If you’re new to the grill or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered! Here are 15 genius grilling tips that will be sure to be crowd-pleasers all summer long.
1. Use a muffin tray for condiments
Keep all of your barbecue trimmings in one convenient place: a muffin tray! The 12 sections are ideally suited for housing your condiments.
2. Clean with an onion
The next time you use your grill, clean it while it’s still hot. Slice an onion in half, and use it to scrub the drippings and other gunk off your grill. It should come off quickly.
3. Layer your grate for veggies
Place an old barbecue grate across your existing one before grilling vegetables. The grid should keep your veggies from slipping through while giving you the flame-licked taste you savor.
4. Vegetable parcels
If you like chunkier vegetables, wrap spiced sweet potato, potato, or zucchini squares in foil and throw them on the grill. After 10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, healthful side dish!
5. Lean into the Veggies
Instead of meat, try grilling alternatives like tofu, bok choy, or shitake mushrooms. Don’t skimp out on the marinades, using spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to bump up the umami flavor.
6. Double your skewers per kebab, so individual pieces of meat or veggies don’t rotate on their own as you flip the kebab.
7. Add a smoker to an electric grill
Wrap some wood chips in foil, poke holes in the parcel and toss it on top of the grill’s burner below your grate. Keep your grill on medium-low. Your parcel will lend your food a hint of sensational smokiness!
8. Check your propane level
To check the propane level in your tank before you start, tilt it a bit and pour boiling water on its side – but not its top. Now feel your tank. Wherever there is propane inside, it will feel cool to the touch.
9. Smoke lemons
For an effortless burst of flavor for your grate, halve some lemons and grill them on low heat for a few minutes, peel-side down. As a bonus, add citrus slices to your kebabs and add some smoky zip as they cook!
10. Spiral your hot dogs
Skewer a hot dog and rotate it slowly as you cut it along its length for a spiraled look. It will cook more evenly, give you places for holding condiments, and looks super cool!
11. Use a foil tent
To help your cooked meat retain moisture and to distribute its juices evenly, let it rest under a loose foil tent for ten minutes before serving.
12. Try some grilled cheese – literally
Throw a wheel of cheese directly on the grill and let it melt a bit. Then, scoop it off the flames before it completely liquefies, and then serve up the most delicious, gooey spread!
13. Use all the heat!
When you’ve finished cooking, pile your still-warm grill with any foods that need to stay warm, your buns, or some foil-wrapped s’mores for a delectable dessert!
14. Embrace your sweet tooth
Think grilling is just for entrees? Think again! Try Grilling some stone fruits until they get caramelized grill marks and serving them with fresh-made ice cream. Or try some berries and oat crumble foil packets on the heat for a delicious twist on berry cobbler.
15. Keep it Simple
Managing too many proteins and veggies with differing cook times and an overfilled grill can take the fun out of an outdoor gathering. Limit the protein options, and try to plan ahead so you can organize cooking times to be most efficient. Keep the variety with interesting sides and condiments, and you’ll be sure to have rave reviews from everyone in the crowd!
