Backyard barbecues are a popular and fun way to enjoy your outside space and relax with family or friends, whether you’ve planned a special weekend get together or just want to enjoy a quick midweek supper. Unfortunately, many people miss out on the joys of grilling at home because they think it’s something that takes a lot of time, skill and effort to get right.
The good news is this isn’t actually the case, and once you have got to grips with the basics of how to grill properly you’ll be producing professional level food in no time – without a burnt burger or piece of underdone chicken in sight, and of course no worries about giving your guests food poisoning.
Here are our top ten tips to get you started.
- Get the right grill equipment
Okay, grilling over charcoal may be the traditional method but a gas powered BBQ is so much easier to manage (and to clean), it’s faster, and your food will be cooked evenly.
2. Buy a meat thermometer
This takes away the guesswork on exactly when your food is done, and safe to eat.
3. Have several pairs of tongs/spatulas
Raw and cooking/cooked meat needs to be handled with separate utensils, so buy plenty, and make sure they are long enough to avoid burns. Ideally have two plates in separate places to keep the tongs on, and make sure everyone who used the grill knows which is which (You may also need a protective glove as metal tongs conduct heat.)
Delicate items such as fish need to be turned with spatulas, and the same rules apply.
4. Do your research
Learning how to best grill different types of food, and buy the things you feel you can grill with confidence. You can find this kind of information online, or ask your local butcher. (Higher fat meats like burgers or sausages are usually easier to start with if you are inexperienced.)
5. Prepare your food
Marinate food before grilling where it is appropriate, for extra flavor. Flatten chicken pieces to help them cook evenly.
6. Don’t grill from cold
Allow the grill to get to the right heat before adding food to avoid tough and inedible results.
7. Oil things up
Don’t forget to brush the grill with oil before adding your delicious goodies.
8. Don’t overload the grill
Keep at least one small section of the grill free from both food and heat, (or at least keep it empty and cooler), so you have a place to move food around in, or to put the pieces which are definitely done.
9. Let the food cook!
It may be tempting to keep moving things around or flipping burgers, but this can make things fall apart. In most cases grill items only need to be turned once.
10. Keep things clean
Always clean the grill as soon as you can afterwards, as leaving it for a while makes the task much harder.
Final Words
So there are some tips that will help improve your grilling skills. If you want to learn more then head over to Exchange Bar and Grill, there you’ll find interesting blog post and articles to get your teeth into.
