Cooking Brisket On Pellet Grill

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Though most cooks tend to think of "barbecuing" and "grilling" as the same thing, the two cooking methods are different. Here's a closer look, with insight from our Test Kitchen.

When the weather is nice, there's nothing like making dinner outdoors, over an open flame. But what do you call this cooking method—grilling or barbecuing? The methods are similar, so it's no wonder many of us use the terms interchangeably. But the two techniques are quite different.

We asked Taste of Home's culinary editor (and resident pitmaster) James Schend for his insight.

What Is Grilling?

"Grilling is what the vast majority of people are doing when they use these terms," James says. "This can be done in two main ways: over direct or indirect heat."

The tried-and-true method for cooking thinner cuts of meat like chicken, chops, burgers and hot dogs is direct heat. You cook your grub directly over the heat source, which sears the food quickly. This kind of heat is also ideal for playing around with grilled fruit and vegetables.

What about indirect heat? This is "when foods are cooked at low to medium heat and the coals or flames are off to one side," James explains. You should stick to this method for heftier cuts like roasts, ribs and whole chickens. You also want to grill over indirect heat if you plan on baking on the grill.

What Is Barbecuing?

"While grilling can be done fairly quickly, barbecuing is the epitome of low and slow cooking over indirect heat," James says. He notes that smokers are the go-to for a BBQ but a grill can work for this method, too. And temperature is key when it comes to barbecuing.

"The cooking temperature remains fairly constant between 225° and 275°F. The most iconic characteristic people are looking for from barbecue is that smoky flavor and aroma. Traditionally these meats are cooked over a fire with plenty of flavorful wood added to create the smoke for part of the cooking time."

Your best bets? James says hickory, apple and mesquite sit at the top of the list.

How to Master Grilling and Barbecuing

James has a few brilliant tips to ensure your fare comes out perfectly each and every time.

• Make sure your grill is clean. "Foods sticking to the grill grate is one of the biggest pet peeves of most backyard grillers and one of the biggest culprits is not cleaning the grill grates. The easiest way to clean a grill is right after you take the food off; the grill and any bits of food or sauce on the grate are still hot. The mess can easily be scraped away with a wire brush."
• Resist the temptation to flip. "We've all seen that guy who tosses burgers or steaks on the grill and then constantly moves them around. Don't be that guy. The best thing you can do is put the steak on the grill and then leave it alone until it starts to naturally release from the grate. Then flip it, preferably over an area of the grill that didn't have food on it before. If you shuffle food around the grill, the food will cook unevenly and is more likely to stick."
• Put the fork down. "You know those beautiful, long forks that come in many grilling kits? Use them for toasting marshmallows but don't bring them to your grill. I'm a firm believer in using long-handled tongs to turn and remove foods from the grill. Forks will pierce the meat, causing all the juices to come running out." Find more essential grilling tools from our Test Kitchen.
• Watch the heat. "The biggest mistake I see most people making is they work over a fire that's too hot. They usually end up with food that's charred on the outside and underdone on the interior. Medium to medium-high heat is usually the sweet spot for almost all foods."

Our Best-Ever Grilling Ideas

Grilled Scrum-Delicious Burgers

I'm not sure where this recipe originated, but it's one of my family's summertime favorites. I usually serve these juicy mushroom burgers when we have company. The guests rave about the flavorful cheesy topping. It's fun to serve a burger that's a little more special. —Wendy Sommers, West Chicago, Illinois

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Grilled Ribs

When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida

Don't make these grilling safety mistakes.

Grilled Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken

A few pantry items inspired this recipe, which I've since made for small weeknight meals or for big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Grilled Key West Flank Steak

My husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains. —Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Grilled Brats with Sriracha Mayo

I am a Sriracha fanatic, so that's what inspired this dish. You can boil the brats in your favorite beer to reduce the fat and give them flavor before grilling, or spread garlic butter on lightly toasted buns. —Quincie Ball, Olympia, Washington

Grilled Mahi Mahi

Instead of grilling out the usual hamburgers or chicken breasts, prepare this grilled mahi mahi and reel in raves! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Grilled Steak Tacos

Spicy aioli brings a zesty kick to steak tacos, and the ribeye is a nice upgrade from typical ground beef. Grab one and enjoy the burst of flavor in each bite! —Michael Compean, Los Angeles, California

Grilled Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers

I found fresh ground chicken at the butcher and gave it a whirl on our new grill. The result is these saucy burgers. Everybody went nuts—including my sister-in-law, an amazing cook! —Wendy Boughton, Victoria, British Columbia

