Before you pick up the tongs and arm yourself with lighter fluid, there are some simple grilling hints and tips that will make life easier and food tastier.
Before grilling: Even if the barbecue was cleaned thoroughly after the last meal, it is still important to clean it again. At the very least, scrape the grate and loosen the food particles with a wire grill brush before firing the grill up. Ideally, take the time to wash it with soapy water or spray the grate with oven cleaner. If using the latter methods, the grill needs to be rinsed thoroughly.
Once the barbecue is cleaned, coat the grate with non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil. Next, open the vents at the bottom of the barbecue and preheat. For a charcoal grill it takes 30 minutes, for a gas grill approximately 15 minutes. If you are using coals, gray ash will be the signal that the temperature is sufficient.
Grilling foods: To avoid dangerous flare-ups, all excess fat should be trimmed from meat. After placing meat on the barbecue, do not turn it too soon in order to let the juices seal. Use separate containers of grilling sauce or marinade for brushing and for passing at the table to avoid cross contamination. Only glaze the food just before it is done or the sauce will just burn away.
Vegetables should be grilled to the side of the barbecue, not in the middle where it is hotter. For a smoky flavor, put the grill cover down; otherwise leave it up.
After grilling: Once finished with the last piece of food on a gas grill, cover the grate with a piece of aluminum foil. Then, turn the gas up on high for a minute or so before shutting the barbecue off. This forces the heat to burn off some of the food that was left behind. Let the grill cool down, then ball up that same piece of foil and use it to brush the ash off the grilling surface.
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Quick tip for the barbecue including a guide to the proper temperature for safe meat |
Dry rib rub recipes are essential for anyone who wants to make great ribs. Best of all, these recipes can be adjusted to create a flavor that matches your taste buds. |
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A collection of barbecue and grilling tips and recipes ranging from grilling ribs to how to grill filet mignon to cooking roast beef on a rotisserie. |
Grilling cleaning may not be a fun task, but it will help to lengthen life of your expensive investment. Get tips on making the job easier. |
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Don't ruin an exquisite piece of meat like filet mignon by grilling it incorrectly |
Learning the basics of charcoal grilling is one of those tasks you must accomplish before using a charcoal grill, unless you want potentially burned food, hands or home. |
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These basic BBQ safety tips are a must-have when summer approaches and millions of people dust off their barbecues, ready to enjoy the weather and delicious grilled food. |
Tips for cooking roast beef on the grill, including a recipe for tangy lemon marinade. |
