50 Incredible Grilling Tips to Make You Look Like a Pro

Begin with a Clean Grill at All Times

Demonstrating your proficiency to others can be achieved by how you maintain your grill. A dirty grill can leave a lasting impression on your guests, indicating not only a lack of grill-handling skills but also poor hygiene. Therefore, it is important to clean your grill before any gathering. This will prevent food from sticking to the grates and ensure it tastes fresh. Cooking on a dirty grill exposes your dishes to remnants of previous meals. Always take the time to properly prepare and clean your equipment.

Prepare Steakhouse Toppings on the Grill

Have you ever wondered how restaurants serve delicious toppings with steaks and other dishes? The secret is that they grill them. That’s right! Using a cast-iron skillet, you can sauté vegetables, mushrooms, asparagus, and more on the grill. The skillet prevents the toppings from falling through the grates. Plus, sautéing on the grill enhances the flavor of all the vegetables. Using herbs and garlic butter can also win over your guests. Additionally, you won’t need to shuttle between the kitchen and the outdoor grill.

Utilize Bread to Identify Hot Spots

Many people complain that grilling takes a lot of time. However, that’s because they’re not using the right tips. One way to grill quickly and effectively is by finding all the hot spots on the grill. These spots will show you which parts of your grill are most efficient and help you cook faster. To find these spots, just take some pieces of bread and spread them out on the grill. Then, turn on the heat for a minute and flip all the pieces to see which ones are most charred. That will be the best spot for cooking your steaks and other dishes.

Use a Potato to Avoid Sticking

One frequent problem at BBQ parties is food sticking to the grill, particularly with poultry. Many don’t realize that this can be easily avoided. By using a potato, you can make your grill non-stick and cook with ease. Begin by warming up the grill slightly. Cut a potato in half and pierce it with a fork or skewer. Then, rub the grill with the potato’s cut side. The starch from the potato helps prevent food from sticking to the grill.

Place Your Toppings in a Muffin Tin

Muffin trays are a flexible tool. They’re useful for baking and grilling as well. Although it might seem unorthodox, this method is quite practical. If you dislike setting up an additional table for condiments, there’s no need to worry anymore. You can place all the vegetables and dips in the compartments of a muffin pan and set it on the grill. This way, you won’t have to go back and forth to retrieve condiments. You can even chill the sauces and serve them directly from the pan to guests. The great advantage is that this trick minimizes the cleanup after the party.

Place Fish on Top of Lemon Slices for Grilling

Grilling fish requires precision, as a mistake during flipping could cause it to fall through the grill grates or stick to them. To prevent this, try using lemons. Create a lemon layer on the grill and put your fish on top. This adds a zesty flavor and makes cooking easier. You can easily flip the fish without concern, and your guests will be impressed by your ingenuity. To avoid wasting the grilled lemons, serve them with the dish.

Cook the 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 it falling apart. However, this can be completely avoided with some care. All you need to do is place the seafood pieces diagonally on the grill. This ensures they maintain balance and won’t fall through the grates. Additionally, it makes it easier to pick up and flip the pieces. Just remember to grease both your grill and the fish before setting them diagonally.

Utilize herbs as skewers.

Herbs are great not only as toppings but also as skewers. If you lack regular skewers, they can be a wonderful substitute. You can put your vegetables on a rosemary stick and grill them for a minute or two. The rosemary’s flavor will infuse into your vegetables, and you won’t have any skewers to clean afterward. However, be careful not to grill for too long, as herbs burn quickly. Also, avoid using this method with poultry, as the herb skewer cannot support their weight.

Understand When to Grill With the Lid Open

Do you ever consider whether you should grill your food with the lid open or closed? If you do, this tip will clear things up for you. Grilling follows a straightforward rule. If your food is ¾ inch thick or less, cook it with the lid open. However, if your food item is more than ¾ inch thick, cook it with the lid closed. Keeping this easy rule in mind during your grilling session will help you prepare delicious food. Plus, when you share this tip with others, they’ll see you as a grilling expert.

