Prime grilling season is here! Time to get out that grill, wash it off, check the gas tank and get out those utensils. Make sure you have lots of aluminum foil, barbecue sauce, meat and vegetables because it's grilling time!
Are you worried because your grill skills are rather lackluster? Do your friends bring tacos to your barbecue? if so, here are some tips to help you on your way to becoming the perfect Grill Master!
Make sure to preheat the grill - You cannot get a good sear if you put your food down on a cold grill. The food could stick and rip to pieces when you try to turn it, and it can make meat or chicken taste different. (not in a good way) You should turn your grill on at least 10 minutes before starting to cook.
Make sure to use the right temperature - for what you are cooking. You can use positioning of the items to help with this. For chicken and thicker cuts of meat and fish, medium or medium-low heat works well for most cuts because the center needs time to cook through before the exterior burns. For hot dogs, sausages, and brats is also ideal to allow the links to cook evenly before finishing them over high heat to crisp up the casing.
Use Cooking Zones - a common mistake in grilling is to set the whole grill on the same temperature. It is so much easier to cook different things at once if you have high heat on one side, low heat on the other side and leave the middle off completely for indirect cooking or warming. Use each zone for what you are trying to accomplish on each item at the proper time.
To add hickory flavor on a gas grill- soak hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes and wrap in double aluminum foil and seal, then poke holes in it with a toothpick. Lay this packet on top of your gas grill's burner to get delicious flavor.
Use an aluminum can to hold your barbecue sauce - you don't want to save leftover sauce since it has been contaminated with your grill brush covered in raw juices, so just use a tin can and toss it when you are done!
Use a variety of sauces - BBQ sauce is not the only sauce that is great for grilling. Teriyaki or Hoisin sauce is also tasty, as is honey mustard. Red hot sauce is perfect for making hot wings!
Easy way to grill for vegetarians or veggie lovers - Make "veggie packs" and grill them before your guests arrive, then leave them on the outer edges of the grill to stay warm. To make them, simply put peppers, onions, zucchini, potatoes or any other veggies you have on hand, in tin foil with garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt, and seal. Grill for 15 or 20 minutes.
The secret to grilling fish - seal each piece in an individual foil envelope, than way it is easy to cook and you don't have to worry about it falling apart. It also helps keep the fish moist, and you can add a lemon slice and seasonings for flavor.
How to avoid dry grilled food - you can avoid problem by using a marinade. One of my favorites is Italian salad dressing. It is wonderful on any kind of meat or seafood. It also makes grilled vegetables more tasty. You can also make marinade from store bought packets or internet recipes.
Don't over flip - don't constantly flip your meat because you are bored or impatient. It will cook even more slowly if turned over excessively.
Forget the smash - Do not smash food items on your grill! All this will do is push out the juices and make them dry inside.
Grill some fruit Put sheets of aluminum foil on your grill and brush pieces of pineapple, apple, melon and cantaloupe with honey. Grill on both sides and serve warm.
When grilling shish kebobs - cut your meat and vegetable pieces bigger and use two skewers per kebob. Your pieces will be much less likely to fall off or spin on the skewer so one half is always toward the fire. Don't forget to soak wood skewers in water before use so they won't burn on the grill.
Avoid Overcooking - Once an item is removed from the grill, it continues to cook from the heat inside. To avoid overcooking, you should remove your food from the grill 5 to 10 minutes before it is fully done.
To keep food items that you grill warm - use two small 6 pack coolers, one for meat and one for vegetables to keep extra them warm and away from insects.
One of my favorite items I use in grilling is my BBQ Grill Basket. It saves time because it flips more than one item at a time and it also keeps items from falling apart, like hamburgers, or fish fillets. My favorite thing to cook in it is vegetables. I just slice up our favorite vegetables, season and brush with Italian dressing and place them in the basket, close it and place on the grill. I usually only flip it once after 10 minutes and it another 10, you are ready to serve. (Potatoes may take longer) It is the perfect side to steak, pork chops and burgers! I bought mine at Amazon and when I bought it the price was only $15 and it came with a silicone brush! I highly recommend it!
UNCO- BBQ Grill Basket
I hope these tips help to elevate your grilling talents. Your friends and family will love the results, I promise!
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