Gastro Grilling: The New Way to Cook

Gastro grilling is a new and exciting way to cook that combines the best of fine dining with the convenience of grilling. It involves using high-quality ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and visually appealing dishes that are perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a special meal at home.

One of the key elements of gastro grilling is using fresh, seasonal ingredients. This means sourcing your meat, vegetables, and herbs from local farmers and markets whenever possible. When you use fresh ingredients, you can be sure that your food will taste its best.

Another important element of gastro grilling is using the right cooking techniques. This includes things like searing, roasting, and smoking. Using the right techniques, you can bring out the best flavours in your food and create delicious and impressive dishes.

What is gastro grilling?

Gastro grilling is a culinary concept that takes traditional grilling to a gourmet level by combining the raw, primal nature of grilling with the sophistication of modern gastronomy. The term “gastro” is derived from “gastronomy,” which is the art and science of food preparation. When applied to grilling, it suggests a more elevated and creative approach to this ancient cooking method.

Gastro grilling is a great way to add variety and excitement to your grilling repertoire. It’s also a great way to show off your cooking skills to your friends and family. So next time you’re planning a barbecue, don’t be afraid to experiment with gastro grilling. Gastro grilling embodies the spirit of merging traditional with contemporary, raw with refined, and simplicity with complexity. It’s about making grilling an experience, not just a cooking method.

The benefits of gastro grilling

Gastro grilling, with its blend of traditional grilling methods and gourmet gastronomy, offers numerous benefits that can appeal to chefs, home cooks, and diners alike:

1. Enhanced Flavor Profiles: Through the use of gourmet marinades, rubs, and sauces, gastro grilling can amplify and diversify the flavours of grilled items, offering a more memorable dining experience.
2. Showcase of Skill: Gastro grilling allows chefs and home cooks to demonstrate their culinary prowess by artistically incorporating advanced techniques and presenting dishes.
3. Versatility: With the ability to grill a wider range of items—from prime cuts of meat to fruits and desserts—this method expands the boundaries of traditional grilling.
4. Elevated Dining Experience: Gastro grilling transforms the casual ambience of a typical barbecue into a gourmet event, making it suitable for special occasions or upscale gatherings.
5. Health Benefits: Grilling often requires less fat than other cooking methods. Using high-quality, organic, and fresh ingredients, gastro grilling can also be a healthier way to enjoy delicious dishes.
6. Enhanced Texture and Doneness: Techniques such as sous-vide cooking before grilling ensure that food is cooked to precise doneness, retaining moisture and achieving a perfect sear.
7. Sustainability: Many proponents of gastro grilling emphasize using local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, which can have a smaller environmental footprint.
8. Culinary Exploration: Gastro grilling encourages chefs and cooks to experiment with different cuisines, ingredients, and flavours, fostering innovation and creativity in the kitchen.
9. Social Engagement: The act of grilling has always been a communal activity. Gastro grilling, with its unique recipes and presentations, can serve as a conversation starter and enhance social interactions.
10. Economic Benefits: For restaurants or chefs, offering gastro-grilled dishes can attract a clientele willing to pay a premium for gourmet experiences, thereby potentially increasing revenue.
11. Sensory Stimulation: Gastro grilling is not just about taste—it engages all the senses. The aroma of food on the grill, the sizzling sounds, the visual appeal of charred lines, and the varied textures contribute to a holistic dining experience.

How to get started with gastro grilling

Starting with gastro grilling is a journey that melds the rustic charm of traditional grilling with the finesse of gourmet cooking. As you dive in, remember to enjoy the process, and relish the delicious outcomes!

Getting started with gastro grilling involves a blend of expanding your grilling techniques, investing in quality equipment and ingredients, and embracing creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to introduce you to the world of gastro grilling:

