill’s ambient temperature at the same time.

Top Wireless Thermometer

MEATER Plus | Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth | 165ft Wireless Range | for The Oven, Grill, Kitchen, BBQ, Smoker, Rotisserie

With 165 feet of range and a dual sensor probe, it doesn't get much easier or more accurate than the Meater Plus.

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Grill Brush

If you don’t want to go for a full on tool set an prefer to keep things simple, a good old fashioned grill brush is a great gift that will get plenty of use.

The best grill brushes will keep your grill clean and shiny, so it looks great and lasts longer, preventing rust of old grease from affecting the quality of your food.

A scraper is useful for scraping off excess fat from meat before serving also, allowing you to ensure you get all of the juiciness but avoid the worst of the fat and grease.

Top Grill Brush

GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper

Check Price on Amazon

Portable Grill

If your loved one already has a grill set up for the back patio, a portable grill could be a great gift.

The best portable grills can cook food just as well as some of their larger counterparts – and they’re light enough to take on the go for a camping trip or a tailgate.

Best of all, there are portable options for just about any price point. A basic yet quality portable charcoal grill can be well under $100 – and higher end gas and pellet fueled options can be closer to the $500 price point.

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

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BBQ Apron

A barbecue apron is a great gift idea as it is something that is really practical, but also something that you can personalize to make it even more thoughtful or humorous.

It will help to reduce the chance of burns or spills ruining clothing, which is important when grilling or BBQing as there can be a lot of grease and fat spitting up at the griller.

Steak Branding Iron

A branding iron will allow your grilling fanatic to put the perfect final touch on every steak they make, allowing them to literally create their own steak ‘brand’ or simply impress guests with the level of effort that has gone into preparing their steak.

This is a really fun and thoughtful idea, and you can even find branding irons that allow you to customize the lettering. Alternatively, you could get one made specifically, although this may be a little more expensive.

BBQ Themed Socks

If you’ve got a barbecue lover in your life, then this is the perfect stocking filler. There are some very funny designs out there to choose from, and you can also get them personalized to add a little extra humor and fun.

Jim Beam Bourbon Barrel Cooking Pellets

If the person you are buying a grilling gift for owns a pellet smoker, then a bag of fun flavored pellets is a great choice that will definitely get put to use.

Even if your loved one doesn’t own a pellet grill, wood pellets are a great way to add a smokey flavor to a gas or even charcoal grill. They can be used directly on a charcoal fire or in conjunction with a pellet smoker tube.

One of our favorites is the Jim Beam Bourbon Barrel bag of pellets, but there are many flavors to be found – so there should be something suited for everyone.

BBQ/Grill Caddy

This gift will not only help out at any barbecue they host but it will also look great in their kitchen too! It has space for several different-sized plates, as well as cups, bowls, and spoons so it’s perfect for entertaining friends and family and making it easier to serve up your delicious food or collect the dishes after dinner.

Gourmet BBQ Rubs

A great gift idea for any barbecue lover is a selection of BBQ Rubs. This will include curated spice blends that are used to flavor those tasty foods that go on the grill or smoker.

Whether your pit master prefers to sear a steak or smoke a brisket low and slow, there is a rub package out there that will have you covered.

Premium Herbs & Oils

On a similar note, you could consider creating a grilling themed basket of premium herbs, spices, and oils.

Many pit masters prefer to craft their own BBQ rubs instead of going the store bought route. If that’s the case, pick up some gourmet sea salts, peppers, and olive oils. They will be put to good use and can produce some impeccable homemade spice mixtures.

Bullet Smoker

If you really want to make an impression, you could take a look at picking up a bullet smoker.

The reason we think bullet smokers make such great gifts is because they produce unbelievably good food for how they are priced.

Plus, they’re versatile. They are relatively easy to take on the go and you can smoke a brisket, prepare a Thanksgiving turkey, hang sausages, and more on these bad boys.

Not to mention, many are designed to double as a grill. All around, bullet smokers are one of our favorite smoker types and a great pick up for anybody who loves BBQ.

