5 Methods to Make Your Family’s Grilled Meat Extra Delicious

1. Using Fresh Milk

Many people want their grilled meat to be tender, juicy, and flavorful. One simple technique is to soak the meat in unsweetened fresh milk before marinating. The natural enzymes and mild acidity in the milk help soften the fibers, making the meat more tender and easier for spices to penetrate later.

To achieve the best results, soak the meat in unsweetened milk overnight. The next day, drain the milk, rinse the meat lightly with cold water, then proceed with your usual marinating recipe. This method enhances the texture, keeps the meat moist while grilling, and improves the overall flavor of your dish.

2. Onion and Herbs

If you want your grilled meat to cook evenly without burning and still retain a fragrant aroma, try rubbing half a large onion on the grill grate before cooking. The onion juice not only imparts a subtle sweetness and aroma but also helps clean the grill surface naturally, preventing sticking.

Another effective trick is to throw a few sprigs of fresh rosemary onto the hot charcoal. As the herbs smolder, they release aromatic oils that infuse your meat with an irresistible smoky-herbal fragrance. This technique works wonderfully with pork, chicken, and even seafood.

3. Using Lemon Slices

To prevent meat or fish from sticking to the grill, place a few fresh lemon slices directly on the grate and position your food on top. The citrus oils help reduce burning and sticking, while the steam from the lemon slices adds a bright, fresh aroma. This simple method also enhances the flavor, making your grilled dishes more appetizing and fragrant.

4. Using Ice Cubes

When grilling burger patties or meat-filled sandwiches, adding a small ice cube on top of the meat before cooking can make a noticeable difference. As the ice melts, it slowly releases moisture into the meat, keeping it from drying out and ensuring a juicier result. This hack is especially useful for home grills, where temperature control can be more challenging.

5. Parboiling Meat Before Grilling

Many people use this method to ensure their grilled meat cooks faster and remains tender without shrinking too much. Parboiling involves briefly blanching the meat in boiling water with a pinch of salt until it is just slightly cooked. After removing it from the pot, season the meat according to your recipe and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before grilling. This technique helps the meat absorb flavors more deeply and reduces cooking time significantly, making the process easier and more convenient.

Should You Defrost Meat in a Microwave? Many People Have Misunderstood It

Microwaves are common household appliances known for quickly reheating food and drinks using microwave energy. By selecting the right temperature and time, users can warm up meals efficiently without much effort.

However, many people also use microwaves for other purposes—most commonly, defrosting frozen meat. This raises questions:
Is it safe? Does it reduce meat quality? Does it affect human health?

Expert Recommendations

According to the UK-based website Appliance City, it is perfectly acceptable to defrost meat in a microwave, as long as it is done correctly. Many people mistakenly believe it is unsafe, but experts clarify that it is completely fine as long as you cook the meat immediately afterward.

Before microwaving, always remove the meat from its original packaging, especially foam trays or plastic wraps, and place it onto a microwave-safe ceramic or glass dish.

Throughout the defrosting process, you should monitor the meat closely. Thin cuts can accidentally start cooking in the microwave, so proper temperature and time settings are important. For solidly frozen meat, defrost at medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes at a time. If the meat is still hard, repeat for another short cycle. However, avoid exceeding 10 minutes in total, as over-defrosting can cause loss of nutrients or partial cooking.

Pharmacist Nguyễn Thanh Hải notes that meat should be cooked immediately after microwaving to prevent bacterial growth. Also, never refreeze thawed meat, as this encourages bacteria to multiply and reduces food quality.

For vegetables, however, experts advise not to defrost them in the microwave. Most vegetables should simply be left at room temperature for a few minutes.

Microwave Dos and Don’ts

Below are additional safety tips from Appliance City to ensure safe and effective use of your microwave.

What You SHOULD Do

• Use microwave-safe containers. Ceramic, glass, and specific types of plastic (e.g., PP No. 5 or BPA-free plastics) are safe. Always check the symbol or label.

• Cover food while heating, especially liquids, to prevent spills and splatters and to help heat food more evenly.

• Monitor the microwave while it runs. Leaving it unattended increases risk in case of overheating, smoke, or electrical issues.

What You SHOULD NOT Do

• Do not put metal inside the microwave. Metal objects can cause sparks, fires, or explosions.

• Do not overcrowd the microwave. Leave enough space for heat circulation.

• Do not block vents or place objects on top of the microwave, as this can cause overheating or damage.

• Do not use the microwave to dry non-food items, such as towels, sponges, or other miscellaneous materials. The microwave should only be used for heating food and beverages.