1. Research & Inspiration:
   • Read books or watch videos specifically on gastro grilling or modern grilling techniques.
   • Explore gourmet recipes that can be adapted to the grill.
   • Follow grill masters or chefs on social media platforms who specialize in advanced grilling techniques.
2. Equipment:
   • Invest in a good quality grill. Whether you opt for gas, charcoal, pellet, or another type, ensure it’s reliable and can maintain consistent temperatures.
   • Consider additional equipment like a smoker, grill baskets, rotisserie attachments, or a pizza stone for greater versatility.
   • Invest in a digital thermometer for accurate temperature readings, ensuring perfectly grilled dishes.
3. High-Quality Ingredients:
   • Source the best meats, seafood, vegetables, and other produce you can afford.
   • Explore local farmer’s markets or specialty stores for fresh and unique ingredients.
   • Consider organic, free-range, and sustainably sourced products when possible.
4. Experiment with Marinades, Rubs, and Sauces:
   • Go beyond store-bought versions and try making your own. The internet and gourmet cookbooks are rich with recipes.
   • Play with global flavors. For instance, try a Korean bulgogi marinade or a North African chermoula.
5. Master Techniques:
   • Learn indirect and direct grilling methods.
   • Try reverse searing, where you cook meat slowly at a lower temperature and then sear it at high heat for a crust.
   • Experiment with wood chips or planks for different smoky flavors.
   • Consider pre-cooking methods, like sous-vide, before grilling.
6. Go Beyond the Ordinary:
   • Grill items you wouldn’t normally think of: fruits (like peaches or watermelon), cheeses (like halloumi), or even desserts.
   • Play with presentation. Think about color, texture, and arrangement.
7. Pairing:
   • Consider beverage pairings. Think of wines, beers, or cocktails that might complement your gourmet grilled dishes.
   • Think about side dishes that elevate the main course. For instance, a fresh grilled peach salsa might be a great complement to a spiced grilled chicken.
8. Practice and Patience:
   • As with any culinary endeavor, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes; they’re part of the learning curve.
9. Join a Community:
   • Connect with local or online grilling communities or forums. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and getting feedback can be immensely helpful.
10. Stay Updated:
    • Culinary trends and techniques are always evolving. Keep an eye out for new recipes, equipment, or methods that emerge in the world of gastro grilling.

Essential gastro grilling equipment and accessories

Diving into gastro grilling requires an array of equipment and accessories that can elevate the grilling experience. Here’s a list of essentials to help you get started:

1. High-Quality Grill:
   • Charcoal Grill: Offers a smokier, authentic flavor.
   • Gas Grill: Allows for easy temperature control and convenience.
   • Pellet Grill: Uses wood pellets to infuse smoky flavors while offering electronic temperature control.
   • Kamado Grill: A versatile ceramic grill known for excellent heat retention and versatility.
2. Digital Meat Thermometer: Provides precise readings, ensuring your meat is cooked to perfection. Everyone says cook to temperature, not time. This tool allows you to do this.
3. Grill Grates & Grill Pans:
   • Cast Iron Grates: Excellent heat retention and gives a good sear.
   • Grill Pans/Baskets: Useful for grilling smaller items like vegetables, shrimp, or diced meat.
4. Smoking Accessories:
   • Wood Chips & Chunks: For infusing smoky flavors into the food. Available in various types like hickory, apple, mesquite, and cherry.
   • Smoker Box: A container for wood chips that can be placed on a gas grill to create smoke.
   • Wood Planks: Particularly for fish, these infuse the food with a gentle, smoky flavour.
5. Rotisserie Kit: Allows for even cooking of larger cuts of meat or whole birds.
6. Grill Brushes & Cleaning Tools: Important for maintaining grill hygiene and extending the lifespan of your grill. The BBQ Blade is a grill scraper with an attached bottle opener.
7. Heat-Resistant Gloves: Protects hands when dealing with hot grates, coals, or when adjusting grill equipment.
8. Tongs & Spatulas: Essential for flipping and moving food. Opt for long-handled versions to keep hands away from the heat.
9. Kebab sticks: Simple wooden or metal kebab skewers offer a delightful method to cook. The Bison Skewer are a reusable kebab skewer with some innovation design features.
10. Basting Brushes: Useful for applying marinades, sauces, or melted butter while grilling.
11. Grill Lights: If you’re grilling in the evening or low-light conditions, having a dedicated grill light can be invaluable.
12. Drip Pans: Helps in collecting grease and reduces flare-ups.
13. Pizza Stone: For making gourmet grilled pizzas. They help to evenly distribute heat and absorb moisture, ensuring a crispy crust.
14. Sous-Vide Machine: For those wanting to venture into advanced techniques, sous-vide allows for precise cooking before finishing off on the grill.
15. Chimney Starter: A must-have for charcoal grill users, it helps in quickly and efficiently lighting charcoal.
16. Fire Starters or Lighter Cubes: Useful for igniting charcoal.
17. Grill Covers: Protects your grill from the elements when not in use, prolonging its life.
18. Grilling Apron: protect the chef from splatters and sparks while providing convenient pockets for quick access to essential tools, ensuring a seamless and stylish culinary experience. The Gaucho BBQ Apron is an stylish denim apron with masses of pockets. Its even available as a couple’s matching version.
19. Temperature Controllers: Especially for longer, slow-cooking sessions, electronic controllers can help maintain consistent grill temperatures.
20. Bear Claws or Meat Shredders: Great for pulling apart meats like pork or chicken. Bison Hill has taken the claw concept one step further with the King Fork to shred and to do a host of other jobs too.
21. Marinade Injectors: Allows you to infuse flavor directly into the meat.
22. Vented Grill Lid: Useful for controlling temperature and smoke.

