50 Awesome Grilling Tips to Help You Appear Like an Expert

Begin with a clean grill.

Something that demonstrates your expertise to others is how you handle your grill. A dirty grill can leave a lasting impression on your guests. It indicates not only a lack of grilling know-how but also poor hygiene. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean your grill before your event. Doing so will prevent food from sticking to the grates and ensure it doesn’t taste unusual. Cooking on a dirty grill exposes your meals to remnants of old food. So always make sure to prepare and clean your equipment thoroughly.

Prepare Steakhouse Toppings on the Grill

Have you ever wondered how restaurants add delicious toppings to steaks and other dishes? The secret is that they grill them. That’s right. With a cast-iron skillet, you can sauté all your vegetables, mushrooms, asparagus, and more on the grill. The pan keeps the toppings from falling through the grates. Sautéing on the grill also enhances the flavor of the veggies. Plus, using herbs and garlic butter can earn you plenty of compliments. And you won’t need to keep going back and forth between the kitchen and the outdoor grill.

Test for hot spots using bread

Many people say that grilling takes a lot of time, but that’s often because they’re not using the right techniques. One way to grill quickly and efficiently is by identifying all the hot spots on your grill. These spots will show which areas of your grill are most effective and can help you cook meals faster. To find these spots, simply place some pieces of bread on the grill. Then, turn on the heat for a minute and flip the pieces to see which one is most charred. This will indicate the best area for cooking your steaks and other dishes.

Use a Potato to Avoid Sticking

A common problem at BBQ parties is food sticking to the grill, particularly with poultry. However, many people aren’t aware that this issue can be completely avoided. By using a potato, you can transform your grill into a non-stick surface and cook with ease. Start by heating up the grill slightly. Then, cut a potato in half and stick it onto a fork or skewer. Rub the grill with the cut side of the potato. The starch from the potato will prevent food from sticking to the grill.

Place Your Toppings in a Muffin Pan

Muffin trays are a versatile tool. They can be used for both baking and grilling. Although this might seem unconventional, this trick is actually quite useful. If you don’t want to set up an additional table for condiments, you don’t need to worry. You can place all the veggies and dips in the compartments of a muffin pan and set it on the grill. This way, you won’t have to move back and forth to get the condiments. You can even store the sauces in the fridge and serve them to guests in the pan. The best part is that you’ll reduce the after-party cleanup with this trick.

Place fish on top of lemon slices on the grill.

Cooking fish on the grill requires careful precision to avoid mistakes. During flipping, the fish could slip through the grill’s grates, and it may also stick to them. To prevent this problem, using lemons is an effective solution. Arrange a layer of lemon slices on the grill and place your fish on top. This will not only add a refreshing zest to your dish but also make the cooking process seamless, allowing you to flip the fish effortlessly. Your guests will admire your cleverness and presentation. To make use of the grilled lemons, you can serve them alongside the fish.

Cook fish diagonally on the grill.

Here’s another fish hack that will make your life easier and impress your guests. One of the most common problems with grilling fish is that it falls apart. However, you can easily prevent this with a bit of care. All you need to do is place the seafood pieces diagonally on the grill. This ensures they won’t lose their balance and fall through the grates. Additionally, it makes it easier for you to pick up and flip the fish pieces. Don’t forget to grease both the grill and the fish before placing them diagonally.

Use Herbs as Sticks for Skewers

Herbs aren’t just great for garnishing; they also make wonderful skewers. If you lack actual skewers, herbs offer a perfect substitute. You can skewer your vegetables on a rosemary stick and grill them briefly. The rosemary will impart its flavor to the vegetables, and you won’t have skewers to clean afterward. However, remember not to grill for too long because herbs can burn quickly. Also, this method isn’t suitable for poultry as the herb skewer cannot support their weight.

Understand When to Grill With the Lid Open

Have you ever questioned whether you should grill your food with the lid open or closed? This tip will clear up your confusion. Grills operate on a straightforward cooking principle. If your food is ¾ inch thick or less, grill with the lid open. But if it’s thicker than ¾ inch, close the lid while cooking. Keeping this simple rule in mind during your grilling session will help you prepare delicious meals. Plus, when you share this tip with others, they’ll see you as a grilling expert.

