There is something undeniably special about high-quality smoked meat. The juice retention, flavor, and tenderness associated with smoked meat drives hordes of people to barbecue restaurants and festivals nationwide. If you’re like many Americans, you want to be able to recreate this flavor at home. That’s the source of the market for electric smokers.
You’ve probably seen the pit-bosses behind your favorite BBQ spot with their huge, cast-iron smokers and massive piles of dry wood. You may have even thought to yourself, “There’s no way I could do that at home.”
Electric smokers offer the convenience of an electric cooking appliance but the big, bold flavor of smoked meat. Most electric smokers offer very compact designs and ease of use. The quality produced by a high-quality electric smoker is almost indiscernible from a traditional wood-fired smoking setup.
The Cajun Injector Electric Smoker is a great example of this. The unit is compact, easy to use, and can provide excellent results. In this review, we hope to reveal the best parts of the Cajun Injector electric smoker, the areas that it falls short and show you what makes this device a unique addition to your culinary adventures.
The Cajun Injector Electric Smoker is a unique device because of its compactness, it’s ease of use, and the quality of results.
One of the most attractive functions of the Cajun Injector electric smoker is the “set-and-forget” capabilities. The unit will maintain a pre-determined temperature throughout the duration of the cooking process and will shut off once the timer shits off or a maximum temperature is reached. All of these functions can be setup at the start of cooking.
If you have smoked meat before, you know that one of the most difficult parts of “getting it right’ is
The only major responsibility of the individual preparing a meal using the Cajun Injector electric smoker is to prepare the items ahead of time, such as marinating or brining.
Inside the smoker, you’ll find five grilling racks for convenience. This smoker has no shortage of space, that’s for sure. In addition to the racks, there are hooks for hanging sausages or anything else that cooks better while hung. The racks are chrome-plated and clean easily with just soap and water.
The Cajun Injector electric smoker is insulated beautifully to maintain as much heat with as little fuel as possible. The insulation on this unit is ETL certified by Intertek. This is proof of product compliance to North American safety standards.
This electric smoker is fueled by wood pellets. This is great for manipulation of the final flavor in the food you’re cooking. Any type of wood can be used to change the smoky flavor of the final product – including apple, mesquite, hickory, pine and more.
The fuel is fed into a side pellet-chute that can be refilled multiple times throughout the process if you’re cooking slowly. Pellets for smoking can be bought at many retail stores but Cajun Injector actually sells some online as well.
The unit has a temperature range that reaches from 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an adequate temperature range for cooking a wide variety of meats as well as vegetables, cheeses, jerky and more.
For cheese specifically, however, the temperature in your smoker should be just a bit lower. The optimal temperature for smoking cheese is about 90 degrees. To get cooler smoker for smoking cheese, there are a few options that you have.
We realize cheese-smoking is probably not your primary reason of interest in an electric smoker, but it is good information to know regardless.
The temperature and timer for the smoker are manipulated via the digital control panel. This feature is very simple to use and even the most technologically-illiterate will have no problem operating this panel.
The unit has two wheels so it is easy to move. All legs and wheels are adjustable so you can make the unit fit just right. The unit also has an adjustable latch on the left side of the door that is easily personalized. Other standard physical features include a drip-tray and firebox.
This smoker is incredibly easy to use. The wheels allow it to be moved quite easily and the side chute for pellets make adding additional fuel throughout the cooking process as easy as filling up a bowl of cereal in the morning. The unit even comes with included instructions and a recipe book full of ideas for easy, delicious smoked food.
The Cajun Injector electric smoker is not just easy to use, it is also incredibly easy to maintain. There is very little maintenance necessary. The interior of the smoke chamber is stainless steel and, as we previously mentioned, the racks clean with just soap and water. If you clean the drip tray after each use, you’re all set!
There are a couple of reported downfalls of the Cajun Injector electric smoker, but they will certainly not deter all potential buyers.
If you are looking for a very large smoker, this smoker may not be ideal. While a lot of meat can be cooked at once, the dimensions do not allow for large pieces of meat. For example, a whole full-sized turkey could not fit into this smoker.
The other most commonly referenced downfall of this unit is the short electric cord. If you’re planning on purchasing this, you may want to consider the closest outlet to where you plan on smoking your food. This problem is easily solved with the use of an extension cord, however.
Pricing of the Cajun Injector electric smoker will probably delight you. The average price point for this unit is between $175-$200. It’s not easy to get a smoker within this price range, especially one that works as effectively as this particular unit does.
A similar, 6-rack electric smoker called the Bradley BTDS108P Digital 6-Rack Smoker, retails for more than double the price of the Cajun Injector smoker.
Those who have purchased the Bradley unit complain about its ability to maintain heat especially in cold or windy environments. The BTDS108P does not have ETL certified insulation. Some users even report that after 9 hours the unit was still unable to reach it’s intended temperature.