Utilize a lid from a container to form your burger.

Many people purchase costly burger presses to achieve a round shape for their meat. However, did you know that you can get the same perfect shape without any expense? All you need is an old circular lid. You can use it to press your burger quickly and easily. To keep the lid clean, just place a piece of baking paper between the meat and the lid. And there you have it, a perfectly shaped burger patty. If you have baking tools at home, you can also use a cookie-cutter.

Pour hot water over a propane tank to check its fill level

If you don’t grill often, it can be difficult to keep track of how much propane gas you have. You can’t simply open the tank to check the level. However, with this method, you’ll never need to worry about the gas amount again. First, boil a glass of water. Carefully pour it down the side of the tank. Then, feel the tank with your bare hands. The part that feels hot indicates an area without gas, while the cold part shows where the propane is. This way, you can determine if the amount of gas is adequate for your grilling needs.

Completely Season the Burgers

Many people season their burgers while the meat is being grilled. Yes, this is quicker, but it doesn’t usually result in an unforgettable meal. That’s why it’s best to season your meals well before the event. You can do this while forming the raw patties, or if you’re short on time, season them an hour before the gathering. This gives the herbs and spices a chance to infuse the meat, enhancing its flavor. Try adding a pinch of brown sugar to your seasoning mix; it can make a big difference and earn you compliments from your guests.

Allow Your Steak to Reach Room Temperature

Grilling steaks right after removing them from the freezer means you aren’t doing justice to either the meal or your guests. Cold meat doesn’t cook evenly and takes longer than usual. Therefore, it’s important to take the steaks out at least thirty minutes before grilling, allowing them to reach room temperature. This tip applies to all steaks and thicker cuts of meat. By grilling steaks that are at regular temperature, you can better seal in the flavor. However, for thin cuts, it’s beneficial to let them be slightly cold to prevent overcooking.

Place fruit on the grill.

If you have some bland fruits at home, it’s the perfect opportunity to use them up. Rather than letting them go to waste, try grilling them. Simply put the fruit in a cast iron pan and place it on the grill. Keep the heat high. Fruits have natural sugars that caramelize at high temperatures, bringing back their sweetness and softening them. The great thing is that any fruit can be grilled. You can also get creative by adding ingredients like butter to boost the flavor even more.

You can grill a pie as well.

What distinguishes great pies from ordinary ones is the cooking method. Many enjoy baking pies because that’s the common approach. However, if you’re aiming for the best pie experience, grilling is the way to go. You can prepare it in just thirty minutes, and it crisps the crust better than ovens do. Additionally, you won’t need to endure a hot kitchen to monitor your pie. Moreover, you can add various toppings to your dish while grilling. This isn’t feasible with baking.

Immerse Your Skewers

Do your skewers burn when grilling at high temperatures? If so, you should learn this technique right away. With this trick, your skewers will stay intact throughout grilling. The exciting part is that the method is simple. Just fill a pitcher halfway with water. Then, place your skewers in with one end submerged and let them soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. After that, flip the sticks to let the other ends soak as well. Once this is done, you can attach your kebabs or other items and start grilling.

Utilize Dual Skewers

When you’re gearing up to grill kebabs, shrimp, or any skewered food, be sure to use two skewers for each item. This provides more stability while cooking and prevents the pieces from spinning or falling off when you turn them. This trick is particularly important for shrimp, as they tend to shrink while grilling and can easily slip through gaps. Once you try this method, you’ll find that transferring the food to plates is much simpler with double skewers. Even your guests will be impressed by your expertise and grilling skills.

Create a Spiral Slice in Your Hot Dogs

When you eat hot dogs from a cart or a shop, you’ve probably noticed some cuts on them. Even online, most pictures will show the same thing. That’s because making a spiral cut on the sausage enhances its flavor. The cuts make you seem like a cooking expert and add a caramelized taste to the hot dog. This is the secret to why homemade hot dogs often taste less flavorful. To achieve the same taste as a well-known vendor, always make some spiral cuts. Also, keep them close together so that grilling is more even.

