Are you new to the wonderful world of grilling? Well, fear not because experts at Napoleon Grills have got you covered with five easy secrets to remember that are perfect for any beginner. If you are unfamiliar, the thought of using a grill can be a little intimidating, but rest assured that with these fool-proof tips, you will be cooking up juicy burgers and delicious steaks in no time.
1. Clean Your Grill
It is imperative that you begin each session with a clean grill. It is easiest to turn your grill up to high when you are done cooking, then use a grill brush to clear away any debris on the cooking grids. However, you can still do this before you cook if you forgot to do so after your last barbecued meal. Be sure to check on the grease tray and drip pan every two to four cooks to make sure there is nothing nasty building up. Excess grease and debris is dangerous to your grill and can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Grill maintenance can be easy and it is crucial to keep your favorite outdoor appliance in fantastic working order for best results.
2. Correct Tools
Having the right tools for the job is a huge part of being a better barbecuer. Put together a barbecue kit that includes: tongs, salt and pepper, oil, paper towel and heat resistant gloves.
3. Don’t Crowd the Grill
Sometimes this is hard, even for seasoned barbecue chefs. But adding too much to the grill can make things difficult if there is a flare up – you will not have any space to move the food to avoid it getting burned. Furthermore, the more there is on the grill, the more heat is removed from the cooking grids. This means your food will not sear properly, but instead, will bake or roast even if you are using direct heat.
4. Finished Temperature of Meat
Know when your food is ready. It is easy to accidentally under cook or overcook your meal. That’s where a wireless digital barbecue thermometer comes in handy. This will allow you to know exactly when your food has reached the perfect temperature. Remember – under cooked food can be returned to the grill but once overcooked, it cannot be undone.
5. Barbecue is not Just for Meat
You can cook just about anything imaginable on the grill. Roasts and holiday dinners, breakfast, even baked goods and desserts! It is all about knowing how to utilize your grill for each meal.
Whether you’re an experienced grill master or a barbecue novice, these five secrets will ensure that you are well on your way to mastering and perfecting the fine art of cooking over fire.