Thinking of firing up the grill to enjoy some al fresco dining? Whether you’ve just unboxed a shiny new grill or looking to improve your barbecue skills, you’ve come to the right place. Grilling can be intimidating at first, but it’s also a lot of fun — so light those coals or turn on that gas and get started with some essential grilling tips for beginners.
Grilling can seem a bit complicated at first but fear not, this guide is packed with practical advice and handy tricks to help you feel more confident in front of the flames. From setting up your grill to achieving the perfect sear, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your grilling experience a success. Fire it up and be ready to become the next neighborhood barbecue hero.
Start with a clean grill
First things first, always start with a clean grill; a dirty one can cause flare-ups and impart unwanted flavors to your food. Use a grill brush to scrub off any leftover residue from previous cookouts. If you’re using a gas grill, ensure the burners are clean and free of debris. For charcoal grills, remove any old ash before adding new coals. A clean grill not only ensures better-tasting food but also helps maintain even heat distribution.
Preheat your grill
Just like you would preheat an oven, it’s important to preheat your grill. This step ensures that your food cooks evenly and helps prevent sticking. For gas grills, turn on all burners to high and close the lid for about 10 to 15 minutes. For charcoal grills, light the coals and let them burn until they’re covered with a light layer of ash, usually about 20 to 30 minutes. Once your grill is hot, you’re ready to start cooking.
Oil the grates
To prevent your food from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates before placing anything on them. You can do this by folding a paper towel into a small square, dipping it in a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil and using tongs to rub it over the grates. Be careful not to use too much oil, as it can cause flare-ups.
Master the 2-zone setup
One of the keys to successful grilling is mastering the two-zone setup. This means creating a hot zone for direct grilling and a cooler zone for indirect grilling. For gas grills, turn one side to high heat and leave the other side on low or off. For charcoal grills, pile the coals on one side of the grill. The hot zone is perfect for searing meats, while the cooler zone allows you to cook food more slowly and evenly without burning.
Know your grilling times
Different foods require different cooking times and temperatures. For beginners, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of grilling times for common foods:
- Burgers: four to five minutes per side for medium rare.
- Steaks: four to six minutes per side for medium rare, depending on thickness.
- Chicken breasts: six to eight minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Vegetables: four to 10 minutes, depending on type and size.
Use these times as a guideline, but always keep an eye on your food to prevent overcooking. A meat thermometer is a great investment to ensure your meats are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Don’t forget the lid
The grill lid is there for a reason — use it. Keeping the lid closed helps maintain a consistent temperature and infuses your food with that delicious smoky flavor. It’s especially important for thicker cuts of meat and foods that need to be cooked all the way through. Open the lid only when you need to flip your food or check for doneness.
Flip and turn properly
When it comes to flipping your food, resist the urge to constantly poke and prod. Let your food cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust and grill marks. Use tongs or a spatula to gently flip your food once halfway through the cooking time. For items like chicken or larger cuts of meat, you may need to turn them to ensure even cooking.
Use marinades and rubs
Marinades and rubs are your best friends when it comes to adding flavor to grilled foods. Marinades typically consist of oil, various seasonings and an acid like vinegar or citrus juice; they’re great for tenderizing and infusing meats with flavor. Rubs are a mixture of spices and herbs that you apply directly to the surface of the food. They create a flavorful crust and can be used on everything from steaks to veggies. Marinate your meats for at least 30 minutes or overnight and apply rubs shortly before grilling.
Let it rest
Once your food is cooked, resist the temptation to dig in right away. Let your meat rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This redistributes the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bite. For steaks and chops, a rest time of about five minutes is usually sufficient. For larger cuts like roasts, let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Experiment and have fun
One of the best parts about grilling is that it’s a chance to get creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades, rubs and even types of wood chips for smoking. Try grilling fruits like pineapple or peaches for a sweet treat, or make grilled pizzas for a fun twist on a classic. The more you grill, the more comfortable you’ll become with the process and the more you’ll enjoy it.
Safety first
Last but certainly not least, always prioritize safety. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to douse any unexpected flare-ups. Ensure your grill is on a stable surface and away from anything flammable. Never leave your grill unattended and always have a meat thermometer on hand to ensure your food is cooked to a safe temperature.
Enjoy the sizzling experience
So there you have it. With these tips in your grilling arsenal, you’re well on your way to becoming a confident and capable grill master. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t flawless. Keep grilling, keep experimenting and, most importantly, keep enjoying the delicious results. Happy grilling!
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love.
This article originally appeared on Grill What You Love.