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Originally Posted On: https://spiceworldinc.com/tips-and-tricks/how-to-grill-like-a-pro-tips-techniques-recipes-more/
How To Grill Like a Pro: Tips, Techniques, Recipes & More
Grilling season is upon us! You don’t need to be a grill master to use these techniques and tricks: All you need is a grill, a goal, and some hungry guests. Keep reading to learn expert grilling tips — from how to cook your favorite proteins to how to keep your grill clean.
Getting Started: Choosing and Prepping Your Grill
Gas vs. Charcoal: Which Is Right for You?
| Gas Grill | Charcoal Grill | |
| Price | $450+ | $200+ |
| Flavor | Good for fast-cooking foods (burgers, hot dogs, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken breasts) | Superior for slow-cooking foods (ribs, pork shoulder, brisket) |
| Smoking | Difficult to trap smoke | Best for smoking foods |
| Temperature range | 225°F-600°F | As low as you want to 1200°F and above |
| Temperature control | Easy to set and maintain | Requires practice and constant attention |
| Fire-up/cool-down time | 5-10 minutes | About 30 minutes |
| Cleanup | Occasionally emptying grease trap and cleaning bars | Regularly disposing of ash and cleaning bars |
How To Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes to allow the grates to heat up properly. This ensures food cooks evenly and helps you achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Grilling Basics: Techniques You Should Know
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Direct Heat
- A cooking method in which food is placed directly over the heat source
- High, intense heat that’s ideal for preparing quick-cooking foods and for searing and crisping
Indirect Heat
- A cooking process in which food is placed next to the heat source
- Lower, more consistent heat that’s ideal for foods needing to be cooked slowly and evenly
What are heat zones?
“Heat zones” refer to areas set up on your grill for direct heat and indirect heat.
How To Grill Popular Ingredients
Chicken
Grilled marinated chicken is a fan favorite for simple and satisfying summer meals.
For the shortest grilling time, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs.
Chicken Breasts
Grill chicken breasts at 400°F for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For thicker pieces of chicken, close the grill lid while the chicken cooks.
Try this recipe: Give your chicken kebabs a tropical twist with Garlic Ginger Chicken Kebabs. Tender chicken marinates in a flavorful sauce for 30 minutes before grilling.
Chicken Thighs
Grill chicken thighs at 400°F for 8-10 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Try this recipe: Ginger, honey, and soy sauce combine in sticky and savory Ginger Grilled Chicken Thighs. Allow 1 hour for chicken thighs to marinate before grilling.
Seafood
Bring bright seaside flavors to your patio with grilled seafood.
Shrimp cook quickly and need only 1-2 minutes per side at 400°F on the grill.
Pro tip: Choose larger shrimp like U26-U30 (26-30 shrimp per pound) or jumbo shrimp so they won’t fall through the grill grates. Peeled and deveined tail-on shrimp make for the nicest presentation.
Try this recipe: “Shrimply” irresistible grilled garlic shrimp skewers are sure to impress your family and friends.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a colorful, crowd-pleasing side dish for your favorite grilled protein. Season veggies (such as zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus) with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
Pro tip: Cut veggies into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and place them in a grill basket.
Try this recipe: Feeling adventurous with your cruciferous veggies? You’ll love grilled garlic cauliflower “steak.”
Post-Grilling Tips: Cleaning and Maintenance
How To Clean and Store Your Grill
Clean Your Grill With an Onion
Try this cleaning hack after using your grill: While the grill is still hot, chop an onion in half and skewer the uncut portion with a fork. Then, use the onion to scrub the baked-on grease and grime off your grill grates.
Seasonal Cleaning for Your Gas Grill
Follow these cleaning steps at the beginning and end of each grilling season:
- Pre-heat the grill for 15 minutes on high heat, then turn off the grill.
- Turn off the gas, either on the propane tank or the gas line.
- Clean the grill using a stiff wire brush dipped in water.
- For tough grease spots, add dish soap to the water.
- Once the surface has cooled, wipe the grate with a damp cloth to remove residue or brush bristles.
If you have a propane grill, you can store it outside with the propane tank attached. If storing inside, remove the propane tank and keep it outside, away from direct sunlight.
Seasonal Cleaning for Your Charcoal Grill
Follow these cleaning steps at the beginning and end of each grilling season:
- Clean the inside of the grilling bowl and lid using mild dish soap and a steel brush.
- Clean the outside of the lid and bowl with soap and water or grill cleaner.
- Towel dry to prevent rust.
Store your charcoal grill in a dry, cool place, preferably indoors, and protect it with a grill cover.
Ready, set, grill! Find more grilling recipes and entertaining tips for summer and every season at Spice World Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which tools do I need for grilling vegetables?
For grilling vegetables, you’ll need grilling baskets, long-handled metal tongs, and skewers.
Should I use gas or charcoal for the best flavor?
Both gas grills and charcoal grills deliver flavorful results. If you prefer a smoky flavor in your grilled meats and fish, go for charcoal.
How do I know when grilled chicken is done?
Grilled chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to check the temperature.