50 Outstanding Grilling Tips to Help You Appear as a Pro

Begin with a Clean Grill

Demonstrating expertise to others can be achieved through how well you maintain your grill. A dirty grill can leave a negative impression on visitors, indicating both a lack of grilling knowledge and poor hygiene. Therefore, it’s important to clean your grill before hosting an event. This prevents food from sticking to the grates and ensures the flavor remains unaffected. Using an unclean grill can lead to meals being contaminated with old food residues. Hence, it’s always essential to properly prepare and clean your grill.

Prepare Steakhouse Toppings on the Grill

Have you ever wondered how restaurants provide delicious toppings for steaks and other dishes? The secret is that they grill them. That’s correct. Using a cast-iron skillet, you can sauté all your vegetables, mushrooms, asparagus, and more on the grill. The pan stops the toppings from slipping through the grates. Sautéing on the grill also enhances the flavor of the vegetables. Plus, incorporating herbs and garlic butter can win you applause from your guests. And you’ll avoid having to shuttle between the kitchen and the outdoor grill.

Use Bread to Check for Hot Spots

Many people find grilling to be time-consuming. However, that’s because they’re not using the right tricks. To cook efficiently and quickly on a grill, it’s important to know about the hot spots. These will show you the most efficient areas of your grill, helping you prepare meals faster. To locate these spots, place some slices of bread on the grill. Then, turn on the heat for a minute and flip the slices to see which ones are most charred. That area will be the best spot for cooking your steaks and other dishes.

Use a Potato to Avoid Sticking

A frequent problem at BBQ parties is food sticking to the grill, particularly with chicken. However, many are unaware that this issue can be completely avoided. By using a potato, you can transform your grill into a non-stick surface, making cooking easier. Start by heating your grill slightly. Cut a potato in half and put it on a fork or stick. Then, rub the grill with the cut side of the potato. The starch will help prevent food from sticking to the grill.

Place Your Toppings in a Muffin Pan

Muffin trays are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for both baking and grilling. Although it might seem unusual, this trick can be very useful. If you dislike setting up an extra table for condiments, there’s no need to worry anymore. You can place all the vegetables and dips in the sections of a muffin tray and keep it on the grill. This way, you won’t have to constantly move to get the condiments. You can even refrigerate the sauces and serve them in the tray to your guests. The greatest benefit is that cleanup after the party will be minimized with this trick.

Place the fish on lemon slices before grilling.

Grilling fish requires careful attention. If mishandled during flipping, it might fall through the grill grates or stick to them. A simple solution is to use lemons. Lay a bed of lemon slices on the grill and place the fish on top. This not only adds a zesty flavor but also makes cooking easier. It allows you to flip the fish effortlessly while impressing your guests with your ingenuity. The grilled lemons can be served alongside the dish to ensure nothing goes to waste.

Cook fish diagonally on the grill.

Here’s another fish trick that will make your life easier and impress your guests. One common problem with grilling fish is that it tends to fall apart. However, this is completely avoidable with a little care. Simply place the pieces of fish diagonally on the grill. This way, they will remain stable and won’t fall through the grates. Additionally, it will be much easier for you to pick up and flip the fish. Just remember to oil both the grill and the fish before positioning them diagonally.

Utilize herbs as skewers.

Herbs are excellent not only for garnishing but also as skewers. In the absence of actual skewers, they are a great substitute. You can put your vegetables on a rosemary stick and grill them briefly. This will infuse the rosemary flavor into your vegetables, and you won’t have skewers to clean afterward. However, remember not to grill them for too long, as herbs can char quickly. Also, avoid using this method with poultry items because the herb skewer cannot support their weight.

Understand When to Grill With the Lid Open

Do you ever question whether you should grill your food with the lid open or closed? This tip will clear up that curiosity. Grilling follows a basic cooking rule: if your food is ¾ inch or less in thickness, cook with the lid open. If your food is thicker than ¾ inch, close the lid. Keeping this straightforward rule in mind during your grilling session will help you prepare delicious dishes. Plus, when you share this tip with others, they’ll consider you a grilling expert.

Use a Lid from a Container to Mold Your Burger

Many people purchase costly burger presses to mold their meat into a circular form. However, did you know you can achieve the same perfect shape without spending any money? All you need is an old circular-shaped lid. You can use it to easily and quickly press your burger. To keep the lid clean, place a piece of baking paper between the meat and the lid. And there you have it—a perfect meat patty for burgers. If you have baking supplies at home, you can even use a cookie cutter.