Smoked Honey-Peppercorn Salmon

I found this recipe in an Alaska fishing guide. Now it's the only way we do salmon. The brine gives it a sweet caramelized coating, and the hickory wood chips give it a distinct smoky flavor. —Judy Ashby, Jamestown, Tennessee

Grilled Flank Steak Pinwheels

The secret to these pretty flank steak pinwheels lies in their butterfly treatment. Because the steaks are flattened, marinade isn't need. Instead, they're filled with a colorful stuffing of red pepper and spinach and draped with a flavorful, homemade blue cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Ginger Shrimp with Plums

Sweet, simple and sensational, these shrimp skewers boast loads of flavor with just four ingredients. Throw them on the grill for a quick dinner or tasty potluck dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter

This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Grilled Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage

My family enjoys camping and cooking over a fire. These hearty foil-packet potatoes turn out beautifully over a campfire, on the grill or in the oven at home. —Julie Koets, Elkhart, Indiana

Grilled Green Onion Burgers

Change up this super tasty burger with your favorite toppings. Whip some mayo with hoisin sauce to add extra tang! —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas

Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Drumsticks

I'm never one to do things traditionally, so when it came time to hosting Thanksgiving, I went in a completely tropical direction. Borrowing my favorite Hawaiian chicken recipe, I substituted turkey legs and have never looked back. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp

Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California

Chicken with Peach-Avocado Salsa

This super fresh dinner is pure summer—juicy peaches, creamy avocado, grilled chicken and a kick of hot sauce and lime. To get it on the table even quicker, make the salsa ahead. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Aloha Burgers

I love hamburgers and tropical fruit, so it just seemed natural for me to combine them. My family frequently requests this unique Hawaiian pineapple burger recipe. It's a nice change of pace! —Joi McKim-Jones, Waikoloa, Hawaii

Grilled Lobster Tails

I had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri

Steak Fajitas

Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

Grilled Shrimp & Tomatoes with Linguine

This fancied-up pasta came about one night when I was coming up with dinner on the fly. We knew it turned out great with the very first bite. —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi

Grilled Pineapple Chicken

A trip to Hawaii is easy with this juicy grilled pineapple chicken. Simply give it a quick marinade, fire up the grill and let it sizzle. We love this low-carb recipe! —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida

Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato

This recipe brings together many of the flavors my family enjoys, complete with a surprise in the center of each burger. You can use almost any cheese—Gorgonzola, feta, smoked Gouda, blue or another family favorite. —Aaron Shields, Hamburg, New York

Balsamic Steak Salad

My husband loves blue cheese and I like a hearty salad that eats like a meal, so I put the two things together to make this steak salad recipe. The sweet-tartness of dried cranberries pairs deliciously with the cheese, creamy avocado and balsamic vinegar. It's irresistible! —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Grilled Garden Veggie Pizza

Pile on the veggies—this crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Sesame Ginger Beef Skewers

My family loves the flavors of these zippy kabobs. They're perfect for a laid-back cookout in the backyard. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming

Papa Burger

When whipping up something for Father's Day or the Fourth of July, I go big and tall with this fully loaded, juicy yumburger. —Chase Bailey, Costa Mesa, California

Firecracker Grilled Salmon

Let this sensational salmon perk up dinner tonight. With a super flavorful glaze that kicks you right in the taste buds, this weeknight dish is anything but boring. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, AL

Grilled Apple-Brined Turkey

Producing a juicy, amber-colored turkey infused with flavor is possible with this apple juice turkey brine. You won't regret planning for the long marinating time. This tasty turkey is worth every minute. —Trudy Williams, Shannonville, Ontario

Steak & New Potato Toss

I usually use leftover barbecued steak to make this fabulous main dish salad. It's pretty, too, with the red pepper, green broccoli and white potatoes. —Deyanne Davies, Rossland, British Columbia

Grilled Pork Noodle Salad

The only complex thing about this easy salad is the flavor! With smoky barbecued pork and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, this is a comforting and tasty home-cooked meal. —Rosalyn Nguyen, Astoria, New York

Bacon Cheeseburgers with Fry Sauce

In Utah, fry sauce is the beloved condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I wanted to add honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Chicken with Peach-Cucumber Salsa

To keep our kitchen cool, we grill chicken outdoors and serve it with a minty peach salsa that can easily be made ahead. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas

Summer Garden Fish Tacos

I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you've got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois

Cajun Boil on the Grill

I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri

Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California

Rosemary-Lemon Grilled Chicken

Here's a simple dish with big bold lemon and rosemary flavors that's made with very few ingredients. It's great by itself but can also be used on top of salad greens as another creative dinner option. —Debbie Carter, Kingsburg, California

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Unique and simple to prepare, this delicious pasta dish is filled with fresh flavors, and it's as healthy as it is hearty. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to set this meal on the table. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Taco Burgers

