After the pandemic in 2020, the grill industry has recovered, and we are pleased to say summer grilling will be in full effect this year. But, before you pour in the charcoal and get the flames going, there are some grilling tips you need to know.
There’s no need to let your corn char, because we’ve got all the cooking advice you need to ensure every summer BBQ is better than the last one. Check out this need-to-know grilling advice below.
1. Clean the Grill
If you have one of the best budget ceramic grill products out there, or any grill for that matter, you need to begin by cleaning it. Nobody wants pieces of fish stuck to their chicken, because it’s not going to taste very pleasant.
Before you put any meats or vegetables on the grill, it’s best to take a metal brush and clean the cooking grate off. It’s the easiest to do once your girl has had a chance to heat up because the particles of past foods won’t be as stuck in place as they would be if you attempted to clean the grill when it’s cold.
If you don’t want to add this step every time you grill, it’s best if you give it a brush after every use. It makes it easier for you to open the grill and start cooking the next time you need it.
2. Leave the Meat Alone
Some of us are under the impression that the more we move the meat around, the quicker it will cook. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, by moving it around, the meat takes longer to cook.
When you place meat on the grill, leave it alone to cook. If you notice the meat is sticking to the grates of the grill, it means the meat needs to be left to cook for a little bit longer before it’s done.
When meat is done cooking, it will unstick itself from the grill, and then you can grab your tongs and flip it to begin cooking on the other side.
3. Invest in a Meat Thermometer
We’ve all had it happen to us at one point or another. We look at the meat and think it’s done, only to cut into a raw piece of steak or chicken.
Depending on how you like your steak, that might not be a huge issue, but nobody wants their chicken to be raw, because it can cause them to be sick. As you take on grilling this summer, we recommend you invest in a meat thermometer.
A meat thermometer will tell you the exact doneness of your meat and take the guessing out of grilling. When checking the temperature of different foods, ensure you place the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, because this part will take longer to cook than a thinner part.
Once the thermometer says the meat is done cooking, remove the meat from the grill, let it rest, and enjoy.
4. Let Cold Meats Come to Room Temperature
When you know you’re going to spend your time outside grilling, you should prepare the meat you will cook accordingly. This means taking it out at least thirty minutes before it’s scheduled to go on the grill.
By allowing cold meat to come to room temperature, you increase the chances of the meat getting an even cook. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you wish to cook something rare or medium-rare, then taking the meat out ahead of time isn’t as important as it would be for other types of meats you plan to use.
5. Don’t Overcook the Meat
Ensure you have your cooking tools handy for when it’s time to remove the meat from the grill. The last thing anyone wants is overcooked meat. It’s actually best to undercook your meat by a few minutes, because when you remove food from your grill, it will continue to cook.
This means if you’ve overcooked a steak and then take it off the grill as it continues to cook and rest, it will become tough. While we’re on the subject of taking meat off the grill, don’t immediately cut into it.
The meat needs time to rest and ensure all that delicious juice stays inside for you to enjoy when you eat it. Depending on the type of meat you’ve cooked, you should allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before you plate and serve it to your guests.
6. Keep Things Simple
When you’re grilling, keep it as simple as possible, because managing different cook times can be complicated. We recommend only cooking a few types of meats while providing an array of side dishes that don’t have to be cooked.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with grilling veggies, but you will have to consider that they will need to go on the grill closer to the end of the meat cooking time or they will be overcooked.
Grilling Tips: Making the Most of Every Grilling Experience
We’ve compiled a list of our top grilling tips to ensure you make the most of every occasion. Don’t forget to take your meet out ahead of time and allow yourself time to clean your grill off.
Before you light the grill in preparation for your next event, take some time to scroll through some of our other posts. We know you won’t be disappointed with our other reads.