Use a Grill Mat to Keep Your Vegetables in Place.

One of the best ways to demonstrate your expertise is by acquiring the right grilling tools, and a grill mat is one of those. It allows you to grill vegetables and fruits without the risk of them falling. These mats are made from various materials. A mesh tool assists you in grilling small food pieces with ease, as the mesh surface stops anything from slipping through the grates. The best feature is that some grilling mats are also non-stick, ensuring that food won’t stick, thanks to this excellent tool. Consequently, you’ll undoubtedly receive extra appreciation from your guests.

Utilize a ceramic stone to bake a pizza with a thick crust on the grill.

Grilling is the best method whether you prefer a thin or thick crust pizza. The charcoal adds extra flavor, and the cheese melts flawlessly. However, with thick crust pizzas, you might be concerned about the dough sticking to the grill. While this might not be an issue with family, it could make a bad impression on guests. To prevent any embarrassment, simply use a ceramic stone and place it under the dough while grilling. This will enable you to grill perfectly without any concern.

Cook your meat a little less.

Did you know that meat continues to cook even after you remove it from the grill? This happens due to the high temperature at the time of removal. It is one of the reasons people might complain about overcooking. To keep your guests satisfied, always take the meat off the grill slightly earlier than the required time or temperature. After taking it off the grill, wrap it in aluminum foil and let it rest for a few minutes. Then you can serve perfectly cooked, hot food to your guests like a pro.

You can use aluminum foil to quickly clean your grill.

Using a clean grill is the best way to impress guests and cook delicious meals. While you may be using a brush to clean your grill, reconsider. A grimy and greasy brush will only make your device dirtier. But don’t worry. A piece of aluminum foil can do wonders for you. Simply roll the foil into a ball, use tongs to hold it, and wipe the grates of your grill easily. This quick trick will be useful if you ever forget to clean your grill. Just remember not to hold the foil with your hands to avoid contaminating it.

Alternatively, Use a Lemon to Clean Your Grill

Although aluminum foil is a great tool for cleaning the grill, it can occasionally tear. Additionally, it may take a while to remove all the debris. For this reason, using citrus fruits like lemons is a better alternative. Slice a lemon in half and rub the cut side on the grates. The lemon will lift the char and dirt, while also imparting a zesty flavor to your grilled dishes. Furthermore, it infuses a delightful aroma into the grill, making it an excellent choice if the last meal you prepared on the grill was seafood.

An onion works perfectly as a substitute for a grill brush.

Although citrus fruits and aluminum are effective cleaning options, there is an ideal method. This method uses an onion instead of a brush. Begin by cutting the vegetable and attaching it to a fork. Then, rub it against your grill. This will eliminate char, dirt particles, and old leftover residues within minutes. If you are concerned about wasting food, don’t worry. After cleaning, you can cut off the dirty side of the onion and grill the remaining part to serve with your meal. The flavor will also infuse with the food, enhancing its taste.

Use an Ice Cube to Grill Burgers

Using this clever method, you can prevent serving dry and tough burgers to your guests. Although you might be hesitant to try it, we assure you that this trick works wonderfully. Simply place one ice cube on each raw patty while grilling. The moisture from the cubes will keep your meat juicy and tender. When it’s time to flip the patties, just remove any remaining ice. The great thing is, the cubes don’t have to be made of water. You can create ice cubes from whatever flavor you want to add to the burgers.

Position Your Charcoals Carefully

If you’re using a traditional charcoal grill for cooking, it’s important to know how to use it effectively. Otherwise, your food might not meet the expectations of your guests. The first thing you need to master is the arrangement of the coals. For indirect heat, place the coals on one side of the grill and cook on the other side. If the dish requires high heat, put the coals in the center and position the grate a bit lower. Keeping this tip in mind will help you grill food evenly. By the end of the event, your cooking will be a hit with the guests.