A similarly priced electric smoker, the Char-Broil Vertical electric smoker, has only 3 racks and is quite a bit smaller than the Cajun Injector electric smoker. The Char-Broil smoker has no auto-shutoff functionality, an analog thermometer, and no room for hanging inside the smoke chamber.
Because of its relative affordability and ease of use, the Cajun Injector electric smoker is a very popular option for those looking to get that quality, smoky flavor at home.
Generally, consumers are happy with their purchase of this unit, however there are some complaints. We’d like to share some of the most helpful reviews from consumers who have actually used this product.
One purchaser of this product from Amazon shared several positives and a few concerns they have with the unit after owning it for an entire year.
“I have used this 5 times so far, all with great success. In fact cooking riblets right now. Pretty much 99.9% assembled, all I had to do was put the back handle on. First the positives: 1. Temp is right on, I tested it with another thermometer and both read the same. The meat probe also is very accurate. 2. Good size. 3. Side chute for adding chips is very handy, don't have to keep opening the door 4. Outside doesn't get super hot, very well insulated 5. Bradley jerky trays fit in here which is very nice. Now the cons: 1. Chips do not burn a long time, have to add more about every 20 minutes or so 2. Side chute although convenient is pretty tricky to get used to at first, alot of my chips were ending up on the ground. 3. I wish the temp would go up higher, only for when I cook chicken (I finish them on the grill to crisp up the skin)…. The smoker is still going strong. I use it on a weekly basis almost and have had no problems at all. The side chute spring cover did end up breaking, but that was my fault. Easy solution is to put a large ball of foil in it. Of every smoker I have ever owned this is by far my favorite. More than paid off for itself in time and convenience. I own 3 smokers, propane, lil chief and this one. By far this is my favorite for ease of use. I highly recommend this unit. From what I hear it is the same as the masterbuilt. Only addition to this is a product called the amazon smoker that I will be putting with it next week.”
It is important to note that the “set-and-forget” capabilities of this are limited slightly by the amount of wood chips it will hold at one time. It’s a great piece of information that new chips must be added roughly every 20 minutes.
Others who have purchased this smoker, however, have had no complaints. One reviewer, John, purchased his unit three years ago and is still sharing praises of the smoker.
“I’m not sure what the complaints about temp are all about, mine is 3 years old, used a ton, and it keeps temperature within 3 or 4 degrees of where its set, via a quality digital meat thermometer. I got mine for less than $200, and for that price, I can’t ask for a better electric smoker. I have done everything from jerky to snack sticks, to summer sausage, ribs, pork butts, briskets, chicken, and many other smoked goodies. I live in western NY and this unit gets used regularly, right after deer season, outside in temps below zero with no problems. The only complaints I have are the size of the pellet door, but it’s not that bad at all, and the display is a little tough to see on a bright day.”
A blog dedicated to reviewing smokers, Smoker Reviews Ratings, shared a good tidbit on the usefulness of this unit.
“If you’re new to meat smoking or if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require constant monitoring the Cajun Injector Electric Smoker is an excellent choice. Solid construction from a reputable manufacturer and priced under hundreds of dollars make this one worth looking at. It works great for smoking pork, beef, fish and ribs no problem. First timers will be cooking gourmet quality foods right out of the box with this model.”
Overall, we are quite impressed with this unit. For the price, it would be difficult to find a superior smoker, or even one that matches this quality. This smoker will make wonderful addition to your backyard if you’re looking for a set-and-forget smoker that can smoke enough meat to satisfy your friends and family.
The capacity is enough to feed a small party. You will be able to impress your guests with flavorful meats, vegetables and cheeses with only a small amount of effort on your part. Smoking manually can take years to master, but Cajun Injector has made it easy. Additionally, with an automated smoker like the Cajun Injector electric smoker, you really don’t have a reason to worry about burning or overcooking if you properly utilize the auto-shutoff functionality.
Coffee making is considered an art! The more you experiment with your taste buds the more perfect it gets for you! Every person has a different way of making their cup of delicious coffee!
Here are a few tips which can make your experience a thrilling one and can help you understand and cherish your love for the delicious drink.
The beans you use are the first step towards that perfect cup of coffee. It is said that the beans you pick for your cup of coffee is a very important part in the art of coffee making. Choose the beans very carefully depending on your taste. In the market today we have a great lot of choices. In case, you don’t get the raw beans choose the best possible brand and aroma. You can discover the perfect brand or choice of beans once you start experimenting. The secret you use is selecting that one brand or beans after you are through almost all those which suit your particular taste.
You might be a fan of the darker and strong roasts; however you need to take your leap for the perfect coffee by experimenting with the lighter roasts. The lighter roasts will sure come to your surprise and you will love your decision of the experiment. Lighter roasts redefine your love for the cup of coffee.
This might sound too simple to be a secret, but it is one of the most important parts of making that one amazing cup of coffee that indulges your senses in the aroma and the taste. The normal grinders with the blades moving too fast heats the beans and grinds it in different sizes which makes the beans lose its aroma and taste to a great extent. So, the next time you put the lovely beans for the grinding, make sure the grinder is worth your love for the coffee. This will be a wise investment and a long term one.
