Simple Tips for Grilling in Summer

May 20
13:18

2024

Corick Stephunt

Corick Stephunt

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Summer is the ideal season for grilling. With perfect weather for outdoor activities, kids out of school, and families on vacation, it's no wonder that barbecues are a staple of the season. In the United States, over 90% of families attend at least one barbecue each year, making it a quintessential summer activity. To ensure your barbecue is a hit, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Grilling Do’s and Don’ts

1. Start with a Clean Grill

Always begin with a thoroughly clean grill. The delicious fish you cooked last week was great,Simple Tips for Grilling in Summer Articles but unless you want a hint of fish with your hot dogs, you need to clean your grill before cooking. It's recommended to clean your grill after every use. Wait until it cools down, then clean the surfaces with baking soda and the racks with grease-fighting dish soap and water.

2. Use Nonstick Cooking Spray

Before you start cooking, spray your cooking area with a nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent your meat from sticking when you are rotating or removing it. If your meat sticks and tears, you’ll lose a significant amount of juice, and your meat might dry out.

3. Wait for the Right Temperature

Never place food on the grill until the temperature is correct. Fluctuating temperatures can cause your food to dry out or burn. If you are using a charcoal grill, ensure that the coals are completely gray before putting the meat on the grill. This allows the temperatures to level out and the majority of the lighter fluid to burn off.

4. Be Cautious with Barbecue Sauce

While marinating before cooking can add flavor, covering your meat in barbecue sauce before cooking can dry it out and even cause it to burn. Most barbecue sauces contain high amounts of fat and sugar, which burn easily. Instead, lightly season your meat, which will work well without adverse effects. If you must use barbecue sauce, only add it in the final minutes before taking your meat off the grill. Remember, meat has a natural flavor that is enhanced by grilling, so you don’t want to ruin that.

5. Sear and Then Reduce Heat

Searing your meat will lock in the juices and flavor, but you don’t want to cook your meat at that high temperature for the entire time. Once you have seared both sides, reduce the heat to medium. This ensures your meat is flavorful and tender.

6. Avoid Cross-Contamination

Once meat is cooked, never put it back on the same plate you had it on when it was raw. This can cause the spread of many unwanted illnesses. Don’t handle cooked meat with the same utensils you used when it was raw.

7. Don’t Poke Your Meat

Poking holes in meat while it is cooking can cause the juice inside to leak out into the bottom of the grill. Not only will this make your food dry and unappealing, but it can also potentially ruin your barbecue grill. At the very least, it will cause a buildup of unwanted grease and juices on your grill, making cleanup more difficult.

Interesting Stats About Grilling

  • Grilling Popularity: According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), 75% of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker. Source
  • Seasonal Trends: The Fourth of July is the most popular grilling day, with 68% of grill owners firing up their grills. Source
  • Health Concerns: A study by the National Cancer Institute found that cooking meat at high temperatures, such as grilling, can create chemicals that may increase cancer risk. Source

By following these tips and being mindful of the do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable grilling experience this summer. Happy grilling!

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