9 Grilling Hacks To Try This Summer
May 29, 2021
The warm summer months are upon us which means it’s time to break out the BBQ or grill. When it comes to summer fun, barbecuing and grilling with friends and family are at the top of the list. Sure, you could throw on a burger or a hot dog and call it good, but why not step up your game and become the grill master you deserve to be?
We’ve cooked up some of the best tips, tricks, hacks, and expert insider info that will take your meals on the grill to the next level. Get ready to be crowned grill royalty.
Save Some of Your Marinade
Lots of people like to marinate their meat for a few hours or overnight before grilling. It helps flavor the meat and adds a bit more moisture. But once the steak or piece of chicken is done soaking, the marinade is often thrown away. Instead, save some of that tasty juice to use as a glaze while you’re cooking for even more delicious flavor and caramelization.
Use Condiments as “Labels”
When you’re cooking for a big group, it can be hard to keep track of who wants what and at what temperatures. Squeeze some condiments or sauces on the meat or veggies to spell out the initials or names of who it belongs to (after you’ve flipped, of course). You’ll just want to make sure it’s a condiment they actually planned on using in the first place.
Poach Your Sausages Before Grilling
Cooking raw sausages over a grill can become time-consuming—unless you know this expert tip. Try poaching your sausage, kielbasa, or brat prior to grilling. They’ll cook through faster and get you to flavor town much faster than the grill alone.
Throw Ice in Your Burger Patties
It might seem counterintuitive to throw something cold onto something you’re trying to heat up, but trust us on this one. By placing an ice cube in the middle of your burger patty while grilling will keep it juicy and moist. Better yet? Make beef broth ice cubes for some extra flavor. Butter is also a great alternative.
Clean Your Grill With an Onion
Scrubbing your grill or barbecue after cooking is never a fun task, and cleaning it with a metal brush can leave behind dangerous metal particles that can end up on food. Instead, slice an onion in half, stick a fork in it, and rub the cut side of the onion over the grates to remove any food residue. It’s all-natural, it works, and it even adds a bit of flavor for the next grilling session.
Keep a Spray Bottle With Apple Juice Handy
Fill a spray bottle with apple juice and keep it near your grill the next time you’re whipping something up. Use it to spray your cuts of meat while it’s cooking to enhance flavor, moisture, and give it a touch of sweetness.
Only Flip the Meat One Time
Whether it’s a burger, steak, piece of fish, or chicken, be sure to only flip your meat one time. By turning it multiple times, it can lose juices and delicious flavor. Cook one side to the desired temp, then flip to the other side and call it good.
Spiral Your Hot Dogs (or Zucchini!)
Regular hot dogs and sausages are so last century. Next time you’re grilling up some dogs (or even a zucchini for you vegans and vegetarians), spiral them beforehand for a thorough cook. First, skewer the hot dog, then roll it as you cut down the length of it. Not only does it look cool, but it also creates more crevices for delicious condiments.
Use Two Skewers
If you’re grilling meat or veggies on skewers, make sure to double up the skewer sticks. Using just one skewer can cause your food to slip around and twist when you flip it, making for uneven temperatures and cooks. By using two skewers, it will help keep the food in place, cooking it evenly.
Written by Ashley Brewer for Knockaround.