The secret is to use the perfect water while making the coffee. You must go for the bottled water, however, not distilled, for your cup. Use of hot tap water boils the air bubble out of the coffee and makes the taste a little different and less pleasant. It also tends to leave some unwanted minerals in the water, which is a great compromise with your favorite coffee. Avoid the injustice that you were doing with your love.
It is scientifically proven that boiling the water makes the coffee taste bitter and burnt. The advice of the various studies conducted is to heat the water at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating keeps the aroma and the natural taste intact and gives you a far more pleasant experience with every sip of it.
This is an art which can be achieved with experience and understanding of your needs. Steeping your coffee for the right amount of time will surely differ according to your preference. The advice here is to know the right amount of time for the steep. The steeping may vary from 3 minutes to 4 minutes. Understand your taste, understand your love, steep for the right amount of time is the secret that leads to the right cup of experience.
Apart from gaining the experience and knowing your taste and needs, the step of cleaning your coffee maker from time to time is the thing that you must never forget. If you fail to clean your coffee maker, it may lead to the formation of the scale in the apparatus which may add the unwanted minerals to your coffee which makes the taste a different from the desired one. It is very simple to follow and just requires vigilance. You can take this hard work to get the perfect experience. Isn’t it?
The bond that you share with your coffee takes its flight with time and experience. You might like the cup of coffee as it is. However, experimenting helps you discover the secrets of your taste. Experiments help you know the art better and live your experience. It also keeps on giving you reasons to grow your love. This is a way in which you can explore the world of tastes and aromas. Your taste buds are not averse to experiments, you got to keep this in your heart and go on with the different methods
Coffee is an invention of the 21st century and thus, gives you many ways to understand coffee better. There are many programs which are launched; events which are celebrated for the coffee lovers. Different coffee festivals are organized throughout the world. If those programs and events cater to your love of coffee do participate.
Yes, you read it correct; there are clubs which are exclusively for the coffee lovers. Share your experience with all those who love coffee as much as you do. Understand their ways of defining the tastes, the methods they use and you will soon discover a different world.
Instead of letting you define the taste, let coffee be the factor which drives you to experiment. The bonding that you share with the cup of coffee should never disappear and one way for keeping the love intact, admire the coffee gorgeous coffee and soon you will find yourself in the world of these amazing beans of magic.
You may have different reasons for your extreme love that you have developed for coffee. If you take a sip amidst the stressful work schedule, the taste you would like may be different from the morning cup of coffee. It is very important for you to understand your purpose and then, derive the taste and the perfect method of preparation.
The last piece of advice is that understand it is an art and not just a cup of coffee you make to overcome the stress or start your day. You will feel the magic.
Coffee and work are inseparable. The bond that they share is something extraordinary. Coffee can prove to be your best friend while at work! Every hardship that you face at work place, be it the boredom from a long stretch of hours or the pain in the body parts due to desk sitting works, coffee can be the rescue and a wonderful rescue rather. Coffee can transform your work experience completely. A cup of coffee can really be a stress relief dose for you. The connection between work and coffee can be felt only when you experience it.
Here are few ways in which coffee can prove to be your best friend.
A person who consumes coffee at work proves to be more productive compared to the other people. If you are a coffee lover, all your worries must be kept aside. The wand for you is the cup of coffee! Coffee stimulates your brain and fights the tiredness after a long stretch of work. It makes you more active. It reduces the tiredness and the mental stress that you might suffer while working. Thus, you can work tremendously well if caffeine chooses to bless you with the magic. You can thank the cup of coffee every time, you find yourself far more productive than your co- workers
Do you feel that you need something, anything which can just turn around your blur thoughts and make you think clearly? Coffee is the answer! Clear thoughts are a secret to the success while at work. Caffeine makes your thought process clearer. A caffeinated person can think more clearly and creatively as compared to the others. Thus, it adds glory to your work if you are a coffee lover. However, if you couldn’t experience the wonders yet, you must grab a cup of coffee to kick start your work. Take your flight!
Yes, there is a great difference. A cup of coffee creates an effective way to make your brain take work load. You can always shout victory once you sit for work after a cup of coffee. Caffeine is always said to be the reliever. Along with the taste, coffee provides you the right amount of caffeine that you need to prepare yourself to take on to the office hours. Coffee sets a positive pace to your work. If you work in late night shifts and have a huge burden of work in the day, caffeine is said to reduce the number of errors you make generally. A caffeinated worker tends to make less error at work as compared to the non- caffeinated worker.
Today, whatever we do, whatever we like is directly derived from our understanding of how the thing works. So, here is a scientific answer as to why should you not miss that magic cup of coffee at work. Various studies and researches of the different institutes involved in the study of how coffee proves to be a worker’s friend says that coffee has a great deal of effect on the working our body. Consumption of coffee post lunch increases your heart rate, thereby reducing the laziness that might take a toll on you after lunch. Workers really find it hard to concentrate after lunch, however, after a cup of coffee the world would definitely seem alright. The cup of coffee will fight the fatigue that engulfs you after your lunch break and bring the best of the pace to your work. So, the next time, let this secret be your magic wand!