Shape Your Burger Using a Container Lid

Many individuals purchase pricey burger presses to shape their meat into a circle. However, did you know you can achieve the same perfect shape without spending any money? All you need is an old circular lid. You can use it to quickly and easily press your burger. To keep the lid clean, you can place baking paper between the meat and the lid. And voilà, you’ll have a perfectly shaped piece of meat for burgers. If you have baking tools at home, you can even use a cookie cutter.

Pour hot water on a propane tank to check how full it is.

If you don’t grill often, it can be difficult to remember how much propane gas you have left. You can’t just open the tank to check the level. But with this technique, you won’t have to worry about the amount of gas. First, boil a glass of water. Then, carefully pour it on the side of your tank. Afterward, use your bare hand to feel the tank’s temperature. The hot area indicates where there is no gas, while the cold area shows where the propane gas is. This way, you can decide if you have enough gas for your grilling event.

Thoroughly Season the Burgers

Many people season their burgers while cooking the meat. While this is time-efficient, it doesn’t result in meals that stand out. That’s why it’s better to season your dishes ahead of time. You can do this while forming the raw patties, or if you’re short on time, season them an hour before the event. This gives the herbs and spices time to infuse into the meat and improve its taste. Also, consider adding a bit of brown sugar to the seasoning blend. It can make a significant difference and earn you compliments from your guests.

Allow Your Steak to Reach Room Temperature

If you cook your steaks immediately after removing them from the freezer, you’re not doing a favor to the meal or your guests. Cold meat doesn’t cook evenly and takes longer than normal. That’s why you should always remove the steaks at least thirty minutes before grilling and let them sit until they reach room temperature. This trick applies to all steaks and thicker cuts of meat. By putting steaks that are at regular temperature on the grill, you’ll lock in more flavor. For thin cuts, however, it’s okay to let them be slightly cold to prevent the meat from overcooking.

Place fruit on the grill

If you have fruits at home that lack flavor, it’s time to put them to good use by grilling them instead of letting them go to waste. Simply place the fruit in a cast iron pan and set it on the grill, ensuring the heat is high. The natural sugars in fruits caramelize at high temperatures, restoring their sweetness and making them tender. The great thing is that all fruits can be grilled. You can also experiment by adding ingredients like butter to enhance the taste even more.

It’s Possible to Grill a Pie

The difference between average pies and exceptional pies lies in the cooking method. Many enjoy baking pies because it’s a common practice. However, for the ultimate pie experience, grilling is the way to go. It takes just thirty minutes and crisps the crust better than an oven can. Plus, you won’t need to stay in a hot kitchen to monitor your pie. Additionally, grilling allows you to add a variety of toppings, which isn’t as feasible with baking.

Immerse Your Skewers

Do your skewers catch fire when you grill at high temperatures? If yes, you should learn this technique right away. This trick will keep your skewers from burning throughout grilling. The best part is the method is simple. Just fill a pitcher halfway with water. Then, submerge one end of your skewers in the water and let them soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. After that, flip the skewers to soak the other ends. Once they’ve soaked, you can attach your kebabs or other items and continue grilling.

Utilize two skewers.

If you’re planning to grill kebabs, shrimp, or any skewered food, be sure to use two skewers for each. This adds stability during cooking and prevents the items from spinning or falling when you flip them. This tip is especially 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 two skewers. Your guests will also be impressed by your grilling skills and expertise.

Create a Spiral Cut in Your Hot Dogs

When you eat hot dogs from a cart or store, you’ve likely noticed some cuts on them. Most pictures online show this as well. The reason is that making a spiral cut on the sausage enhances its flavor. The cuts make you appear like a cooking expert and add a caramelized taste to the hot dog. That’s why homemade hot dogs often seem less flavorful. To achieve the taste of a renowned vendor, always make some spiral cuts. Keep the cuts close together so that grilling is more even.

Use a Grill Mat to Prevent Your Veggies from Falling Off

One of the best ways to demonstrate your expertise is by acquiring the right grilling tools, and a grill mat is one of them. This tool allows you to grill vegetables and fruits without the risk of them falling through. Grill mats are made from various materials. A mesh mat helps you grill small pieces of food with ease, as the mesh surface prevents them from slipping through the grates. Additionally, some grill mats are non-stick, ensuring that food doesn’t get stuck. With this excellent tool, you’re sure to impress your guests.

