The smell of sizzling food on the grill brings family and friends running. Some say great grilling is an art form, but even the most skilled grill masters need to remember key tips. Here we share some good ones from Epicurious.com for beginners and more experienced grillers alike.
- Burgers. Hamburgers are a must at any cook out. Start with a good quality meat (fresh with a small amount of fat); season with spices and sauces (salt being a must). Begin grilling the burgers on a hot section of the grill (to form a crust), then move them to the cooler side to cook.
- Dogs. Hot dogs are much simpler, but there are a couple of pointers to keep in mind. Use medium-high heat and grill until cooked through and grill marks form (2-3 minutes per side).
- Steak. Steak lovers know how they like their steak cooked. Each steak should be about 1-inch thick. Pat the steaks dry and season them. Let the steaks cook for about four minutes on each side if you like yours medium-rare.
- Poultry. Chicken should be grilled on medium-high heat. Coat the chicken with seasonings and sauces, cover and cook it through for about 6 minutes on each side.
- Something sweet. Fruit is a simple and easy treat. Slice each piece of fruit and place on the grill, cut side down. Cook for about 5 minutes or until desired softness and grill marks are visible. Finally, set aside to cool.
- Eat your Veggies. Vegetables make a great grilling side dish. Grill the vegetables in batches, turning them every 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the vegetable) for tenderness, and set aside to cool completely. Vegetables can also be grilled one day ahead and brought to room temperature or heated when needed.
So what are you waiting for? Get grilling!