As you advance in your gastro grilling journey, you may find yourself adding even more specialized equipment to your arsenal. Starting with the basics and then gradually adding tools as you explore new recipes and techniques is a sound strategy.In addition to the essential items, you may also want to consider the following optional equipment and accessories:

• Smoker: A smoker is a great way to add smoky flavor to your grilled foods.
• Plank grilling: Plank grilling is a unique way to grill foods on a cedar or alder plank. The plank infuses the food with a smoky wood flavour.
• Grill baskets: Grill baskets are a great way to grill small pieces of food, such as shrimp and vegetables, without them falling through the grill grates.
• Grill mats: Grill mats are a great way to prevent food from sticking to the grill grates.
• Grill covers: Grill covers are a great way to protect your grill from the elements when it is not in use.

Gastro grilling techniques

Take a journey in culinary exploration that’s sure to delight and surprise both the cook and the diners. Embrace these techniques for a depth of flavour, texture, and fantastic presentation.

Here are some gastro grilling techniques to explore:

1. Direct vs. Indirect Grilling:
   • Direct Grilling: Cooking food directly over the heat source. Ideal for searing and cooking thin cuts of meat, fish, or vegetables.
   • Indirect Grilling: Cooking food away from the direct heat source, effectively turning your grill into an oven. Perfect for larger cuts of meat or dishes that require slower cooking.
2. Reverse Searing: This involves cooking meat slowly at a lower temperature first (usually using indirect heat) and then finishing with a high-heat sear. This ensures even cooking and a flavorful crust.
3. Planking: Using wooden planks (like cedar) as a base to grill foods, especially fish. The plank imparts a unique smoky flavour to the dish.
4. Smoking:
   • Hot Smoking: Cooking and flavouring food by exposing it to smoke from burning wood. Great for meats like ribs, brisket, or chicken.
   • Cold Smoking: Flavoring food with smoke at low temperatures without actually cooking it. Ideal for cheeses, fish, or certain cured meats.
5. Grill Roasting: Using a combination of direct and indirect heat to roast larger cuts of meat or whole birds on the grill.
6. Zone Cooking: Setting up different heat zones on the grill, allowing for multi-step cooking processes, or cooking multiple items at varying temperatures simultaneously.
7. Basting & Mopping: Regularly apply liquids (like marinades, melted butter, or specific basting concoctions) to the food while it grills to infuse flavour and prevent drying out.
8. Grilled Desserts: Grilling fruits (like peaches, pineapples, or bananas) or even baking desserts (like fruit crisps or pies) directly on the grill.
9. Infusion with Aromatics: Placing herbs, citrus peels, or other aromatics directly on the coals or heat source to infuse grilled items with additional flavours.
10. Sous-Vide then Grill: Pre-cooking meats to the perfect doneness using the sous-vide method and then finishing them on the grill for a charred exterior.
11. Marinating & Brining: Using unique and gourmet marinades or brines to enhance the flavour and texture of grilled items.
12. Rotisserie Grilling: Using a rotisserie attachment to continuously turn meats, ensuring even cooking and self-basting.
13. Charred & Blistered: Deliberately charring or blistering items like peppers, tomatoes, or certain fruits to alter their flavour profile and add a smoky touch.
14. Using Gourmet Wood: Choosing wood chips or chunks from specific trees (like apple, cherry, or mesquite) to infuse grilled items with particular flavours.
15. Stuffed & Wrapped: Grilling items that have been stuffed with gourmet fillings or wrapped in other ingredients, such as meats wrapped in bacon or stuffed peppers.

