8 Hot Grilling Tips to Have you Grilling Like an Expert
With the unofficial start of summer happening on Memorial Day, the grilling season has officially begun. Whether you use charcoal, gas, or a smoker, there are a variety of ways to create delicious meals using a barbecue. As a homeowner, one of the most exciting times of year is being able to fire up the grill (unless you’re a diehard who grills year-round, even in the snow).
In recent years, there’s been a growing trend to expand the living space outdoors, and since the kitchen is considered the “heart of the home,” it’s safe to say the grill is the heart of the outdoor experience. Homeowners are building elaborate outdoor kitchens with their grills as the centerpiece of an outdoor entertaining space. In the recent Parade of Homes, several of the featured designs included sizeable outdoor gathering spaces with built-in grills.
Regardless of what you use for grilling, or what your grilling space looks like, anyone can be a grilling expert.
There are tons of grilling recipes available online, but what truly separates grill experts from novices are the techniques used to manage their grills.
Today we’re going to share some tips to maximize your grilling experience to help you become a grilling master.
Preheat the Grill
To have the best experience using your grill, just like you’d preheat an oven, your grill also needs to be preheated. Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, fire up the grill, close the lid, and keep it closed for at least 15 minutes (longer for charcoal). Have the burners on high if you’re using gas or the coals glowing red for charcoal-Aim for a temperature over 500 degrees F.
Preheating the grill loosens and burns away leftover bits from previous grilling sessions. It also helps prevent food from sticking to your grates, allowing you to get a proper sear.
Clean the Grill
After your grill has warmed sufficiently, you’ll want to scrape away any leftover bits that haven’t burned off. Most people suggest using a stiff, wire brush to clean the grill. There are silicone and wood-based options, as well. Replace the wire brush if bristles get loose or worn.
Oil up the Grates
Even if your grill is clean, sometimes food will stick to the grates. You can limit this by oiling up the grates before placing the food on. You can use a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel and tongs to apply.
Grill with the Lid Closed
Keeping the grill’s lid closed helps keep the grates hot. It also speeds up cooking time and prevents the food from drying out. The lid also traps in the smokiness that develops from the drippings. Finally, it prevents flare-ups by limiting oxygen.
Grilling Time and Temperature
Use a timer to monitor how long you’re grilling. Also, you need to be aware of the temperature to avoid overcooking your food. Use a thermometer or wireless probe to keep tabs on what you’re cooking. If you’re grilling in a colder climate or at a higher altitude, things will take longer to grill. Also, if the wind is blowing hard, it will lower the temperature of a gas grill and raise the temperature of a charcoal grill.
Your grill should be 400-450°F for High Heat, 350-400°F for Medium-High, 300-350°F for Medium and 250-300°F for Low.
Direct vs. Indirect Grilling
Direct heat is when the fire is directly below the food you’re cooking. This method is generally best for small, tender pieces of food that will cook in under 20 minutes.
Indirect heat is when the fire is on either side of the food that’s being prepared. This method is generally better for larger, tougher cuts of meat that require more than 20 minutes to cook.
Flare-Ups are Not Cool
Flare-ups can burn your food, so keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. If the flare-ups get bad, you can move the food off the heat to indirect cooking temporarily. Spraying water is not a recommended remedy either as that can reduce the temperature and create unnecessary steam.
Caramelization is Key
One reason grilled food is popular is because of its seared taste. To get this, the secret is to maximize the cooking time of the item. It’s essential to resist the temptation to turn things frequently, as doing so will lessen the caramelization effect. Generally, you should only be turning food once.
While it takes some professional grill masters years to hone their craft, these tips will help you be the master of your home’s grill.