It’s finally summertime, which means there are lots of fun days ahead for entertaining family and friends in the backyard. Summer grilling a great way to get into the spirit of the season and enjoy some delicious foods with your favorite people.
If you’re new to cooking out or just need a refresher, here are some tips for how to grill and become the ultimate grill master in your neighborhood.
Clean the Grill Before Cooking
So that your food doesn’t taste like last night’s leftovers, make sure to clean the grates of your grill between uses. Grills are easiest to clean with a metal brush when they’re still warm.
Preheat the Grill
Just as your oven inside the house needs preheating, so does your grill. Most grills benefit from a preheating period of about 15 to 20 minutes before putting food on them. This helps the grill sear the food when contact is made and keeps the inside of the food moist without sticking. Preheating also helps to kill bacteria that might be lingering on your grill and improve the flavor with better caramelization.
Oil the Grate to Prevent Sticking
Many amateur home chefs are accustomed to using liquid or spray oil before cooking in the kitchen but they don’t think about this step with an outside grill. To avoid sticking out on the grill, use tongs and an oil-soaked paper towel.
Be Prepared with a Backup Gas Tank
If you have a gas grill, you certainly don’t want to run out of fuel mid-cookout. Have a second gas tank available to swap out in case the first one becomes depleted while you’re still grilling.
Have Your Meat Thermometer Ready
Grilled meats that are undercooked can make your guests very sick. Don’t rely upon your sense of touch or a timer to ensure that meats are thoroughly cooked. Instead, buy a meat thermometer to check the temperature and keep everyone safe.
Flip Just Once When Possible
A common mistake among rookie grillers is flipping meats back and forth too many times. However, the best-tasting foods often result from having just have one grill session per side. Practice makes perfect with this!
Include Meatless Option for Your Veggie Guests
Meat is the most common food that people think about for summer grilling, but you can offer many additional options when you’re the grill master. To accommodate your vegetarian and vegan guests, consider grilling vegetable skewers or plant-based proteins in addition to standard hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs.
Or…Hire a Professional Grill Master Instead!
If you don’t have the time or interest to learn the tips and tricks of summer grilling but you still want amazing grilled food at your backyard barbecues, Household Staffing International can help. We offer private chef services and can connect you with expert chefs who can help out behind the grill this summer.
When you hire a personal chef to handle the grill duties at your home, you will have more time to socialize with your guests, play fun yard games, and run around with the kids. Professional grill masters can also introduce a wider variety of grilled foods to your parties and really “wow” your friends and family with diverse, healthy, and delicious options.
To learn more about hiring a summer chef, contact us at 212-683-7722 or fill out our online form.