When the weather starts to change, it’s exciting to finally fire up the grill and enjoy time outside. Although grilling may seem easy, there’s always room for improvement. Employ these steps to become the grill master of your backyard BBQ.
Start With the Right Tools
All grills are not created equal, and the same goes for your other grilling utensils. If you have an old hand-me-down grill, maybe it’s time to invest in a new model. Make sure you have different grill plates if you’re cooking chicken or fish. Buy a pair of heat-proof tongs. They are easier to work with and won’t puncture your meat. Consider buying accessories for your grill, such as shelves or extra work surfaces, to make the process easier.
Don’t Forget the Prep Work
Grilling the perfect steak, burger, or sausage starts long before you throw the meat on the grill. Spend a little extra time finding the perfect marinade for the meat, and let it marinate overnight. Make sure you take the meat out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature before putting it on the grill. Find the right BBQ sauce if you’re using one, and get creative instead of buying the first one you see. All of this prep work will make a big difference in the final product.
Grill to Perfection
Make sure you pre-heat the grill before you start to cook. The grill is just right when you can’t hold your hand an inch above it without flinching. Find the right cooking temperature. If it’s too hot, then you will have a raw inside and a charred outside. If you’re cooking burgers or steaks, don’t keep flipping them. The best way to grill these meats is to cook each side only once.
Add Killer Sides
A big mistake people make at a BBQ is to focus all the attention on the meat and make sides an afterthought. Although an expensive steak or perfect burger is great, it’s diminished when paired with corner store potato salad. Enlist the help of your family or guests to prepare delicious homemade sides to pair with your grilled goods. You can also consider heading to a specialty store for pre-made sides that are a little more gourmet than your average coleslaw and baked beans.
Don’t Forget the Drinks
Instead of tossing some beer in a cooler, be thoughtful about the drinks you serve at your BBQ. If you’re serving steak, consider adding red wine to the menu, or if you’re serving fish and chicken, offer a crisp white. You can also pair craft beer with your food offerings. Pale ale beer goes great with blue cheese steaks. Amber beers pair well with smoked sausage.
Even if it’s just a BBQ, you want your family or guests to have the best possible experience. By paying attention to the details, and working on your grilling technique, you will be a master of the backyard BBQ in no time.
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