We're not bragging (okay, maybe a little), but Colorado has some of the best summers in the country. We just happen to live in one of the sunniest states, which means more grill-worthy days and nights. And without all the humidity some of our other sunny counterparts face, both food and humans can chill outside sans sogginess.
So grab those giant tongs, slather on some sunscreen, and get ready for some grilling tips because backyard BBQ season is officially on!
Our Top 20 Grilling Tips
Safety First
Grilling can turn from fun to scary when hot flames are involved. Keep everyone in the safety zone by following these tips.
- Always start with a clean cooking surface.
- Keep raw and cooked meat separate and never cut meat on the same cutting board as produce.
- Keep baking soda nearby to put out flames if needed.
- Keep small children away from hot grills and never leave a grill unattended.
The Right Equipment
The right equipment can make all the difference. Here are a few of our favorite gadgets to make grilling easier.
- Grill baskets are great for veggies.
- An instant-read thermometer is essential for accurate meat temps.
- A silicone basting brush with a cup makes spreading sauces fun and easy to clean up.
- Metal skewers are perfect for washing and reusing (plus you won't have to worry about splinters), just make sure they are cool to the touch before serving.
Preparation
A little preparation goes a long way for perfectly grilled meats and veggies.
- Oil the grill before heating it up so that food doesn't stick
- Warm up the grill for about 15 minutes with the lid closed prior to cooking
- Let meat sit out for around 20-30 minutes at room temp before grilling
- Dry rub your meat with homemade seasonings, or try grilling spices from local spice shop like The Spice Guy
The Best-Tasting Meat
Meat can turn out dry when grilled, but follow these tips and you'll win the day with the best-tasting grilled meat on the block.
- Start With Quality Meat
Try local purveyor Locavore's curated meat delivery service which sources its meat from Colorado ranchers - Brine and Marinate Your Meat for Added Flavor
- Poultry: brine in 1 tbps salt to 1 cup water for 1 hour or overnight
- Red meat: marinate in 1 part acid (vinegar or lemon juice), 3 parts oil, and your spice of choice for at least 30 minutes
- We Know it's Tempting, But Try to Avoid:
- Flipping or rotating your meat too many times
- Pressing and squeezing the flavor out of the meat
- Adding sauce too early (save it for the last 30 minutes of cooking)
- Preserve the Juices of Your Meat
Allow the meat to rest after cooking by loosely covering it with foil for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Or, The Best-Tasting Not-Meat
While meats often take center stage at backyard BBQs, don't overlook the deliciousness of perfectly grilled vegetables. Elevate your grilling game with these tips for delectable veggies:
- Choose the Right Veggies
Opt for vegetables that are sturdy enough to hold up on the grill, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onions, mushrooms, and asparagus. - Marinate for Depth and Flavor
Try a simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. - Grill With Care
Arrange your vegetables on the grill in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Plus, steer clear of overcrowding, as it can lead to steaming instead of grilling. - Know When They're Done
Vegetables are done when they are tender and slightly charred on the outside. Use a fork or skewer to test for doneness.
Clean Up
The job isn't done until the grill has been cleaned for a fresh start the next time you fire it up!
- Using oil and heat, clean the grill with something abrasive
- Don't forget to turn the propane off if using a gas grill
Whether you prefer charcoal, pellet, or propane, these tips will help you create grilling glory this sunny season.
Thinking about a new backyard for summer grilling? Connect with one of our homeownership experts and they'll take you on the lawn-hunt of a lifetime.
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