Pour hot water over a propane tank to check its fill level.

If you rarely grill, remembering how much propane gas you have can be difficult. You can’t just open the tank to check the level either. However, with this method, you’ll never have to worry about the amount of gas. First, boil a glass of water and carefully pour it down the side of your tank. Then, feel the temperature of the tank with your hand. The part that feels hot indicates there is no gas, while the cold part shows where the propane is located. This way, you can determine if you have enough gas for your grilling activity.

Thoroughly Season the Burgers

Many people season their burgers while grilling the meat. While this is quicker, it doesn’t create meals that stand out. Therefore, it’s recommended to season your food well ahead of time. You can add seasoning when forming the raw patties, or if you’re short on time, season them an hour before the gathering. This allows the herbs and spices to infuse into the meat and improve its flavor. Consider adding a bit of brown sugar to your seasoning mix. It can significantly enhance the taste and earn you compliments from your guests.

Allow Your Steak to Come to Room Temperature

If you grill your steaks immediately after removing them from the freezer, you’re not treating the meal or your guests respectfully. Cold meat doesn’t cook evenly and takes longer than usual. Therefore, always take the steaks out at least thirty minutes before grilling and let them sit until they reach room temperature. This tip applies to all steaks and thicker cuts of meat. By placing steaks at room temperature on the grill, you’ll retain more flavor. However, for thin cuts, it’s beneficial to let them be slightly cold to prevent overcooking.

Place fruit on the grill.

If you have fruits at home that aren’t very flavorful, it’s a good opportunity to put them to use. Rather than letting them go to waste, consider grilling them. Simply place the fruit in a cast iron pan and set it on the grill. Be sure to maintain a high temperature. Fruits have natural sugars that caramelize under high heat, which brings back their sweet taste and softens them. The great thing is that all fruits can be grilled. You could also get creative by adding extra ingredients like butter to further enhance the flavor.

It’s also possible to grill a pie.

The key difference between exceptional pies and ordinary ones lies in their cooking method. Many enjoy baking pies as it’s the common approach, but to achieve the ultimate pie experience, grilling is the way to go. Grilling allows you to prepare a pie in just thirty minutes and produces a crust that’s crisper than what an oven can achieve. Plus, it eliminates the need to stay in a hot kitchen to monitor the pie. Additionally, grilling offers the option to add a variety of toppings, something that’s not possible with traditional baking.

Immerse Your Skewers in Water

Do your skewers get scorched when grilling at high temperatures? If yes, you should quickly learn this trick. With this method, your skewers will stay intact throughout the grilling process. The best part is that it’s easy. Simply fill a pitcher halfway with water. Place your skewers in it, allowing them to soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. After soaking one side, flip the skewers to soak the other ends as well. Once this is done, you can put your kebabs or other items on them and start grilling.

Employ Double Skewers

If you’re preparing to grill kebabs, shrimp, or any food on skewers, be sure to use two skewers for each. This provides better stability while cooking and prevents the food from spinning or falling when you turn them over. This tip is particularly important for shrimp, as they shrink while grilling and can easily slip through the gaps. Once you try this technique, you’ll find that transferring the food to plates is much easier with double skewers. Your guests will be impressed with your grilling expertise.

Create a Spiral Slice in Your Hot Dogs

Whenever you eat hot dogs from a cart or a shop, you might notice some cuts on them. Even online, most pictures will show the same. That’s because making a spiral cut on the sausage enhances its flavor. The cuts make you look like a cooking expert and add a caramelized taste to the hot dog. This is the reason why homemade hot dogs often seem less flavorful. So, to achieve the taste of a well-known vendor, always make some spiral cuts. Keep them close together for more even grilling.

Use a Grill Mat to Keep Your Vegetables in Position

A great way to demonstrate your expertise is by having the right grilling tools, and one essential item is a grill mat. It allows you to grill vegetables and fruits without the risk of them falling through the grates. These mats are made from different materials. A mesh tool is particularly useful for grilling small pieces of food with ease, as it prevents anything from slipping through. The best part about some grilling mats is that they are non-stick, so your food won’t get stuck. This tool will earn you extra points with your guests.

Utilize a ceramic baking stone to cook thick-crusted pizza on the grill.

Grilling is the best method, whether you’re making a thin or thick crust pizza. The charcoal enhances the flavor, and the cheese melts beautifully. However, with thick crust pizzas, you might be concerned about the dough sticking to the grill. While this might not be an issue with family, it could make a bad impression in front of guests. To prevent any embarrassment, simply use a ceramic stone and place it under the dough while grilling. This will enable you to grill without worry.