Grill a Thick Crust Pizza Using a Ceramic Stone

Grilling is ideal for making either thin or thick crust pizza. The charcoal enhances the flavor, and the cheese melts smoothly. However, with thick crust pizzas, you might worry about the dough sticking to the grill. This might be acceptable with family, but it can make a bad impression in front of guests. To avoid this, simply use a ceramic stone. Place it under the dough when grilling, and you’ll be able to grill perfectly without concerns.

Slightly Undercook Your Meat

Did you know that your meat continues to cook even after you remove it from the grill? This happens due to the high temperature when it is taken off. It’s one reason why people might say you overcooked it. To prevent disappointing your guests, you should always take the meat off the grill a little earlier than the desired time or temperature. After removing it, wrap the meat 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.

You can use aluminum foil to quickly clean your grill.

Keeping your grill clean is the best way to impress guests and cook delicious food. Although you might normally use a brush to clean your grill, consider using an alternative method. A dirty and greasy brush can make your grill even dirtier. Don’t worry, though. A piece of aluminum foil can be very effective. Simply crumple the foil into a ball, hold it with tongs, and easily wipe the grill grates. This simple tip is helpful if you ever forget to clean your grill. Remember not to handle the foil with your hands to avoid contaminating it.

Alternatively, use a lemon to clean your grill.

While aluminum foil is a great way to clean the grill, it can sometimes break apart. Additionally, cleaning all the grime can take a while. That’s why a better option is to use citrus fruits like lemons. Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side on the grates. The lemon will lift off the char and dirt, while also adding a zesty flavor to your dishes when you grill them. The fruit also imparts a pleasant aroma to the grill, making it a good choice if the last thing you cooked on your grill was seafood.

An Onion Makes an Ideal Replacement for a Grill Brush

Although citrus fruits and aluminum are effective cleaning options, there is a more perfect method. This 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 particles, and old residues in just a few minutes. If you’re worried about wasting food, don’t worry. After cleaning, you can cut off the dirty part of the onion and grill the remaining portion to serve with your meal. The flavor will also infuse with the food, making it more delicious.

Use an ice cube to grill burgers.

Using this brilliant method, you can prevent serving dry, tough burgers to your guests. Even if you are hesitant to try it, we assure you that this trick works exceptionally well. Simply place an ice cube on each raw patty as you grill it. The melting ice will keep your meat moist and juicy. When it’s time to flip the patties, you can remove any remaining ice. The great thing is, the ice doesn’t have to be made from plain water. You can use whatever flavor you want to infuse into the burgers to make the ice.

Position Your Charcoals Carefully

If you cook using a traditional charcoal grill, it’s important to know how to use it effectively. Otherwise, your food might disappoint your guests. The first technique to master is arranging the coals. If you need to provide indirect heat, place the coals on one side of the grill and cook on the opposite side. On the other hand, if your dish requires high heat, place the coals in the center and lower the grate slightly. Keeping this tip in mind will help you grill evenly. By the end of the event, everyone will be impressed with your cooking.

Apply oil to the grill.

Prevent food from sticking by using this trick for your barbecue gatherings. Whether you’re grilling vegetables, meat, fruits, or other foods, anything can stick to your grates. Removing them can be tough, especially with meat. That’s why you should 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 trick will stop sticking and make the food slightly juicier.

Create a dimple in the center of your burgers.

Have you ever made burgers that ended up too thick to eat because of the way the patty expanded? If so, you need this tip in your life. With this method, your food will never be disappointing. We bet people will be asking for the secret behind your perfect burgers. To create a juicy, thin burger, you should always make an indentation in the meat. Use your thumb to press into the center of the raw patty, creating a dent. This will ensure your burgers are the perfect size and easy to eat. Plus, patties with indentations are easier to grill.

Utilize foil for cooking fish.

Do you cook fish directly on a grill? If you do, consider trying a different method. Flipping seafood on grills can be challenging unless you have great handling skills. Often, the fish falls apart when you try to flip it or slips through the grates. To prevent this, wrap the pieces in aluminum foil before grilling. The foil will stop the fish from falling, and it will be easier for you to flip the food while keeping it intact. Additionally, the enclosed space provides steam to the fish, enhancing its flavor.

Serve your fish with a grilled lemon on the side.

