The grilling and barbecue season is enjoyed all year round here in the Marianas but it is specially highlighted as the Taste of the Marianas celebrates Budweiser’sKing of the Grill.
Anyone can be a King of the Grill in their homes, when the cravings for some oh-so-tender and smokey T-bones kicks in or even during family outings by the beach.
We collected the necessities for a successful grilling or barbecue time that even novice grillers can start up the coals and grill the juicy meat!
1. First thing first, Grillers
There are various kinds of grillers. If you are by the beach, especially at Laly 4 or even on Pantalan, you might get lucky to get shelters with built-in grillers. All you must do is wake up early to save a spot for your family, bring those marinated chicken legs, baby back ribs or if you have the best T-bone steaks, that’s great! Don’t forget your thongs and charcoal.
- Portable Charcoal Grill
If you want a grill that you can easily set up at your porch, carry around in your car to the beach, then reward yourself with a portable charcoal grill.
Ace Hardware in Susupe, Joeten Stores and Triple J Payless sell these portables with stands in prices ranging from $94.99 up to $150.
Other places to shop for portable charcoal grills without a stand are in Home and Plus and some local grocery stores. The prices range from $65.99 to $85.
- Standing Char Broil
Want a grill that can barbecue, smoke and even broil? Triple J’s Char Broil 1280 SQ is a good option. You can roll up marinated pork bellies and charcoal smoke it for hours before savoring its tender and juicy meat with this griller. It’s for $229.95 while other shops such as Joeten Superstore sell it in price ranges of $230 to 300.
2. Tender, juicy and mouthwatering meats
What’s grilling? The fun really happens with the meat that is being grilled. For $12.99/lb you can get everyone’s favorite Certified Angus Beef Short Rib Bone in at Triple J Payless. Other grocery stores also offer Short Ribs with bone in for $12.99 to $25 a bag. JoetenSusupe has Short Ribs thin slices for $6.99 /lb.
Pork chops and pork bellies are also mouthwatering when grilled. It’s best when marinated in your favorite herbs and spices drizzled with homemade barbecue sauce. Pork chops are $4.39/lb in Triple J while Joeten’s US Pork Belly family bag is $6.99.
Fat sausages are also savory and a hit especially to kids while the family is out swimming. Joeten’sHoffy Portuguese Sausage is for $2.99 per pack. Living in Koblerville? Hannam is the best place to shop for various kinds of sausages, smoked, sweet or even with cheese. Prices range from $1.99 to $3.99.
Drumsticks will also never go out of style. It’s not just buffalo wings that are tasty, but drumsticks are also the best parts of chicken that are good for grilling. Triple J has $3.39 per lb on sale. Other stores also sell drumsticks with prices ranging from $2.99 to $3.75 per pack, Grab a bag of chicken thighs for only $4.99 at Hannam.
3. Herbs and Spices
Seriously awesome grilled flavors come from what is in the marinate or a dry rub. Make sure that the meat is soaked in aromatic spices.
What is a marinade? It is simply a sauce of a blend of spices, oil and citrus like vinegar or citrus juice. Marinades are not just for enhancing flavor, but they also help tenderize your meat and lock in all the savory goodness. Rubs on the other hand are a blend of dry herbs, salt, pepper and other condiments rubbed on meats before grilling.
Shop for liquid barbecue sauces on your favorite superstores such as soy sauce, Bragg’s Apple cider vinegar or A readymade barbecue sauce. Mix it in with garlic or onion and your favorite herbs.
McCormick has a selection of dried herbs both for marinades and are available in all Joeten stores.
Charcoals are sold at $6.50 to $7.99 in all stores.