Slightly undercook your meat.

Did you know that your meat continues to cook even after you remove it from the grill? This is due to the high temperature at which it is taken off. It’s one reason why some people might say their meat is overcooked. To avoid disappointing your guests, you should always remove the meat from the grill slightly before it reaches the desired time or temperature. After taking it off the grill, wrap it in aluminum foil and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, you can serve perfectly cooked and hot food to your guests like a pro.

In a Hurry? Aluminum Foil Can Clean Your Grill

Using a clean grill is the best way to impress others and cook delicious meals. While you may be using a brush to clean your grill, we encourage you to reconsider. A dirty and greasy brush will only make your grill dirtier. But don’t worry. A piece of aluminum foil can do wonders. Simply roll the foil into a ball, hold it with tongs, and easily wipe the grates of your grill. This quick trick will be useful if you ever forget to clean your grill. Just remember not to hold the foil with your hands, as you might contaminate it.

Alternatively, use a lemon to clean your grill.

Although aluminum foil is a great tool for cleaning the grill, it can occasionally tear or crumble. Moreover, cleaning all the grime can be time-consuming. Hence, using citrus fruits like lemon is a better alternative. Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side on the grill grates. The lemon will lift off the char and dirt. Additionally, it imparts a fresh, tangy flavor to your food while grilling. The fruit also leaves a pleasant aroma on the grill, making it an excellent choice if the last thing you cooked was seafood.

An onion can serve as an excellent substitute for a grill brush.

Although citrus fruits and aluminum are effective for cleaning, there is an ideal method. It involves using an onion instead of a brush. Begin by cutting the onion and attaching it to a fork. Then, rub it against your grill. This will remove char, dirt, and old residue in just a few minutes. If you are concerned about wasting food, don’t worry. After cleaning, you can cut off the dirty part of the onion and grill the rest to serve with your meal. The flavor will also blend with the food, enhancing its taste.

Cook burgers on the grill using an ice cube.

With this clever method, you can prevent serving dry and tough burgers to your guests. Although you might be hesitant to try it, we assure you that this trick is very effective. Simply place one ice cube on each raw patty while grilling. The water from the cubes will keep your meat moist and make it juicier. When it’s time to flip the patties, you can dispose of the leftover ice. The great thing is that the cube doesn’t have to be made of water necessarily. So, whatever flavor you’d like to add to the burgers, make the ice from that.

Arrange Your Charcoals Thoughtfully

If you use a traditional charcoal grill for cooking, it’s important to know how to use it effectively. Otherwise, your food will be disappointing to your guests. The first technique to master is the arrangement of the coals. For indirect heat, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and cook on the opposite side. If your meal needs intense heat, place the coals in the center and lower the grate slightly. Keeping this tip in mind will help you grill food evenly. By the end of the gathering, everyone will be impressed with your cooking.

Apply oil to the grill

Prevent food from sticking by using this tip for your grilling events. No matter if you’re cooking vegetables, meat, fruits, or other items, they can all stick to the grill. Removing them can be challenging, particularly with meat. That’s why it’s important to ensure your grill is non-stick. The best method is to oil the grates. This reduces friction and provides a smooth surface for grilling. Simply dip some foil or paper in oil and rub it on the grill. This tip will prevent sticking and make the food a bit juicier.

Create a dimple in the center of your burgers.

Have you ever made burgers that are too thick to eat due to the patty swelling? If so, you need this trick in your life. With this method, your food will always be pleasing. We bet people will be asking you the secret behind your perfect burgers. To make a juicy and thin burger, you should always make an indentation in the meat. Use your thumb to press into the center of the raw patty to create a mark. This will ensure that your burgers are the perfect size and easy to eat. Not to mention, indented patties are easier to grill.

Utilize foil to cook fish.

Do you grill fish directly on the barbecue? If so, you might want to reconsider. Flipping seafood on a grill can be challenging unless you have exceptional technique. Often, the fish falls apart when you try to turn it or slips through the grill bars. That’s why you should wrap the fish in aluminum foil before grilling. The foil will prevent the fish from falling apart and will make it easier to flip while keeping it whole. Additionally, the enclosed space created by the foil traps steam, enhancing the fish’s flavor.