Top Bullet Smoker

Weber 18-Inch Smokey Mountain Cooker & Charcoal Smoker

Also available on Weber.com

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Store Bought BBQ Sauces

Nowadays, many of the most famous BBQ joints across the USA sell their own branded BBQ sauces in stores – which are typically also available online.

If you are looking for a BBQ sauce recommendation, start with one of our all-time favorites – Aaron Franklin’s Original Texas Style BBQ Sauce.

Franklin Barbecue Original Texas BBQ Sauce

Check Price on Amazon

BBQ Grill Light

A great gift idea for any barbecue lover, a LED grill light will illuminate the area around the grill so they can easily monitor the color of the meat and how the grilling is progressing to ensure the perfect level of juiciness is achieved, no matter what time of day.

Most grill lights are designed to clamp on to your grill’s handle with an adjustable neck, so you can set them at the perfect angle to illuminate your grates.

Grill Fan

If you’ve got a BBQ enthusiast in your life, then there’s no better gift than a grill fan. These fans are designed to keep the air circulating around your BBQ, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful smells and sounds of the grilling process without having to inhale too much smoke.

Keeping the air circulating can also help keep the grill cleaner, as smoke often builds up and leaves residue on grill tops and covers, so directing this away with a quality grill fan can save a considerable amount of smoke staining.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning on giving a gift for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or just because, there are plenty of ideas here to inspire you to find the perfect gift for any occasion. With a little research and preparation, you’ll be sure to pick out a unique and thoughtful BBQ gift that will leave a lasting impression on the recipient.

The post 19 BBQ and Grilling Gift Ideas – For Those Who Love to Cook Outdoors! appeared first on Own The Grill.

It’s found in abundance in the wild, can be sustainably farmed, can be cooked a multitude of different ways (check out our grilled cedar plank salmon recipe), and has a flavor profile delicate enough to appease even the folks who cry foul when they taste something, well….fishy.

With such a strong footprint in the culinary world, salmon-based dishes are worth singling out to better understand with which wines to pair it.

Best Wine With Salmon – Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of wine and salmon, let’s discuss cost. One especially gratifying aspect of pairing wine with salmon is that it can all be done on a budget.

Salmon itself is a relatively inexpensive food which can be easily complimented by a wine that is reasonably priced and suitable for the task. Given the litany of preparation methods used on salmon it’s remarkably easy to find a suitable companion on the wine aisle or on the wine list.

As a quick note, while there is plenty of room in the world of red wine for salmon, today I will only be discussing white wines. The reason for this is because white wine options alone number in the thousands.

With so much territory to explore within the realm of just white varietals it’s best we limit ourselves lest we get carried away! With that said, let’s dive in.

Our Favorite Wine for Salmon

Cakebread Reserve Chardonnay

Aromas of creamy golden apple, peach, and baking spice lead into intense, concentrated flavors of sweet apple, melon, and pear. This is a balanced, fresh wine.

Check Price on Wine.com

Best Wine With Salmon – Top Varietals

Chardonnay

As you might have guessed Chardonnay is without a doubt one of salmon’s best friends. Chardonnay is also incredibly easy to find, just like salmon. Now we’re talkin’! As a wine, Chardonnay can vary in sight, smell, taste, and in its overall mouthfeel depending on a variety of factors.

Even Chardonnay grapes that are grown just a few miles apart from each other can taste remarkably different! That is the power of not only differences in winemaking styles but, more importantly, the terroir: the soil composition, exposure to sunlight, moisture, temperature fluctuations, everything.

This variation in growing conditions yields a host of unique styles of any wine, Chardonnay included, which in turn presents the consumer with a vast ocean of options.

As is the case with any food & wine pairing, one of the factors to be taken seriously is how the food itself is prepared. This distinction will dictate not only what type of wine to select, but also what type of flavor profile to seek out.

When it comes to Chardonnay, the line in the sand, if you will, that separates drinkers of this varietal is whether the wine has been exposed to oak during the aging process. When wine has been stored in oak barrels for aging purposes, the wood can dramatically affect the wine’s flavor profile.

Oak imparts notes of vanilla, cream, spice, and caramel and can give the mouthfeel a buttery, suave texture, all of which either attracts or repulses wine consumers. As is the case with spirits like Bourbon, oak can be the driving force behind how the Bourbon will taste by the time it’s bottled.

