When it comes to grilling, there are basically no rules – it all comes down to your preferences. Charcoal or gas grill? Lightly seasoned or full of flavor? Well done meat or not? But with that being said, there are still some basic guidelines that every griller should follow in order to have a successful barbecue session.
Keep these 5 grilling dos and don’ts in mind for a smooth cookout:
DO – Practice Safety
Grilling can be dangerous if safety precautions are not practiced. To protect yourself from flare-ups or fires, wear grilling gloves and use long-handled tools, such as brushes and flip-flops. Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times. More importantly, only cook in an open space, away from anything that could easily catch fire.
DON’T – Use a grill cover when cooking over hot coals.
According to John Wiloughby and Chris Schlesinger, authors of Let the Flames Begin (a popular barbecue cookbook), one of the biggest mistakes grillers make is covering the grate when cooking food directly over coals. When the fat from the meat begins to drip onto the coals, it turns to smoke, which in turn gives the food a bitter smoky flavor. Instead, divide your grill into direct and indirect heat portions and move food accordingly as you cook.
DO – Clean and oil your grates before every grilling session
Keeping your grill clean helps maintain the freshness and safety of your food. Oiling the grates before each session helps prevent food from sticking and also gives your food those appetizing grill marks.
NO – Kill rate hikes by spraying them with water
A common mistake when grilling is to spray water on the flare-ups. This will not only affect the heat, but also bring the ashes from the charcoal into the food. One important thing to remember is that flare-ups are unavoidable but they can be controlled. When a flare-up occurs, move the food to the cooler part of the grill until it’s gone.
YES – Allow your food to “sit”
When you have finished cooking food, especially meat, on the grill, give it a few minutes to “rest” before cutting and serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the juices to absorb, resulting in a tastier dish.
Whether you’re a newbie to grilling or not, these basic grilling do’s and don’ts will help you have a safe, fun, and hassle-free grilling session.