Coffee drives you to your work desk faster than any other alternatives to it. It works the fastest! Caffeine can be absorbed by your body easily and quickly, thus the energy is released really fast, within a few minutes. It caters to both your physical and mental energy needs and makes you work and think faster than ever. The fastest way to get over your tiredness is a cup of coffee. It can be your real life saver.
Ill health can be a really tough thing to cope- up with when you are working and need to involve all your attention to work! If your migraine comes in between your work and creativity, shred it away by a cup of coffee. Migraine can be a real hindrance at work for you, thus, the fastest ad the most effective tool to maintain your energy and efficiency at work is to go for a cup of coffee. Migraine can be reduced by restriction of the blood vessels and caffeine does dilate them.
Coffee is your thing if you face issues like headache, wrist pain, neck pain and many more body stress due to the desk work you go through. Work place just doesn’t mean mental stress but the body also starves for some relaxation after all the pain it has to endure due to the desk work that you under take while at office. A cup of coffee can be that moment of bliss for your body. Coffee rewards you with the reduction or sometimes elimination of such pain due to rigorous physical stress. You can very easily overcome the pain that your body endures with a dose of caffeine which a cup of coffee gives you access to very easily. Now, when you feel that your body needs the moment of peace grab your cup of coffee.
A cup of coffee can be a life saver for older workers. A study by an institute in the US shows that 3 cups of coffee can reduce 10% risk of illness. If you find it difficult to work long hours at a stretch, coffee will rescue you from the stress and will keep you healthy, rather at better off position.
There is nothing better than a safe and secure home. Shedding blood, and sweat- a house is built, and added investment of love, efforts, emotions, feelings, and happiness, a house becomes a home. Experts say that the nature of the surrounding radar inside and outside the house decides a lot about the level of happiness of its people. Many people experience negative vibes as soon as they enter a particular home. According to Chinese, perhaps it can be the actions of the ‘chi’ i.e. the energy surrounding the house.
Home is supposed to be the place you want to return over and over again. A place which gives a sense of protection and relaxation. There are homes characterized by the most gravitational spots and attractive paints and furniture, but the very essence of peace is lacking.
To dodge a few bad omens entering our house, and to make it look visually attractive, interior designers are now adapting Chinese practice of Feng Shui.
According to Feng Shui, by making some changes in our living space, kitchen and workroom, we can change our lives, the way we live, the way we think, and the way we breathe. It is the Chinese art of placement, of harmonizing objects with its environment in combination to inviting positive energies in our homes; The Feng Shui style does nothing but creates a web of positive energies throughout your house.
Big or trivial, kitchens are a great attraction. They are a holy place where food is cooked and stored. Placing and harmonizing kitchen equipment should be a vital motive. Healthy environment for the one, who cooks, energizes the person to cook well, leading to hard work, peace and prosperity. It provides serenity to the heart and boosts up the mind. It is a strong convention that a kitchen styled in Feng Shui design is likely to shower health and wealth to the family mates. According to Feng Shui:
Experts say that these elements don’t just have to be present, randomly in any impromptu order, but in a planned manner, avoiding chaos and entry of negatives energies into the kitchenette.
Instead of wishing for long hands, settle for a kitchen which accommodates stuffs you need on a daily basis in an easily approachable manner. Also, make sure that items which are used only on occasions are placed under well-built shelves to avoid them from dust and damage.
The saying ‘old is Gold’ does not apply when it comes to your holy cook house. Broken kitchen stuffs provoke negative energies. It is thus better to replace them with new ones. After all, a kitchen is not a memorabilia, shirking out old stuffs makes the kitchen look spacious and clean inviting positive ‘chi’ i.e. energy.
Color has a deep connection with the kind of energy it attracts. Cool colors like sky blue, white, pale yellow indicate the arrival of good omen in rivalry to fire colors like orange and red. Yellow hue brings in a touch of sunshine, deviates the mind towards the act of simplicity in life and thus should be implemented.
According to Feng Shui style of design, the location of the kitchen is of immense importance and would affect the overall energy your kitchen is exposed to. Make sure that your kitchen is not located at the ‘Tai Chi’ i.e. the center of the kitchen, which attracts negative energy, also the gas stove should face the main door of the kitchen so that you can see the entry of people which is a vital thing according to Feng Shui style.
Installing living plants, flowers, leafy plants, fruits or vegetable, to keep yourself surrounded by greenery or fresh healthy eatable good, clean energy in the kitchen.
