I love food any way it’s cooked, or not (sushi anyone?). But there is just something about grilling in the summertime that makes things taste better. Maybe it’s being outside, the smell of the charcoal, or the fact that I get to relax a little while my husband does the grilling. Whatever the reason, if it can be grilled that’s my preference.
Grilling Tips
From the classic burger and brat to pizza and salmon, our family loves to grill. It’s true my husband is the grill master but I am a worthy assistant. Whether you are using a gas grill, charcoal or even a smoker, here are a few helpful tips to get the most out of your grilling experience this summer.
Warm it up
This pertains to the grill and your meat of choice. It’s not ideal to take meat from the fridge directly to the grill. The colder the meat, the longer it will take to cook. Ideally, let meat sit out at room temp for 20-30 minutes before grilling.
You also want to give your grill plenty of time to preheat. A great time to start up your grill is while the meat is resting.
Don’t poke or turn meat too much
Resist the urge to poke, stab, or repeatedly turn your meat. Lifting the meat off the grill before it is ready can cause it to stick and poking the meat to check for doneness can make the meat dry by letting the juices escape. Use tongs or a spatula to turn meat.
How do you know if it’s done?
Keep in mind that meat will continue to cook when it comes off the grill. You’ll want to remove the meat just before it’s done and let it rest before cutting. This helps the juices settle. Use a thermometer to make sure your food is cooked properly.
Clean it
Keep your grill grate clean. It is easiest to clean the grill when it is still hot; this helps easily remove burnt bits of food that may be stuck. Aluminum foil can be so useful in cleaning grills. Crumple foil into a ball, hold with tongs, and use as a brush if you don’t have one on hand. You can also line the inside bottom of your cooker with foil for easy cleanup.
Get adventurous with your grilling! It’s not just for dinner; grilled peaches and ice cream can be a yummy dessert. Stick to these basics and try new things and see what works best for you. Happy grilling!
What are your best grilling tips?