Gastro grilling tips for beginners

Gastro grilling combines the rustic charm of traditional grilling with the nuances of gourmet cooking. For those just starting out in this exciting culinary realm, here are some helpful tips:

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic recipes that use a blend of grilling and gourmet elements. As you become comfortable, slowly incorporate more advanced techniques.
2. Quality Matters: Invest in good-quality meats, seafood, and produce. The flavours of premium ingredients shine, especially when grilled.
3. Know Your Grill: Understand the hot and cool zones of your grill. This knowledge will be invaluable when you’re juggling different dishes or using techniques like indirect grilling.
4. Monitor Temperature: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer. It’s crucial to ensure meats are cooked perfectly, especially when working with gourmet dishes.
5. Experiment with Flavors: Gastro grilling is all about creativity. Play with different marinades, rubs, and sauces. Try infusing global flavours or using unconventional ingredients.
6. Rest Your Meat: After grilling, let meats rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to be redistributed, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
7. Safety First: Always ensure your grill is stable, and keep flammable items away. When trying new techniques, especially with open flames, exercise caution.
8. Clean as You Go: A clean grill produces better results. Regularly clean grates to prevent flare-ups and unwanted smoke flavours.
9. Practice: Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes—they’re part of the learning process.
10. Stay Curious: Continuously educate yourself. Read books, watch videos, or attend workshops on grilling and gourmet cooking techniques.
11. Presentation Matters: In gastro grilling, how the dish looks is nearly as important as how it tastes. Consider the dish’s colour, texture, and arrangement when plating.
12. Seek Feedback: Share your creations with friends or family and ask for honest feedback. This will help you refine your skills and dishes.
13. Pair Thoughtfully: Think about beverage pairings—be it wines, craft beers, or cocktails—that can elevate your grilled dishes to a whole new level.
14. Explore Equipment: As you become more comfortable, consider expanding your grilling equipment. Tools like smokers, rotisseries, or grill baskets can introduce new techniques and flavours.
15. Stay Organized: Especially when preparing multiple dishes or working with intricate recipes, having all ingredients prepped (mise en place) and tools at hand can make the process smoother.
16. Join a Community: Connect with fellow grilling enthusiasts, either locally or online. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can be incredibly beneficial.

How to choose the right gastro grilling ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is essential in gastro grilling, as it merges the heartiness of grilling with the refined nuances of gourmet cooking. Here’s a guide to help you select the best ingredients:

1. Meats & Poultry:
   • Freshness: Whether it’s beef, lamb, chicken, or pork, always opt for the freshest cuts. Check the packaging date and ensure there’s no off-odor.
   • Grass-fed & Free-range: These often have a richer flavor profile and are ethically preferred by many.
   • Marbling: For steaks, look for good marbling (the white fat within the meat) as this can result in juicier, more flavorful outcomes when grilled.
2. Seafood:
   • Freshness: Fresh seafood should have a clean, ocean-like scent. Avoid those with an overpoweringly fishy smell.
   • Sustainability: Opt for seafood that’s sustainably sourced. Many stores label their products with sustainability information.
3. Vegetables & Fruits:
   • Seasonal & Local: Seasonal produce is typically fresher and has a better flavour. Locally sourced produce supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint.
   • Organic: While pricier, organic options can sometimes offer better flavours without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
4. Herbs & Spices:
   • Freshness: Fresh herbs often provide a more vibrant flavour than their dried counterparts.
   • Origin: Some spices vary in flavour depending on their region of origin. Exploring these variations can add depth to your dishes.
5. Oils & Fats:
   • Smoke Point: Choose oils with a high smoke point (like grapeseed or avocado oil) for grilling to prevent them from burning and producing off-flavours.
   • Flavour: Infused oils, like garlic or chili oil, can add an extra layer of flavour to your dishes.
6. Marinades, Rubs & Sauces:
   • Homemade vs. Store-bought: Whenever possible, make your own. This allows you to control the flavour profile and eliminate preservatives or additives.
   • Speciality Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to invest in high-quality vinegar, unique chillies, or gourmet sauces. These can elevate your marinades and rubs.
7. Dairy & Cheese:
   • Artisanal Cheese: For grilling cheeses or adding them to dishes, opt for artisanal varieties. They can introduce complex flavours and textures.
   • Full-fat Varieties: These often grill better and have richer flavours.
8. Breads & Carbs:
   • Artisanal Bread: When making grilled sandwiches or bruschettas, choose high-quality, fresh artisanal bread.
   • Alternate Grains: Explore grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous for side dishes or salads.
9. Wood & Smoke:
   • Variety: Different woods (like hickory, apple, mesquite, or cherry) impart distinct flavours. Choose based on the flavour profile you’re aiming for.
   • Quality: Ensure the wood hasn’t been treated with chemicals.
10. Research & Experiment:
    • As gastro grilling is all about gourmet touches, continuously educate yourself about ingredients. This might mean trying a new exotic fruit, exploring a different cut of meat, or testing a unique spice blend.
11. Trust Your Taste: Lastly, always trust your palate. Even if an ingredient is highly recommended, if it doesn’t suit your taste, it’s okay to omit or replace it.

