A lot of people have strong views on how to best grill food at home, which can lead to many a friendly argument when opposing styles and views meet at a home-grill event. However, regardless of whether you have many years of grilling experience or a complete novice there’s always something to learn – and here we cover five great tips on grilling at home from experts. To keep it fair they all apply to those using either gas or charcoal powered grills.
Expert Tip #1 – Allow enough time to heat the grill
Gas grills heat up much faster than charcoal types but regardless, any grill needs time to get to the best temperature for the food you plan to cook. This not only helps kills off any bugs lurking around since you cleaned the grill after its last use, but also helps keep the food moist inside.
Expert Tip #2 – Give the food a chance
Of course, it’s tempting to start messing with the food after it’s been on the grill for mere minutes. Stop! Don’t be tempted to keep flipping or turning things every twenty seconds, instead leave it be to allow the bottom to sear from the heat. When you can move it without leaving half the meat on the grill it’s ready to turn (once).
Expert Tip #3 – Preheat food if needed – to be safe
Jokes about burnt sausages which are still raw inside are based on truth, and when you have the same result in food like chicken there’s a huge risk of really making yourself, family or guests ill. If at all possible get poultry started in the microwave before transferring to the grill so you can make sure it cooks through without burning. [Testing with a meat thermometer, of course]
Expert Tip #4 – Use a basket for delicate items
Larger pieces of meat like steak, hamburgers and chicken can hold their own on the grill, but more delicate items such as fish, vegetables or tofu are best cooked in a basket placed onto the grill. If you spray it with cooking oil beforehand the food won’t stick to the basket.
Expert Tip #5 – Tong don’t fork
Although many people think a huge grill fork is an essential piece of kit, (and to be fair they are usually included when you buy a grill), experts advise these are not used to turn meat as they puncture the flesh and allow juices to run away – risking a tough piece of meat. Regular or grill tongs are the choice of most grilling experts, as these don’t damage the food, in fact they have an added bonus as they are easier to use so give you a better grip on the food being cooked.
Are you guilty of not following these simple, yet so helpful, tips and ideas? Some of them could breathe new life into a grill fan who has struggled to produce delicate food or have food cook through properly – so enjoy and keep on grilling.
For more grilling tips and hints, check out Exchange Bar and Grill.
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