Serve Your Fish with a Grilled Lemon on the Side

Although preparing simple dishes saves time, it’s always beneficial to include some sides. They improve the presentation and provide options for the consumer. For fish, no side is better than a grilled lemon. Simply knowing that this citrus fruit pairs well with fish will garner you high praise. You can grill the fish on a bed of lemon slices and serve them alongside the dish. Alternatively, you can cut lemons in half and grill them separately. Their juice will caramelize, allowing guests to add more flavor to their meal if they wish.

Begin Grilling Your Salads

If you want to impress your guests, a grilled salad is a must on the menu. It will delight those who enjoy eating greens, and even those who aren’t fans of salads will come to appreciate it. This is because grilling green items like lettuce caramelizes them, adding a sweet and crispy element to the salad. Essentially, you’ll transform a simple salad into a flavorful dish. Additionally, the texture of grilled vegetables is fantastic and easy to chew.

Prepare Some Dessert

If there’s one thing that people never reject, it’s dessert. A delightful sweet dish can be the highlight of any occasion. Some of the finest desserts are prepared on grills. For instance, you can slice some fruits and caramelize them on the grill, allowing them to soften, sweeten, and become more flavorful. You can either serve them as is or provide guests with some ice cream alongside them. Offering a range of fruit desserts can ensure everyone finds something they enjoy. Such thoughtfulness can help you win the appreciation of many.

Immerse Your Corn in Water

If you organize barbecues in the summer, corn is a must-have. Children, adults, and the elderly all enjoy it equally. The secret to safely grilling corn is to soak it first. Before putting it on the grill, let it sit in water for 10 minutes. This will prevent it from catching fire and help it cook faster. Otherwise, you could run into serious problems and might even have to call the fire department if things get out of hand, which would make you appear unskilled. So soak the corn and impress everyone with your grilling expertise.

Convert Your Grill into a Temporary Stovetop

Did you know you can convert your grill into a stovetop? Many people use them to melt butter, prepare sauces, and do much more. They help keep your home cooler in hot weather. All you have to do is place the pan on the grill at the right heat. You might not be able to boil water, but a grill is an excellent choice for small food items. Moreover, if you’re hosting an event, you can do everything outside instead of moving back and forth. We bet some guests will even adopt this trick for their own gatherings too.

Use a thermometer while cooking or grilling.

Did you know that the most precise method for grilling your food is by using a food thermometer? A digital thermometer will ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly and correctly. If you don’t own one, we suggest purchasing a thermometer. Regardless of how confident you are in your cooking, without precise temperature readings, you can’t ensure safety and quality.

You might also consider using an oven-safe model with a thin probe connected by a wire. After measuring the internal temperature of your dish, place it in the oven or leave it on the grill with the probe hanging outside, where it’s safe but still able to monitor the temperature.

Allow Your Food to Rest After Removing It from the Grill

If you’re similar to me, you’ve likely made the mistake of slicing into a hot steak straight off the grill – and faced the consequences. It’s not advisable to cut into freshly grilled meat immediately, as this would let all the tasty juices and flavors escape, leaving you with a dry, flavorless piece of meat regardless of your grilling expertise. So now that you’re aware, each time you grill a steak, do yourself a favor and allow it to rest before cutting into it.

Brush the pork with apple juice.

It’s summer, which means it’s grilling season. You have some delicious pork chops, ready to grill for dinner tonight. However, as every grill enthusiast knows, timing is crucial. To achieve perfectly cooked meat, it’s essential to know when to place it on the grill and when to take it off. If you grill too early or too late, dinner might not turn out as well as you hoped. So, what should a savvy person like you do? How can you avoid overcooking those wonderful pork chops? Try basting them with apple juice while they’re grilling. It will enhance the flavor and make the pork more tender.

Place the herbs directly on the grill.

If you’re in the mood to grill some food, a fantastic way to incorporate your favorite herbs is by grilling them. You can place the herbs directly on the charcoal when you’re cooking kebabs or steak. All you need is a generous handful of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, or basil. Remember to wash them thoroughly and let them dry before placing them on the hot coals. Wait until they start to smoke, then mix them into your dish right before serving. This can add wonderful flavor to your food.

Use rosemary sprigs to brush meat on the grill

If you don’t want to spend money on another piece of cookware or waste time searching for the right tool in the kitchen, you can use rosemary sprigs as a brush when grilling food. Rosemary sprigs not only serve as convenient tools for cooking, but they also infuse a delightful, fragrant flavor into meat and vegetables when basted with olive oil or melted butter.

Remember, this method isn’t limited to rosemary; you can use any herb’s leaves, such as thyme, sage, or bay laurel, with excellent results! As long as the herb is brushed over the food while it cooks on the grill, it will impart its distinctive flavor into the meat.