If you prefer Chardonnay that is full-bodied, silky, buttery and, therefore, oaked then you will certainly have no issue with finding a suitable bottle at almost any place that sells and/or serves wine, especially here in the United States.

This style of Chardonnay I just described goes perfect with salmon and compliments it perfectly. The oftentimes rich and round flavor profile that is characteristic of big, oaked Chardonnay stacks up nicely with the rich, oily nature of salmon, thus making for a delicious union.

Chardonnay Suggestions:

1. Olema, Chardonnay
2. Au Bon Climat, “Los Alamos” Chardonnay
3. Rombauer, Chardonnay
4. Sandhi, “Bent Rock” Chardonnay

Viognier

Now this is a varietal I’ve not yet discussed here on Own the Grill. Hailing from Southern France, this grape, like Chardonnay, can be used to make an oaked wine as well as an unoaked wine – and the differences can be just as bewildering!

Viognier can range from being delicate, citrusy, refreshing, and almost watery, all the way to creamy and bold. Viognier as a wine is far more challenging to find as it’s oftentimes overshadowed by more well-known varietals such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, so knowing where to procure a Viognier is key.

In terms of price, few Viognier selections command an elevated price point – most are quite affordable and offer a good quality-to-price ratio (QPR). Viognier is also incredibly easy to drink as most expressions are delicate on the palate and can be paired with a variety of cuisines.

With salmon, Viognier can truly shine when the fish is simply prepared with lemon and sage and done up either in the oven or on the stovetop. In this fashion, the fresh, tantalizing citrus on the fish can complement the delightful subtleties of a Viognier, which oftentimes exhibits notes of flowers, tropical fruits, and citrus.

However, while pairing Viognier with a more graceful presentation of salmon is a lovely way to dip your toes in the Viognier pool, it is certainly worth exploring more full-bodied and richer expressions of this varietal.

As you explore the spectrum of sight, taste, and mouthfeel of Viognier, feel free to change up your salmon recipes to match the seemingly unending variations of this beautiful varietal.

Viognier Suggestions

1. Yalumba, “Samuel’s Collection” Eden Valley Viognier
2. Cristom, Viognier
3. Chapoutier, “La Combe Pilate”
4. Darioush, “Signature” Viognier

All of these wines are available for Purchase on Wine.com

White Rhône Blends

With this next section I’m going to break from tradition and forego suggesting a specific varietal and instead suggest a blend. Not just any blend, mind you. No; what we’re going to discuss next is the style of white blend common to a region of France known as the Rhône Valley.

There are a multitude of grapes grown across the Northern and Southern sections of this highly regarded winegrowing region – from Syrah to Grenache to lesser known varietals such as Carignan and Mourvèdre – but today we’ll only be discussing the handful of grapes used most often in Rhône white blends.

Enter Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and yes, Viognier. These varietals, and a few more, are on constant rotation in the Rhône Valley and together they make for quite a presentation.

All white blends from the Rhône Valley don’t have to use each of these varietals at the same time, as some blends completely ignore one varietal (or two) in exchange for another, but generally speaking one will find a relatively equal representation of each of these varietals when exploring the region.

The grape varietals that go into a white Rhône blend can oftentimes exude similar characteristics to that of Chardonnay, and that goes for not only the blends themselves but also for single-variety expressions.

Wines that are 100% Roussanne or 100% Marsanne can exhibit notes of dried citrus fruits, brioche, beeswax, and honey just like a great many Chardonnays can. Not only can the flavor profile be similar, but the mouth feel – the density, the texture, the acidity – can also.

For the sake of finding a wine to pair with salmon, however, one would be far better off seeking out a blend rather than a single-varietal white wine from the Rhône Valley as the latter can be a bit tricky to locate.

But who are we kidding? We’ve not even discussed how well these blends pair with salmon! As I’ve mentioned already, the oily, somewhat rich component of salmon effects how well it plays with wine and also dictates exactly what wines it likes to be paired with.

More often than not white blends from the Rhône Valley offer complexity, density, and robustness – enough so to handle salmon that’s been served with rich, creamy sauces. This is truly where things can start getting interesting (and fun).

