Protein 9000: Savor the Flavor

Succulent Meats and Mouthwatering Sauces

From the tender, rich taste of lamb to the smoky, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of home-smoked brisket, we’re taking you on a culinary journey through some of the most tantalizing protein options available in our Protein 9000 edition of our Food Mag. And to kick things up a notch, we’ll also explore the incredible flavors of specialty sauces from Alefire Hot Sauce Bar in Portland that will elevate your meat game to new heights. So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into a world of mouthwatering meats and sensational sauces that will leave you craving more!

1. Lamb: A Luxurious and Flavorful Treat for the Palate

Lamb is my favorite. There’s something undeniably special about lamb, with its tender, succulent texture and rich, earthy flavors that set it apart from other meats. My “Lamb guy” at Fogo de Chao is my favorite guy at Fogo de Chao.

Whether you’re roasting a leg of lamb with a fragrant herb crust, grilling juicy lamb chops with a tangy chimichurri sauce, or slow-cooking a hearty lamb stew, the key to success lies in selecting the right cut of meat, seasoning it well, and cooking it to perfection.

2. Home-Smoked Brisket: A Masterpiece of Smoky, Meltingly Tender Goodness

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of slow-smoked meat wafting through the air, and when it comes to achieving that perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender, juicy texture, home-smoked brisket is the ultimate expression of barbecue artistry.

It’s truly a labor of love. In an all-day effort, my housemate and I took turns seasoning the brisket with a flavorful dry rub, checking on it’s temp, adding woodchips, and spraying it gingerly with apple cider vinegar until it was ready to carve. Needless to say, I was impressed with the results of this at-home method. Low-and-slow cooking really yields great results.

With patience, skill, and a little practice, you’ll be able to create a home-smoked brisket that rivals the great barbecue joints, complete with a gorgeous smoke ring and an irresistibly tender, flavorful interior that will have your guests clamoring for seconds.

3. Shichirin/Hibachi Grill Chicken Skewers: An Exciting Taste of Japanese Grilling

Shichirin, or hibachi grills, are a staple of Japanese cuisine, allowing for the precise, high-heat cooking that sears meat to perfection while locking in moisture and flavor. I thought I knew a little something about Chicken teriyaki skewers until my cousin Matt showed me the light after he took a couple of trips to Japan. The charcoal grill experience is something to be revered. It’s an easy way to bring the delicious flavors of Japanese cuisine to your evening.

To make your own teriyaki sauce from scratch, use a blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to create that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Grab some skewers at your local grocery store or here on Amazon. Prep the ingredients. Assemble those skewers. Grab your favorite bevy and get grilling. My favorite part is basting the treats in gorgeous, caramelized teriyaki sauce and then housing the perfectly maillarded skewers as they become ready.

4. Specialty Sauces from Alefire Hot Sauce Bar in Portland: Elevate Your Meat Game

I believe that to truly elevate your meat game, you need the right sauces to complement and enhance the flavors of your protein of choice. At Alefire Hot Sauce Bar in Portland, they’ve curated an incredible selection of specialty sauces that will take your culinary creations to the next level.

From smoky, spicy barbecue sauces that add depth and complexity to your home-smoked brisket to tangy, fruity hot sauces that lend a bright, refreshing kick to your grilled chicken skewers, the options are endless. With the right sauce, you can transform an already delicious dish into an extraordinary taste sensation that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Luke’s top picks are the Smokin’ Habanero Sauce from Silagy Sauce and of course, our very own homemade BBQ sauce.

5. Steak: The Ultimate Expression of Meaty Perfection

Let’s be honest here. No exploration of the world of protein would be complete without paying homage to the king of meats: STEAK. Whether you prefer a juicy, tender filet mignon or a flavorful, well-marbled ribeye, there’s a cut of steak to suit every taste. Personally, I’m a 2-inch Ribeye reverse sear kind of man because I like a niceeee crust on the steak. There’s just nothing quite as satisfying as digging into a big piece of meat.

Just so my beginners can get up to speed, its important to choose the right cut, let it get up to temp, season generously with salt, create a sear good enough to set off the smoke alarm, baste with fresh herbs and garlic, and last but not least, let your steak rest while covered before serving to lock in those juices.

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