GoCampingAmerica.com | Posted March
    4th, 2013

               

    10 Essential Tips for
    Grilling

               

    Happy Camper Blog

             

             
               
                 

    Gas and
    charcoal each offer a different grilling experience. While some find it
    easier to grill with gas, charcoal has advantages of its own that you should
    consider.

    Whichever you choose, here are a few rules to
    make sure your grilling experience is a good one. Above all, make sure you
    follow safety precautions. NEVER grill in an enclosed area. In the event of a
    grease fire, use baking soda to control it, not water. ALWAYS have a fire
    extinguisher, bucket of sand or dirt on hand. And be sure your grill is on
    stable ground before firing it up.

    Here are a
    few more helpful tips:

    1. Always
      keep your grill clean. This is essential for good-tasting food and general
      safety.
    2. Preheat your grill. Make sure your grill is good
      and hot before putting anything on the grates, otherwise food will
      stick.
    3. Always keep a close eye on what you’re grilling.
      Food can burn quickly, so be on guard and check food
      frequently.
    4. Leave an unheated space on the grill. Leave a
      small space unheated so that you have somewhere to move food if you have a
      flare-up or if something is cooking too fast.
    5. Keep the
      lid off. The lid traps moist heat and smoke, which makes vegetables lose
      their crunch and take on a “dull, sooty look and taste.” Cook vegetables and
      fruits at the outer, cooler edges of the grill since they tend to burn more
      quickly than meat.
    6. Grease your grates. When grilling
      low-fat meats and other foods that can stick, apply oil or nonstick cooking
      spray to the grill grate before placing it on the grill and before the grill
      is heated. This will make for an easier cleanup
      later.
    7. Turning food is essential to even cooking.
      However, turning too often slows cooking and can result in tough, dry food.
      Ideally, most fish and meats should be turned only once during cooking
      time.
    8. Add spices to your food at least an hour or two
      before grilling. This marinating time allows the food to absorb the
      flavors.
    9. Don’t apply sauces prior to grilling. Not only
      do they tend to drip onto the coals and cause flare-ups, but most also
      contain sugar, which will burn quickly and give the food a burnt
      taste.
    10. Always check for proper doneness with an
      instant-read thermometer or try using the finger test to ensure your meats on
      properly cooked. Always use separate platters for cooked and raw foods for
      proper food safety.