While preparing simple dishes is a time-saver, it’s beneficial to include some accompaniments. They improve the presentation and provide options for the diner. With fish, there’s no side better than grilled lemon. Just knowing that this citrus pairs well with fish will win you accolades. You can grill the fish on a layer of lemons and serve them alongside the dish, or grill halved lemons separately. Their juice will caramelize, allowing guests to enhance their serving with more flavor if they wish.

Begin Grilling Your Salads

If you want to impress your guests, a grilled salad is an essential addition to your menu. It will satisfy the palates of those who enjoy greens, and even those who typically dislike salads may find themselves loving it. This is because grilling greens like lettuce caramelizes them, adding a sweet and crispy element to the salad. Essentially, you’ll be transforming a basic salad into a flavorful dish. Additionally, grilled vegetables have a fantastic texture and become easier to chew.

Prepare Some Dessert

If there’s one thing people rarely refuse, it’s dessert. A delicious sweet treat 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. They’ll become softer, sweeter, and more flavorful. You can serve them as is or offer them with some ice cream. Providing a range of fruit desserts ensures there’s something for each guest. Your consideration will help you win the hearts of many.

Immerse Your Corn in Water

If you host grilling events in the summer, corn should be part of your menu. People of all ages love it equally. The key to grilling corn safely is to soak it beforehand. Before putting it on the grill, soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes. This prevents it from catching fire and helps it cook faster. Otherwise, you might encounter problems and possibly need to call the fire department if things get out of hand. Naturally, that would make you seem unskilled. Therefore, soak the corn and demonstrate your grilling expertise.

Transform Your Grill into a Temporary Stovetop

Did you know that you can use your grill as a stovetop? Many people use them to melt butter, make sauces, and much more. They help keep your home cooler during hot weather. All you need to do is place a pan on the grill at an appropriate temperature. You might not be able to boil water, but a grill is great for cooking small food items. Plus, if you’re hosting an event, you can take care of everything outside instead of going back and forth. We bet some guests will notice this trick and use it for their own parties.

Utilize a thermometer when cooking or barbecuing.

Did you know that the most reliable way to grill your food is by using a food thermometer? A digital thermometer will make sure your meat is cooked thoroughly and correctly. If you don’t own one, we suggest buying a thermometer. No matter how confident you are in your cooking, without precise temperature readings, it’s not possible to ensure safety and quality.

You can also use an oven-safe model with a thin probe connected by wire, allowing you to measure the internal temperature of your food and then place it in the oven or leave it on the grill, with the probe outside to safely monitor the temperature.

Allow Your Food to Rest After Removing It from the Grill

If you’re like me, you’ve probably made the mistake of slicing into a hot steak straight off the grill – and regretted it. Cutting into freshly grilled meat immediately is unwise, as it causes all the flavorful juices and aromas to escape, leaving you with a dry, flavorless piece of meat regardless of your grilling expertise. So now that you’re informed, whenever you grill a steak, give yourself a break by letting it rest before cutting into it.

Brush the Pork with Apple Juice

It’s summer, and it’s time to fire up the grill. You have some delicious pork chops ready to go for dinner tonight. However, every experienced griller knows that timing is crucial. To ensure your meat is perfectly cooked, it’s essential to know when to place it on the grill and when to take it off. If you act too soon or too late, your dinner might not turn out as expected. So, what should a savvy person like you do to avoid overcooking those tasty pork chops? Try basting the pork with apple juice while it’s on the grill. This will enhance the flavor and make the pork more tender.

Place the Herbs Directly Onto the Grill

If you’re in the mood for grilling food, a fantastic way to incorporate your favorite herb into your meal is by grilling it. You can place the herb directly on the charcoal when cooking your kebabs or steak. You’ll just need a good handful of fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, parsley, or basil. Make sure to wash them well with water, then let them dry before placing them on the hot charcoals. Wait until they begin to smoke, then mix them into your dish just before serving! This can add wonderful flavor to your food.

Use rosemary sprigs to baste meat while grilling.

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

Remember, this approach isn’t limited to rosemary; any herb leaves (such as thyme, sage, bay laurel) can be used instead of rosemary sprigs with excellent results! As long as the herb is brushed over the food while it cooks on the grill, it will release its unique flavor into the meat.