How to present your gastro grilling dishes

Presentation is a significant aspect of gastro grilling, as the visual appeal of a dish can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some tips and techniques for presenting your gastro grilling dishes with flair:

1. Plate Selection:
   • Size: Choose a plate size that complements the dish. Avoid overcrowding, but also avoid leaving too much space.
   • Colour & Texture: Use plates that contrast with the food’s colour. A white plate can make colours pop, while a darker plate might work well for lighter-coloured dishes.
2. Arrangement:
   • Height: Creating some verticality by stacking or leaning ingredients can give the dish a professional look.
   • Odd Numbers: Odd numbers (like 3 or 5) of main components often look more appealing than even numbers.
3. Sauces & Purees:
   • Drizzling: Lightly drizzle sauce over the dish for a rustic look.
   • Dotting: Place small dots of sauce around the plate and drag a spoon through them to create a teardrop effect.
   • Pooling: Create a small pool of sauce on the plate and place the main component on top.
4. Garnishes:
   • Edible: Always use edible garnishes. Fresh herbs, citrus zest, or edible flowers can add colour and flavour.
   • Relevance: The garnish should be relevant to the dish, either in flavour or in theme.
5. Contrast:
   • Colours: Use ingredients with contrasting colours to make the dish visually appealing.
   • Textures: Mix soft and crunchy or smooth and rough elements to provide a multi-sensory experience.
6. White Space:
   • Don’t be afraid to leave parts of the plate empty. This can help focus attention on the dish’s main components.
7. Temperature:
   • Cold components, like fresh herbs or garnishes, should be added just before serving so they remain vibrant and crisp.
8. Cut & Shapes:
   • Consider how you cut and shape ingredients. Uniform cuts can give a polished look, while more organic, varied cuts can give a rustic appearance.
9. Sides:
   • If serving sides, consider individual bowls or plates, or place them on the main plate in a way that complements the main dish.
10. Finishing Touches:
    • A final sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a squeeze of citrus can enhance both the look and taste of the dish.
11. Theme:
    • If you’re preparing a dish with a particular cultural or thematic influence, use presentation elements that reflect that theme, be it in plate choice, arrangement, or garnishes.
12. Tools:
    • Using tools like ring moulds can help shape and present components like rice or tartare neatly.
13. Trial & Error:
    • Before finalizing the dish for guests, do a test plate to see how the presentation looks and adjust as needed.
14. Stay Authentic:
    • While making a dish look like a piece of art is tempting, the primary goal is still the flavour. Ensure that the dish remains delicious and true to its essence in your quest for presentation.

Summary

Gastro grilling marries the rustic essence of traditional grilling with gourmet culinary finesse. To dive into this culinary adventure, one should begin with understanding the importance of selecting high-quality ingredients—fresh, sustainable meats, seasonal produce, and aromatic herbs are pivotal. Equally essential is mastering the techniques unique to this form of grilling and investing in the right equipment. As beginners journey through this fusion of flavours and methods, they are encouraged to experiment and stay curious. However, the real pièce de résistance in gastro grilling lies in the presentation. Artful plating, emphasizing contrasts in texture and colour, layering, and the judicious use of garnishes, can elevate the dish, making it a treat for the palate and a feast for the eyes. Gastro grilling is about crafting a holistic, memorable dining experience, from ingredient selection to the final presentation.