My family loves the taste of tacos, but I dislike the mess! So I developed these burgers as a tasty but tidy alternative.—Linda Logan, Warren, Ohio

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

If you've never grilled apples before, here's your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois

Grilled Steak Salad with Tomatoes & Avocado

My family loves a good steak dinner, but with busy schedules, I'm often thinking about ways to put new and simple twists on things. This salad is flavored with the freshness of lemon and cilantro and is one of my husband's favorite weeknight dishes. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia

Barbecued Shrimp & Peach Kabobs

Shrimp grilled with peaches and green onions really sets off fireworks! The spicy seasonings even helped me win a ribbon at a county fair. —Jen Smallwood, Portsmouth, Virginia

Southwest Steak & Potatoes

Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder. —Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio

Salmon Salad with Glazed Walnuts

This main-dish salad was inspired by something I ate while on a trip. The glazed walnuts give it something special. I've also topped it with grilled chicken or portobello mushrooms with amazing results. —Joanna Kobernik, Berkley, Michigan

Portobello Fajitas

I serve portobello fajitas family-style so guests can build their own. Just pass the tortillas and garnishes like salsa, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. —Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington

Barbecued Burgers

I can't take all the credit for these winning burgers. My husband's uncle passed down the special barbecue sauce recipe. We love it on everything...it was only natural to try it on, and in, burgers. Add cheese and bacon to take them over the top. —Rhoda Troyer, Glenford, Ohio

Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts

I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled huli huli chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

Honey-Glazed Chicken Kabobs

This is one of my husband's favorite meals. I serve it with rice pilaf, salad and grilled garlic bread. —Tracey Miller, Aiken, South Carolina

Grilled Tilapia Piccata

We aren't big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn't believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it's simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio

Honey Chipotle Ribs

Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts

Lemon Chicken Skewers

This easy-to-assemble recipe, with tender chunks of chicken and garden-fresh veggies, is always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

Cola Burgers

A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. -Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania

Lime-Glazed Pork Chops

These tangy grilled chops are all the talk at barbecues and tailgates. You gotta have them with the sweet and sour glaze. —Jacqueline Correa, Landing, New Jersey

Summer Steak Kabobs

These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It's terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These mushrooms are rich and creamy and bright at the same time because of the fresh herbs and tomato. I especially like to serve them with grilled asparagus. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California

Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

Spicy Barbecued Chicken

This spicy, saucy chicken is great served with basil-buttered grilled corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw. —Rita Wintrode, Corryton, Tennessee

Grilled Steak Pinwheels

I've been serving this recipe to family and friends for 20 years and very seldom do I have any leftovers. We try to keep the house cool, so we grill out often. —Mary Hills, Scottsdale, Arizona

Lemon-Basil Grilled Shrimp & Couscous

The basil and lemon in this dish complement each other so nicely. Using fresh ingredients really makes a big difference. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Flank Steak with Cilantro & Blue Cheese Butter

I love the combination of the sweet citrus marinade and the strong tang of the blue cheese butter. And my kids just love flank steak. —Gwen Wedel, Augusta, Michigan

Baby Back Ribs

Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Citrus-Marinated Chicken

This juicy, zesty chicken stars in many of my family's summer meals. While there are a million ways to dress up poultry, you'll find yourself turning to this recipe again and again. It's that quick and easy! —Deborah Gretzinger, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Grilled Garden Pizza

Dazzle your family and friends with pizzas fresh off the grill. We top them with Asiago, Parmesan, veggies and fresh basil. Pile on the toppings you love. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs

When I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada

Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables

After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio

Dad's Lemony Grilled Chicken

Lemon juice, onions and garlic add tangy flavor to chicken when firing up the grill. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan

Grilled Steaks with Greek Relish

My ribeye steak showcases the flavors of Greece my husband and I were introduced to while on a cruise. We like it with pita bread and hummus. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon

Grilled Salmon with Nectarines

My family liked this recipe so much one evening that I made it for a potluck the very next day. Everyone raved about it there, too—even people who aren't particularly fond of fish. —Kerin Benjamin, Citrus Heights, California

Jalapeno-Swiss Turkey Burgers

These easy turkey burgers are extra juicy and loaded with flavor. I think the spicy jalapenos give it just the right level of heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to amp it up or tone it down. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida

Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp

This grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

Grilled Eggplant Pita Pizzas

We grow eggplants and love to use them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the crust, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest part! —Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama

Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Relish

My garden produces a nice harvest of tomatoes, scallions, corn, garlic and poblanos, so that's what I use to make relish for this tasty steak. —Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan

James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary, contributed to this article.

Cooking Brisket On Pellet Grill

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