Dual Zone Fire Grill

Charcoal grills can do much more than just heat food to the point of losing its nutritional value. It’s often overlooked that these adaptable cooking tools can handle the simple task of maintaining different temperature zones. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a “two-zone fire,” which is easily done by moving all the lit coals to one side of the grill.

How about trying a refreshing glass of grilled lemonade?

It’s been a hot day. What better way to end it than with grilled lemonade? To make grilled lemonade, grill lemons over an open flame until they develop dark brown spots and become soft and squishy throughout, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can grill them until they become hard as rocks. Let them sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, then put them in the freezer for 30 minutes to cool quickly. Take them out of the freezer and squeeze all the juice into a glass (you should be able to fill 4 glasses). Add sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste (approximately 1 tablespoon per glass is usually enough) and stir well.

Maintain the Tenderness and Juiciness of Meats Using Salt and Water

Did you know that adding salt to water helps keep meats tender and juicy while also reducing shrinkage? Salt is an essential ingredient in brine. A brine solution consists of water, salt, and sometimes sugar (along with other seasonings) and serves as the base for many marinades. The purpose of adding salt to water or any liquid is to maintain the meat’s moisture. This is done by changing the boiling point of the mixture so it breaks down more slowly during cooking. With reduced evaporation due to this temperature change, there is less moisture loss, resulting in better-tasting meats that are properly cooked throughout. Salt not only retains moisture but also enhances the flavor, acting as a flavor booster for foods.

Mix ground meat with mayonnaise to keep it from drying out.

After spending thirty minutes preparing homemade burgers, only to discover they have dried out after grilling or frying, don’t be concerned. There’s a simple fix for this issue. Just add some mayonnaise to the meat while it’s still cooking, and you’ll be able to keep it juicy.

Acquire a Quality Grill

Nowadays, with the wide range of new grill options, from gas versus charcoal to propane versus natural gas, it can be quite overwhelming. For frequent grillers, owning a high-quality grill is essential. First, you need to determine your requirements. Consider how many people you will be cooking for regularly. If it’s just for yourself, choose something within your budget that fulfills your needs. However, if you often host family gatherings, it might be worth investing in a more robust option that can handle larger amounts of food or offer multiple cooking levels so that everyone doesn’t have to wait for their turn.

Purchase High-Quality Tongs

Tongs are an essential tool in any kitchen that grills. They are as crucial to grilling as a pen is to writing. If you enjoy grilling your food, tongs are a perfect accessory to have. They assist in grabbing, turning, and moving food so you can achieve the desired level of doneness on your meat. There are various types of tongs suitable for use around the grill or for outdoor cooking, including spring-loaded tongs, locking tongs, barbecue tongs, and heavy-duty stainless steel tongs, among others.

Cook Meat to Save Time

Boiling meat does not aim to enhance flavor. Its purpose is to reduce grilling time, making it particularly beneficial during summer to prevent heating your home with the oven or stove. Pre-cooking meat before using the barbecue offers many new possibilities, such as quickly making customizable burgers and sausages that can be grilled in minutes, or enjoying nutritious canned beef stew whenever desired. Additionally, it ensures greater safety by eliminating more harmful bacteria that might have been present on raw meat.

Plan for Leftovers

After finishing your BBQ and having leftovers, it can be difficult to determine if the extra food will be sufficient for another meal. As a result, you may decide not to purchase as much meat and other ingredients in case there are leftovers that could spoil. However, if you do have some meat and other food items remaining, you can use them to prepare a meal for the next day.

Have a spray bottle or a fire extinguisher close by.

There’s nothing worse than a nasty grease fire in your kitchen. But encountering one outdoors can be dangerous too. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 15,000 grill fires occur each year, resulting in injuries and property damage. Many of these fires are caused by flare-ups from grease dripping off food. If you plan to grill or barbecue this summer, ensure you have a fire extinguisher nearby. The larger type is preferable because it has a longer hose and nozzle to spray from a distance and requires less pressure to activate the extinguishing agent inside.

Don’t Place Cold Food Straight Onto the Grill

Cold food and barbecue typically don’t mix. When you think about grilling, images of hot dogs or hamburgers likely come to mind. Therefore, the last thought on your mind is cold food on a grill. It’s advisable to prepare everything the day before your BBQ. If you have sausages or other meats in the freezer, it’s best to remove them and let them sit for a few minutes until they defrost. Placing cold and frozen food directly on the grill won’t just harm your grill but will also negatively impact the taste of your food.