Getting the lighter fluid taste out of burgers, after the fact
My burgers came off the grill tasting and smelling like lighter fluid. Are there any ways to reduce or remove the taste and smell from the leftovers? In the future I'm using one of those charcoal chimney starters, so I won't need any lighter fluid at all.
Best Answer
- Make sure you don't squirt the fluid all over the grill. Keep it on the charcoal.
- If you have to apply more fluid after you've lit it, you're doing it wrong. Douse the charcoal then wait a few minutes for it to soak in. This is a common mistake. People often pour on the fluid and immediately light it. It then burns away before the charcoal can ignite and they have to try again. You end up putting more fluid into the grill than is necessary.
- Let it burn long enough to burn away all the lighter fluid. It sounds like you aren't letting the charcoal burn long enough before putting the burgers on the grill.
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How do you make your food not taste like lighter fluid?
Whiskey: If you have some high-proof whiskey, or any other high-proof alcohol, a little can be used in place of lighter fluid to start your charcoal. Newspaper: Crumple up about 10 single sheets of newspaper into loose balls and stuff them under your charcoal for a quick and natural way to light charcoal.Is it OK to eat food that taste like lighter fluid?
The truth is, the flavor from lighter fluid will usually cook right into your food, and leave a bad taste in your mouth. Lighter fluid is actually a regulated product because it has the potential to trigger photochemical smog, which in some areas can be a major problem.Why does my grilled burger taste like lighter fluid?
Make sure you don't squirt the fluid all over the grill. Keep it on the charcoal. Let it burn long enough to burn away all the lighter fluid. It sounds like you aren't letting the charcoal burn long enough before putting the burgers on the grill.How do you get the charcoal taste out of food?
In restaurants, that is well known as the one flavor you can't mask, you just have to dump the whole batch and move on. You can feel free to take a shot at masking it with acid (lemon, vinegar, ...), salt, sugar, and spices, but I don't think it is going to work.How to light Charcoal With Lighter Fluid : Why your Food Taste like lighter fluid.
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Answer 2
If they're really thick burgers, like my dad used to make, it's possible that the inside isn't as bad if you slice off the outside. (and then maybe warm up, and break it up into something strongly flavored, like a tomato sauce heavy on the garlic) ...
... but it's likely that it's just a loss. Just remember -- learn from your mistakes, and be thankful that at least you didn't burn down anything (the house, a stove, etc.)
Answer 3
Don't use it! Just use some newspaper in a metal mesh tube (chimney starter), or newspaper and some kindling wood for hard charcoals
If you want a liquid starter use Meths (methylated spirits, denatured alcohol, industrial alcohol), it leaves no taste or smell after the flames have gone. Pour out 1/2 cup over the charcoal heap. Let it soak for 20 seconds, stand back and flick a match in. Never add Mmeths once the fire has started
Lighter fluid is for liquid cigarette lighters, not for starting BBQ's. I suspect some bad TV cook show host used it instead of Meths for an instant start or 'safety', and the rest is history...
For a nicer smoke use seasoned hard wood pieces, not charcoal. It takes another 15 minutes to get going and to be fully burnt to embers. You don't need starter fluid of any type, just old newspaper and some kindling sticks
It tastes much nicer and you known what you are cooking from. Not all charcoal is 100% wood, at various times they have contained borax, coal, and nitrates
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