Kitchens are holy places. Gift your kitchen the power which not only allures the visitors, but also spellbinds the soul by adorning it with rich fruits settled in a bowl, plants and flowers. Cover your kitchen-walls under the facade of bright hues and bid farewell to the old items to make the kitchen appear organized. General problems of life is a semblance of normalcy and should be present as increases the love but Feng Shui would shirk out bad omen which otherwise could cause unnecessary mental strain and negativity, so hurry and install your kitchen as per the norms suggested by Feng Shui.
An outdoor kitchen is a very modern idea. It has its own share in adding the drama and a thrill to your cooking. The complete space to eat, cook and entertain at the same time is a dream come true for any cook that is provided by an outdoor kitchen. There are many forms of an outdoor kitchen; it may be a simple one with just grills and some seating arrangements or a complete replica of an indoor kitchen, catering to all your cooking needs.
Be it summer, winter or monsoon may be, a well-planned outdoor kitchen will never disappoint you. When we talk about how to plan it the best way, the foremost step is to hire a professional. He/ she may be a patio contractor, a concrete contractor or may be a landscape designer, a novice or an expert, the only thing that matters is to plan everything according to your needs and vision.
To help you get the complete idea as to which things must be on your list when you plan for the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, here are a few must to be followed tips.
An outdoor kitchen will provide you some of the best moments of your life. But undoubtedly, it also has to take the beatings of the harsh weather conditions. And the worst situations are faced by the floors. Thus, the flooring type that you choose must be very versatile, which comes with the promise of the long durability and lasting beauty. It is advisable to avoid the use of tiles and marbles as it might not be able to resist the weight of the appliances and stains. It might also get slippery and harder to work on during the rainy season.
Location is the thing we are talking about! If you plan this part of the kitchen plan well and perfect you will love the end result definitely. There are few things that must be kept in mind.
Firstly, always plan the location in a way such that it ensures the safety of your family. Locate it at a place in the yard near to the water source like the tap and make sure it is not a much closed space.
Secondly, make sure you don’t locate it too far from the indoor kitchen as during the parties, you would have to travel a lot carrying the items from one space to another which obviously won’t be very pleasant. While you choose the nearest location from the indoor kitchen, also make sure that you do not block the view of the yard from the indoor kitchen while planning for the outdoor ones. Try to figure out the perfect angle so that both the kitchens feel happy!
Thirdly, and very importantly, if you are planning for some renovations and touch up like retaining soils or adding a swimming pool in your yard to make the location perfect for the entertainment and parties and also a place to relax whenever necessary, do not forget to hire a professional designer. The designer will help you to sort things out in a perfect way. After all, you would not like a mess with your dream kitchen. Would you?
The size of an outdoor kitchen entirely depends on the number and size of appliances. If you are planning for a simple kitchen with just a grill and some seating arrangements, you can very happily go for a cute little outdoor kitchen. However, if you want a fully-furnished kitchen like refrigeration, grills, ovens, sinks etc., make sure you plan the size accordingly with a decent space for the movement in and around the kitchen. You might also include the cabinets if you are planning to keep some of your appliances inside drawers for safety reasons. Design the kitchen in a way so that the compatibility of the appliances with each other is not harmed. You can also add some space for the preparation of the food to be cooked and the setting of the plates for the celebrations. There is a requirement of some storing space if you are planning to keep some of your needs exclusive to the outdoor kitchen.
Beauty and the ambience will obviously be the product of your imaginations and will depend completely on your vision. Be sure, as to how you would like the look of your kitchen. It can be based on a theme or may be a simple one with some chairs and tables. However, you can plan the essentials according to your imagination and vision. The curtains if required, the color of it. The cushions and the covers, the lights and the things like flower pots, wall hangings, wind chimes and many other details can be prepared beforehand to add that dreamy touch to your kitchen.
This will add the icing on the cake. If you are too busy on your schedule and hardly have time to plan all the details, a professional designer will help you to plan it all very effectively. All you need is to give them the idea of what you want and how you want and it will be all done for you very perfectly and professionally.
We all love baby back ribs, it’s a comfort food that really does bring out the smiles and happiness of any person who is tucking into a perfectly cooked bit of beef rib, or pork rib for that matter. When cooked to perfection baby back or spare ribs can be a delicious meal on their own or they can serve as a wonderful main component alongside salads, rice dishes and vegetables. At the end of the day whatever your choice of accompaniment, the baby back ribs need care and attention if you want to get them right, as these are going to be the centre part to any dish.
In today’s guide we are going to take you through everything you need to know to cooking the perfect rack of baby back ribs, from getting your ingredients together, to the equipment you are going to need, right through to some handy tips and tricks in how you can get the best results. And of course, the best results start with tender, moist and delicious tasting meat that you can be proud of.
Pans at the ready, as we are going to dive in…
First things first we need to prepare our work area with the equipment and ingredients we need to so we are organised and have everything together in one area. In terms of equipment you are going to need a baking sheet, some kitchen foil, a wire cooling rack, a pastry brush and a sharp kitchen knife.
Set these all down to one side and then on the other side you want a 4-5lbs baby back rib, a quarter of a cup of Dijon mustard, some liquid smoke (optional), 1 cup of space rub, and 1 cup of barbecue sauce.
