Summer is here, which means it’s the perfect time to get friends and family together and barbecue. If you don’t have any experience behind the grill, now is as good a time as ever to try it out. Put on your apron, grab your tongs, and learn some backyard grilling tips for beginners that have you cooking like a seasoned expert in no time.
Know What Type of Grill You Want To Use
The first decision you’ll have to make is what type of grill you want to use. If you live in an apartment complex like the apartments for rent in Augusta or another shared space, there might already be grills available that you can use. If not, you’ll have to purchase one on your own.
There’s a wealth of options available, including propane, charcoal, gas, and electric grills. If you’re new, a gas grill will be the easiest to use at first. A gas grill’s consistent heat is convenient to adjust with the knobs. You can also monitor it via the temperature gauge that rests on the lid of most variants. The convenience also means you can quickly cook meals on it throughout the week and build your skills. However, if you choose another type of grill, many of these tips will still apply.
Preheating Is a Must
Before you begin cooking, you should preheat your gas grill for five to 15 minutes. The amount of time you use will depend on the healing power of your grill, the outside air temperature, and the type of food you’re planning to cook. If you have a charcoal grill, allow the charcoal to burn until it produces a strong ember. Don’t start grilling while the fire is still blazing.
Bring Backup
Always keep a spare tank of propane, charcoal, pellets, wood, or your preferred fuel on hand, based on your equipment. The last thing you want is to waste hours setting everything up, only to run out of fuel halfway through cooking.
Proper Placement
Avoid cramming too much food onto the grill. Allow some room around the edges for steam and heat to rise, ensuring that everything cooks evenly. Arrange the food in orderly rows on the grill. This will help the food cook consistently and allow you to keep track of what went on the grill first so that you can turn and pull it first.
Choosing Your Foods
When choosing meat, you should stick to fresh, brightly colored cuts over frozen ones. It should also have a nice layer of fat and marbling with an even amount of thickness. It’s better to trim any fat off after the cooking process if you want it to be a little bit healthier.
If you’re planning to barbecue for a backyard party, you’ll want to do some preparation beforehand to ensure you and your guests have a great time. Check to see if anyone requires vegetarian or vegan options or has any allergies and other dietary restrictions. You might also want to buy snacks and drinks those guests can enjoy while you cook.
Utilizing these backyard grilling tips for beginners will help you start on the right foot. In no time, you’ll be grilling steaks and burgers to perfection.