When the warm weather arrives and it’s time to pull out your barbecue or smoker, knowing the difference between barbeque vs grill can save you from getting frustrated when your meat sticks to the grate or ends up undercooked. VICTORIA — When people talk about their favourite way to cook, they often get confused by the differences between barbecuing, smoking and grilling.
Barbecuing is a low and slow cooking method that gives meat its authentic smoky flavour. It’s the best choice for tough cuts of meat, like a pork shoulder or beef brisket. The long cooking time helps to break down the meat, making it tender and juicy. Barbecuing involves using a variety of different seasonings, both dry rubs and wet marinades. Since the temperatures are lower than when you grill, the ingredients don’t caramelize or burn on the surface and the flavors penetrate into the meat.
Grilling is a high heat and fast cooking method. It’s a good option for foods that can stand up to direct heat, such as steaks and chicken. You can also grill vegetables, fruits and even seafood. Most grills use gas or charcoal and are designed to be placed directly over the fire, although you can find smokers that have a sear station that allows for indirect heat. You can also find pellet grills with a diffuser plate that keeps the food away from the flame. Get your mise en place together (planning what you’ll need to prepare the dish before you start cooking) and you can grill with ease.