Now you should all be set to get on with preparing the ribs and then cooking them.
Preheat your oven to 300F to begin with so we get a nice disperse of heat that evenly works its way across the oven ready for us to add the ribs to. Then take a baking sheet and line it with some of the foil that you set aside earlier on, finally placing a wire cooling rack on top of that.
At this stage you can add the ribs to the rack as they are as we can dress the meat from here.
Take your Dijon mustard and the liquid smoke and use the pastry brush to brush the mixtures onto both sides of the baby back ribs, making sure that you evenly spread the mixture. You can then add the dry rub to the ribs by firstly sprinkling it over and the patting it into the meat.
Now you are ready to place the baby back ribs under the broiler and you only need to do this for around 5 minutes, making sure the meat side of the ribs are facing up towards the elements. When 5 minutes has passed you will notice that there is a brown colouration on the upper side of the ribs and this is where you can move the baby back ribs to the preheated oven to roast them.
Usually roasting a 4-5lbs baby back rib can take around 2 hours so you need to set aside that time. You can choose to cover the ribs with foil to start with or you can introduce the foil halfway through that 2 hour cooking time to allow the moisture to retain within the meat, keeping it tender and not allowing it to easily dry out.
During the last 30 minutes remove the baby back ribs and pick up your pastry brush again, and this time we are going to apply the barbecue sauce, and at this stage you can either coat it with plenty of sauce or you can be more reserved and just brush a light covering on top of the ribs. The choice is yours. Once you have done that just cover the baby back ribs up again with the foil and let them cook for that final 30 minutes until the 2 hour period is upon you.
As with any meat just give it time to rest when you fetch it out of the oven so that the juices all disperse evenly around the meat which will just add to the moisture and tenderness of the baby back ribs. Once they have rested you can either serve them as they are or you can perform cuts between the bones in order to separate each section of the rib.
If you are adding any other ingredients make sure that these are cooked prior to taking the ribs out of the oven as you will want to eat them straight away, whilst they are hot.
When it comes to cooking there are so many different cooking methods that it’s hard to get your head around. You have boiling, baking, grilling, griddling, sautéing, boiling, frying, barbecuing and so many other ways to cook foods. For some food however, certain cooking methods really do bring out the best when it comes to textures, flavours and general overall experiences and we have to say that when it comes to cooking beet greens there is only way method of cooking that really excels from all others, and that is sautéed beet greens.
If you haven’t tried beet greens or you haven’t tried them using this cooking method then stop what you are doing right now and listen up, as we are going to show you how to sauté beet greens and why they are so good when you use this method.
Beet greens are nothing without a few flavourings and seasonings thrown into the mix though, and it’s important that when sautéing them you know exactly what ingredients work and wont don’t. Sometimes experimenting is the only way to find out but we are going to list the ingredients you need here to save you time.
Get yourself a maximum of 3 bunches of beet greens and then set aside some extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, a lemon, a shallot, some red pepper flakes and an orange.
To start with you should always wash vegetables like this under cold water which just takes away any grit, dirt or other foreign impurities that you don’t want on them. Also with beet greens its advisable to trim off the purple stems as these are very bitter in taste and even if you like them the chances are that a lot of your dinner guests may not, so it’s just thinking about them at the same time.
You will now be left with the green part of the vegetable and the best way to cut them into strips is to simply roll them up and then take your knife to them as you cut across the leaves. Generally you want to cut them into 1 inch segments, try not to cut them to large or too small and always remember that when they start cooking they will reduce in size so bare that in mind with the amount of bunches of beet greens you use.
Now the beet green are prepared we want to begin cooking the other ingredients that we mentioned earlier on. So get a pan on the heat, and drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil until it becomes hot enough to begin adding your garlic into.
Once you have allowed the garlic to cook for a minute throw in your shallot (diced), your red pepper flakes and finally your beet greens. Allow them to wilt and cook for roughly 3 minutes, and just check to see if there is enough water to allow them to steam. If you see there isn’t enough water or find the garlic is turning brown then this is a tell-tale sign that you will need to introduce a few spoonful’s of water to the pan in order to finishing the cooking process off.
The finally step in our guide is serving up the beet greens, by now you have some incredible flavours that have enveloped the beet greens, with the garlic and shallot aromas adding to the taste. However, it doesn’t stop there as we want to combat the bitter taste of the beet greens by bringing together some acidic flavours and this is where lemon juice and orange juice comes in and plays its part.
Simply add lemon and orange juice to a pan and allow the juices to just simmer away with each other, you can also real intensify the flavour at this point by adding some vinegar as well. Once you have let the beet greens simmer in the orange and lemon for a couple more minutes you can then take them out the pan (the water should have evaporated nicely), and then serve them up on a plate.
Generally these beet greens are strong providers of sodium but you can add standard seasonings in the form of a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper if you feel that you need to combat some of the flavours.