Two-Zone Cooking Grill

Charcoal grills can do much more than just heat food to the point where it loses all its nutritional value. It’s often overlooked that these versatile cooking tools can manage something as straightforward as maintaining different temperature zones. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating what’s called a “two-zone fire.” This is done by simply moving all the lit coals to one side of the grill.

Why not try a chilled glass of grilled lemonade?

It has been a warm day. What better way to finish it than with grilled lemonade? To make grilled lemonade, grill lemons until they develop dark brown spots and become soft and squishy throughout, about 15 to 20 minutes over an open flame, or until they become hard as rocks if you don’t want to grill them for too long due to time constraints or other reasons. Let them sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, then place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to cool quickly. Remove them from the freezer and squeeze all the juice into a glass (you should get about 4 glasses). Add sugar, honey, or sweetener as desired (about 1 tablespoon per glass is sufficient) and stir well.

Use Salt and Water to Keep Meat Tender and Juicy

Did you know that adding salt to water helps keep meats tender and juicy and reduces shrinkage? Salt is a crucial component of brine. A brine solution consists of water, salt, sometimes sugar, and other seasonings, serving as the base for many marinades. The goal of adding salt to water or any liquid is to maintain the meat’s moisture. This is achieved by changing the liquid mixture’s boiling point, causing it to break down more slowly during cooking. With reduced evaporation due to this temperature change, there’s less moisture loss, resulting in better-tasting meats that are properly cooked throughout. Not only does salt help retain moisture, but it also enhances flavor, acting as a flavor enhancer for foods.

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

You’ve just spent 30 minutes making homemade burgers, but after cooking them on the grill or stovetop, they turn out dry. No need to worry; this issue has a simple fix. Simply mix some mayonnaise into the meat while it’s still in the pan or on the grill to keep it from drying out.

Obtain a Quality Grill

These days, the wide variety of grill options, such as gas versus charcoal and propane versus natural gas, can be quite overwhelming. For those who enjoy grilling frequently, having a high-quality grill is essential. First, determine what your needs are. Then ask yourself how many people you will typically cook for. If it’s just for yourself, find something within your budget that meets your needs. If you often have family gatherings, consider investing in a larger grill that can handle more food or offer multiple cooking levels, so everyone doesn’t have to take turns.

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. Tongs are an ideal accessory if you enjoy grilling your food. They assist in grabbing food, turning it over, and moving items to achieve the desired level of doneness on your meat. There are various types of tongs to use around the grill or when cooking outside, such as spring-loaded tongs, locking tongs, barbecue tongs, heavy-duty stainless steel tongs, and more.

Boiling Meat to Reduce Cooking Time

Boiling a piece of meat is not intended to enhance its flavor. The aim is to reduce the grilling time, which makes this technique particularly helpful in the summer when you want to keep your home cool by avoiding using the oven or stove. By partially cooking the meat prior to firing up the barbecue, a variety of new options become available—from quickly customizable burgers and sausages that can be grilled in minutes to nutritious canned beef stew whenever you feel like it. Additionally, it offers an added level of safety by removing more of any harmful bacteria that might have been on the raw meat.

Plan for Leftovers

After finishing your BBQ, figuring out if the leftovers will be sufficient for another meal can be challenging. This uncertainty might make you hesitant to buy too much meat and other ingredients, in case there’s surplus that could spoil. However, if you still have some meat and other food items remaining, you can use them to cook a meal for the following day.

Have a spray bottle or an extinguisher close by.

Few things are as bad as a nasty grease fire in your kitchen. But what about outdoor fires? They can be quite hazardous too. The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 15,000 grill fires occur each year, leading to injuries and property damage. Most of these fires start due to flare-ups from grease dripping off food. So, if you’re planning on grilling or barbecuing this summer, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher close by. The larger models are preferable as they have longer hoses and nozzles for spraying from a safer distance and they require less pressure to activate the extinguishing agent.

Do not place cold food directly on the grill.

Cold food and barbecue typically don’t mix. When imagining grilling, hot dogs or hamburgers likely come to mind rather than cold items. Therefore, it’s best to get everything ready a day in advance of your barbecue. If you have sausages or other meats in the freezer, it’s advisable to take them out and let them thaw for a few minutes. Placing cold or frozen food directly on the grill could not only harm the grill but also negatively affect the taste of your food.