On 8-Apr-2007, Nick Cramer >
wrote:

> "Brettster" > wrote:
> > I bought this small outdoor grill at World Market:
> >
> > http://tinyurl.com/2ypno9
> >
> > Problem: I am TOTALLY USELESS at grilling.
> >
> > I will accept absolutely any advice about grilling
> > burgers and steaks
> > on this thing. I am waiting until the initial flames die
> > down and the
> > coals are covered in white ash. The coals are pretty
> > close to the
> > grill, so I thought it would be hot enough. But the meat
> > is coming out
> > flavorless. Optimally, I would like the meat to be
> > blackened on the
> > outside and medium-rare / pink in the middle. And
> > flavorful! I am not
> > having any luck in achieving this effect (or any
> > effect). What is the
> > best type of ground meat to use? Should I cook with the
> > cover on? Do I
> > need to season and/or marinate the meat?
> >
> > Please help. I am desperate.
>
> Brett, welcome to the zoo! Salt, pepper and garlic is
> good, plus some
> minced onion in the burgers, if you like. For ground meat,
> fattier is mo'
> betta. IMHO. Check out http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/ and
> for coals/lump
> http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lumpindexpage.htm?bag. Good luck,
> have fun, report
> back.
>
> --
> Nick.

Given your description of the fire, I can only guess at some
of the problems that might befall you.

1. Meat too lean. 80% is a good target.

2. Patties too thin. 3/4 inch thick and 1/3 lb is a good
target.

3. Tasteless translates to inadequate seasoning. Only you
know what you like. S & P with some garlic is good. Garlic
may burn, so watch it. Some seasoning including onion
and garlic mixed with the hamburger works well. Don't
forget about Worcestershire or even soy in the patties.

4. Cook burgers just like steaks. Turn once only. "DO NOT
MESS WITH THE PATTIES WHILE GRILLING". Manipulation
contributes to dryness.

5. Flareups should not be a problem if the fire is hot
enough
and the lid is down. If you're cooking on an open grill, all

bets are off. Maybe a spritzerr bottle to control flareups
while
avoiding spritzing the meat itself.
--
Brick(Youth is wasted on young people)