Remember, this dish may not be for everyone but you should definitely give it a try as the garlic, shallot, acidic flavours and bitterness of the beet greens all come together and complement each other to provide you with a real taste sensation.
Beans of any variety are packed full of healthy benefits and can complement everything from stews, to casseroles, to rice dishes and pasta dishes. They can even make up a substantial part of a fresh salad, but many people get put off cooking them because they don’t really know how to, or when they are cooked properly. The truth to cooking beans is that they are incredibly easy to cook and just like many foods it takes a couple of tips for you to master the art of cooking them and providing a new dish to add to your growing cookery arsenal.
Black beans in particular can be eaten on their own, and it’s not rocket science in cooking a creamy tender bowl of these fantastic beans. The biggest issue for many is that beans aren’t fast foods, they take hours to cook so if you are looking for quick meals then the 3 hour cooking time of black beans may put you off, but believe us when we say you have tasted nothing like the tender black beans we are going to show you how to cook today.
To get the perfect tenderness all the way through its key that you soak the beans prior to cooking them, this will give you a much better chance of having a more evenly cooked and tender bean dish. Plus, it can take some time off that 3 hour cooking time.
Right, so now we are ready to begin the cooking process so the first thing we need to do is get our equipment and ingredients together. Luckily there isn’t a lot to think about here, you just need a pound of dried black beans, some salt, a bay leaf, a couple of cloves of garlic, a chopped carrot, half a white onion, and some water to fill your saucepan.
Most of those ingredients above are simply to add to the aromatics of the liquid that surrounds the beans when it starts to evolve into a creamy dish.
After you have soaked your beans (usually overnight) you will want to drain them, and its at this point where if you have the time you can pick out any odd looking beans, dried beans or other impurities that you don’t want to make it across to the saucepan for cooking.
Add your water to the saucepan and then shuck in all your aromatic ingredients that we mentioned above as these will help infuse the beans with delicate and captivating tastes when you come to eating them later on. All you need is a little bit of water as well so don’t go filling the entire pan, you want to cover the beans by about an inch and then set the temperature to a medium-high heat and then let them get to a boiling state.
Once you have hit boiling point reduce the heat down to a low temperature so that the beans are just simmering away. If you are looking to add the beans to soups or creamy dishes then adding a lid at this point will improve the tenderness of the black beans. If you leave the lid off the beans will be more crunchy and less tender, so you should only leave the lid off if you are looking to add the beans to salads or pasta dishes.
Leave the beans on a simmer for about an hour and then come back to just check them at that point. You want to make sure that the beans are still submerged in water so you may be required to add some more water at this point. Cover up the beans and then leave them for another hour or so.
Just before the end of the cooking process add a pinch or two of salt to add to the taste, as the black beans should now be tender.
Once cooked you should have a nice creamy black bean soup dish now with all those aromatics, but the best thing with black beans is that you can keep them refrigerated for 7 days, or frozen for up to 3 months so its always an idea to cook a good batch of them up if you are going to be spending hours cooking them, that way you add them to individual containers and add them to different dishes throughout the months before the need to cook any more.
Even if you aren’t fussed about the liquid, you should still keep it as it makes a great staple for sauces and soups, and because you have all that flavour and goodness packed into it, it really can add to other dishes you may cook so just pop it into a container and keep it stored in the fridge.
Beef really is the ultimate comfort food, whether it’s a perfectly slow cooked beef brisket or a set of beef ribs coated in your ideal marinade. In today’s guide we are bringing you one of the best comfort foods and showing you exactly how to cook them to perfection.
Firstly, let’s not get ahead of ourselves because cooking beef ribs isn’t easy if you don’t know what you are doing, it does take time, patience and knowing what seasonings and cooking methods work the best to bring out those beautiful and textures that we have all come to love about this meat.
The very first port-of-call for you is to head to a local butcher because this is where you are not only going to save money on your ribs but you are going to get the finest cuts of beef ribs. They will be fresh, meaty and give you the perfect head start to creating an amazing dish for yourself, your loved one or dinner guests that you may have over for the evening.
We always stress at home important preparing the meat is and we aren’t going to avoid it in this guide because this step of the process is a fundamental part of getting that end result spot on. With beef ribs you will notice that there is quite a thick membrane that runs along the back, this needs to be removed as it can spil the taste and experience of beef ribs because the membrane once cooked becomes very chewy and tough. Not pleasant at all.
Luckily o remove it, it’s simple. Just use your fingers to work the membrane loose, or take a knife and just slowly prize it away from the rest of the meat. If you are heading to a butcher to buy your meat then you can also ask the butcher to remove it for you before you come away.
When it comes to your seasoning or marinade we all have our own preferences and specific tastes. With beef ribs you can use almost anything on top of it, and whilst most of us always head straight to barbecue sauce marinades some other seasonings and rubs are proving to become more popular in cooking this meat.
Chilli powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and dried thyme is just one rub mix that gives your ribs a nice kick, and probably the biggest advantage is that you can eat them without getting yourself into a complete mess…which can’t be said for barbecue sauce marinades.
