No meal tastes quite as good and as satisfying as the ones you enjoy during an office BBQ party, especially when it’s the first one of the year. If you just bought a grill or are simply thinking about buying your first grill, you might be wondering if you will be able to host your BBQ party.
You probably won’t feel like a great BBQ chef the first time you use your grill. But with practice, you will develop your skills and impress your guests. These nine tips will show you how to barbecue right so you can make the most of your grill.
Tip #1: Learn more about the different types of grills
If you want to be able to feed a crowd, you should consider buying a large grill. If you know, you will mostly be grilling meals for yourself and your family, and you can opt for a smaller one. Yet, the type of grill you choose also makes a difference.
A charcoal grill might be your best option if you crave a delicious smoky flavour. You will need to heat coals each time you want to barbecue some food, and your grill’s temperature might be harder to regulate than if you were using a gas grill.
A gas grill is more expensive than a charcoal grill, but it’s also easier to clean. A gas barbecue is quicker to heat up, and its temperature is easier to control. If you want to achieve a smoky flavour on a gas grill, you will need to get some wood chips, let them soak in water for an hour, and place them either in a smoke box or inside an aluminum foil pouch.
Tip #2: Never barbecue on a dirty grill
If you just got a brand new grill, you don’t have to worry about it being dirty. But in the future, if you want to barbecue right, never use a dirty grill.
A wire-bristle brush will help you clean off the grease and bits of burnt food that will stick to the grates after each use. Once or twice a year, be sure to thoroughly clean your grill.
Tip #3: Choose between direct or indirect heat
Direct heat is perfect for foods that can be cooked quickly, such as burgers and hot dogs.
As for indirect heat, you should use it for meat you want to cook more slowly. Before you try cooking anything new on your grill, research to ensure you use the right heat settings.
Tip #4: Always preheat your grill
To preheat a charcoal grill, you can simply pack it with coals, then light them after spraying them with lighter fluid. You can also use a chimney starter, which allows you to light the coals without requiring lighter fluid.
You will have to wait at least 20 minutes for the coals to be ready before you can place some meat on your grill.
For a gas grill, you don’t have to wait that long. Once your propane tank is properly attached to your grill, simply turn the dial to choose the temperature. Be sure the lid is open when you start your gas grill. Then, you will have to wait around 10 minutes for it to warm up.
Tip #5: Turn the food you are grilling only once or twice
You need quality tools to handle the foods you cook on your grill. A spatula and a pair of tongs should be your best allies, but you can also get a fork and a basting brush.
Be sure not to turn your meat more than once or twice, so it will keep its juices. For the same reason, you should avoid poking it with a fork while it cooks.
Tip #6: Wrap veggies and fruits in foil to grill them
If you also want to barbecue veggies and fruits, it’s a good idea to wrap them in a pouch of aluminum foil before placing them on the grates.
You can also grill them after putting them on skewers.
Tip #7: Keep the lid of your grill open
It’s best to keep the lid of your grill open while you cook. This way, you will know when your food is ready and avoid overcooking it or burning it.
Tip #8: Add the sauce during the last few minutes of grilling
If you want more flavour to your meat with some delicious sauce, wait until it’s almost done before adding it. If you add the sauce too soon, it will burn.
Wait for the last 5 minutes of cooking, then use a basting brush to apply your sauce to the meat.
Tip #9: Use a meat thermometer to know when your meat is ready
The best way to ensure your meat is ready is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of cooked meat depends on which type of meat you are grilling.
After removing your meat from the grill, let it sit for a few minutes before serving it.