In my opinion salmon is oftentimes not given the time of day by whoever is cooking it. Simplistic and bland presentations seem to be commonplace, unfortunately, with little thought or creativity devoted to turning this fish into an exceptional dish.

If you’re feeling adventurous and would rather stick with the good – but common – preparations of salmon I’d encourage you to select a white blend from Rhône to aid you in your discovery.

Cooking and serving salmon in rich, decadent, creamy sauces can not only tantalize the palate but can also expand your horizons when paired with a suave, rich blend from this region. Time to get creative!

White Rhône Blends Suggestions

1. Domaine de la Solitude, Cotes du Rhone Blanc
2. Jean-Luc Colombo, Cotes du Rhone “La Redonne Blanc”
3. Chapoutier, Crozes Hermitage “La Petite Ruche Blanc”
4. Chateau de Beaucastel, “Coudoulet Blanc”

All of these wines are available for Purchase on Wine.com

Sauvignon Blanc

This widely loved varietal is versatile, refreshing, easily found, and can be quite budget-friendly. Now that’s a combination! In addition to these positive attributes, it’s also worth noting that a great many high-end producers make Sauvignon Blanc that’s reasonably priced, as well.

That being said, this is a really fun varietal to explore premium producers with whose other wines – like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay – may be a bit more expensive. Sauvignon Blanc can also vary drastically in how it smells and tastes depending on what part of the world the grapes were grown.

For instance, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand is renowned for exhibiting exotic notes of freshly-cut grass, river rocks, river rocks, and even cat pee (yikes!), while Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux, France can taste more refined and sophisticated with subdued notes of citrus, wax, and brioche.

Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, on the other hand, can oftentimes showcase more zesty and energetic notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and herbs. The diverse spectrum of smell and taste is profound and is a remarkable experience to behold.

When it comes to pairing Sauvignon Blanc with salmon, however, I’m of the accord to choose both a delicate yet expressive wine to match a simply-prepared dish. If the wine showcases too many exotic, unique notes, then the fish will be overpowered.

This is, interestingly enough, a positive attribute of Sauvignon Blanc. It can be paired with salads loaded with zesty fruits and savory nuts and can also be paired with oily, rich fish and a multitude of things in between.

For the purposes of this discussion, however, we’ll relegate ourselves to more traditional expressions of Sauvignon Blanc and leave the exotic interpretations for another day. One particular preparation of salmon this varietal pairs well with – especially Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – is when fresh citrus and garden-fresh herbs are involved.

While Chardonnay and white blends from the Rhône Valley are best saved for more robust recipes, Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and energetic enough to compliment seasonal herbs from the garden. When I envision pairing salmon with Sauvignon Blanc, I oftentimes picture backyard grill sessions during the summer.

Patio lights, friends, the sound of sizzling meat, the clink of wine glasses, crisp evening air, and maybe some bocce ball or croquet. In my mind this is the ideal environment that Sauvignon Blanc can shine in.

Sauvignon Blanc Suggestions

1. Morgan, Sauvignon Blanc
2. Hall, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
3. Cade, Sauvignon Blanc
4. Lail, “Blueprint’ Sauvignon Blanc

All of these wines are available for Purchase on Wine.com

Best Wine With Salmon – Wrap Up

As we close, I’d like to end with the words of one of my relatives: Good wine. Good food. Good people. Ultimately that’s what pairing food & wine together is all about.

Discovering and preparing just the right combination to share not only with your taste buds but, more importantly, with your friends and family.

As we now know, salmon and wine are an excellent union, and the opportunities to explore just why that is are seemingly endless.

From the simplistic yet fresh preparations – full of citrus and herbs – to the more rich and savory interpretations that indulge the senses with seasonings and rich, buttery sauces, salmon can please just about any palate.

So, with that in mind, gather your loved ones, grab a bottle of wine, and get to cookin’ and sippin’!

Looking for other wine pairing suggestions?  Here are some articles to read next!

• Best Wine With Steak
• Best Wine With Lobster

The post Best Wine With Salmon – Top Varietals for Pairing appeared first on Own The Grill.