For the best results you should always oven cook your beef ribs as this will help the meat become tender, to the extent it just falls off the bone into your mouth with little effort. Also the moisture, tastes and juices will be noticeable with an oven cooked rack of ribs, so for the purpose of this we are going to be using the oven.
If you have chosen to barbecue marinade your ribs, that process is fairly simple and once you have coated your beef ribs with the sauce you will need to wrap the ribs up in some kitchen foil. We recommend using a good couple of sheets of foil so you lock in all the juices and steam which will add to the textures and tastes once cooked.
Place the ribs into a preheated oven, in a baking tin, with the meat facing down. You want the temperature to be around the 225C mark and it will take around 3 hours for a standard size rack of ribs to cook through thoroughly. Avoid checking the meat or opening the oven door as you want the heat to remain consistent and you don’t want to expel any juices or steam by unnecessarily opening the foil up.
Once the cooking time has come to an end take the ribs out, uncover them and leave them for a period of between abut 10-20 minutes so that the juices redistribute throughout the ribs, helping it become tender and moist to the bite.
Beef ribs can go with many other foods to make a great dish, so think about potatoes and vegetables as one choice, or perhaps you would like to make a gorgeous potato salad or fresh green salad to accompany the beef ribs for summer time treat. For the Winter periods adding some basmati rice with a squeeze of lemon juice over the top can really make for a hearty dinner time meal, or you could just cut the ribs up and then eat them on their own.
The choice is yours, but do experiment with what foods go with the beef ribs to make the most out of them.
If you have no idea what Ahi Tuna is then you may have also heard this type of Tuna steak known as Yellowfin Tuna. There is without no doubt that this type of fish boasts one of the most delicious tastes, and if you are a fan of chunky, steak-like, hearty and wholesome fish then this protein booster is going to be your go-to choice of food.
Like most fish, it’s a brain food and poses many health benefits to your heart, circulation and general complexion. It really is a meaty fish that when cooked properly can be on the most amazing taste sensations you will have ever experienced.
The best thing though; you don’t need to be a Michelin starred chef in order to pull this one off as its one of the easiest foods you are ever likely to cook. Even this dish makes beans on toast look complicated!
All you need in terms of ingredients for your Yellowfin or Ahi Tuna is some seasonings or a marinade (which we will come to soon), some peanut oil or vegetable oil, and the actual tuna steaks themselves.
Preparing the steaks should be the part where you take the longest amount of time on, this should be the section of the preparation process that really brings together the tastes at the end result so time and effort is key and essential at this point.
Firstly, have you got fresh or frozen tuna steaks at hand?
If frozen then you are best thawing it out thoroughly before you begin cooking to get the maximum results. To do this you want to leave it in the fridge until it thaws. If it’s fresh then we can crack on with the seasoning and marinade.
One of the most complimenting mixtures that you can add to an Ahi tuna steak is a spice mixture, because it’s often these spicy flavours that really complement the meaty flavours of the steak.
Creating a mix is quite easy as well; all you need it half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix those all together with a fork or whisk and then coat your steak all over. Now, just leave the tuna for a few minutes to absorb those flavours before we introduce them to the heat.
You can also swap the spices with a more citrus rich marinade such as a Tuna Tartare which consists of cilantro, jalapeno, ginger, wasabi and lemon juice. Usually this kind of mix is best suited to oven baking methods because of the consistency of the marinade.
The next steps in the process of creating a perfect Ahi tuna is to make sure that the pan you are using is heated up to it’s fullest before you place the tuna in. You want the fish to cook evenly across the pan so this is an essential requirement.
Generally Ahi Tuna is served rare because the texture and taste is much better than a cooked piece of Ahi Tuna which struggles to keep in moisture. However, some people do enjoy the tuna seared, so if this is you then you can add the tuna steaks to the pan for a couple of minutes on each side to just give it that golden look on the outside.
If rare isn’t your thing there is nothing wrong with fully cooking the tuna steaks, and all you need to do is keep the tuna on the heat longer until you are satisfied with the texture and consistency.
The wonderful thing about tuna is how you can serve it, and whether it’s rare or fully cooked you can bring together many colours and appealing sights onto a plate quite easily. If you have chosen to rub spices onto your tuna then you can cut the steak up into portions and present them in a domino effect on a plate, or you can cut them into cubes if you added no marinade, and then simply season them at the very end.
Or, if you have used a tartare sauce like we mentioned earlier on in this guide you can simply leave the steaks as a whole piece and then serve them up with a slice of lemon and some fluffy basmati rice.
Either way, tuna steaks can really develop your creative skills in the kitchen and have you thinking outside the box on experimental presentations. One thing we can safely put our money on is that your guests will love this Ahi tuna whether its rare, seared, fully cooked, part of a starter or as a full blown main meal.
So what are you waiting for? Get some fresh Ahi Tuna and wow your guests!