Apply oil to the grill.

Prevent food from sticking by using this trick for your grill gatherings. Regardless of whether you’re grilling vegetables, meat, fruits, or other items, anything can adhere to the grates. Removing them can be tricky, particularly with meat. Therefore, ensure your grill is non-stick. The most effective way to achieve this is by oiling 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 technique will stop sticking and make the food a bit juicier.

Create a depression in the center of your burgers.

Have you ever made burgers that are too thick to eat because the patties puffed up? If that’s the case, you need this trick in your life. With this method, your food will always be enjoyable. People will be asking for the secret to your perfect burgers. To make a juicy and slim burger, make sure to indent the meat. Use your thumb to press a mark in the center of the raw patty. This will ensure your burgers are the right size and easy to bite into. Plus, indented patties are simpler to grill.

Employ Foil for Cooking Fish

Do you grill fish directly on the grill? If so, you might want to reconsider. Turning seafood on grills can be challenging unless you have exceptional handling skills. Often, the fish falls apart when you try to flip it or slips through the grates. That’s why you should wrap the pieces in aluminum foil before grilling. The foil will prevent the fish from falling apart, and flipping it will be easier while keeping it whole. Additionally, the enclosed environment provides steam for the fish, enhancing its flavor.

Serve your fish with a grilled lemon.

Preparing simple dishes can save time, but including some sides is always beneficial. They improve the presentation and provide the consumer with more options. When it comes to fish, a grilled lemon is the perfect side. Simply knowing that citrus complements fish well will earn you compliments. You can grill the fish directly on a bed of lemon slices and serve them with the dish, or you can grill lemons separately by cutting them in half. The juice will caramelize, allowing guests to enhance the flavor of their meal if they wish.

Begin Grilling Your Salads

If you’re aiming to impress your guests, a grilled salad should definitely be on the menu. It will delight anyone who enjoys greens, and even those who typically don’t like salads might find they enjoy it. This is because grilling greens like lettuce caramelizes them, adding a sweet and crispy element to the dish. In essence, it transforms a basic salad into something flavorful. Plus, the texture of grilled vegetables is amazing, and they become quite tender.

Prepare a Dessert

If there’s one thing people never turn down, it’s dessert. A well-made dessert can be the highlight of any occasion. Some of the finest desserts are crafted on grills. For instance, you can slice fruits and caramelize them on the grill. This will make them tender, sweet, and enhance their flavor. You can either serve them as is or offer guests some ice cream alongside. Serving a variety of fruit desserts can ensure that there is something for everyone. Your attentiveness will help you win over the hearts of many.

Immerse Your Corn in Water

If you organize grilling events during the summer, having corn on your menu is a must. It’s a favorite among kids, adults, and seniors alike. The secret to grilling corn safely lies in soaking it first. You should immerse the corn in water for 10 minutes before putting it on the grill. This helps prevent it from catching fire and ensures it cooks quickly. Neglecting this step can lead to serious issues and might even require you to call the fire department if things get out of hand. That could make you appear unskilled. So, remember to soak the corn and showcase your grilling expertise.

Transform Your Grill into an Improvised Cooktop

Did you know you can use your grill like a stovetop? Many people use it to melt butter, prepare sauces, and much more. It helps keep your home cooler in hot weather. Simply place the pan on the grill at the right heat. While you might not be able to boil water, a grill is perfect for cooking small items. Additionally, if you’re hosting an event, you can do everything outdoors instead of constantly going in and out. We bet some guests will even adopt this trick for their parties as well.

Use a thermometer while cooking or grilling.

Did you know that the best way to grill your food is by using a food thermometer? A digital thermometer will help ensure that your meat is cooked thoroughly and correctly. If you don’t have a thermometer, it’s advisable to get one. Regardless of how good you think your cooking is, without precise temperature measurements, it’s impossible to guarantee both safety and quality.

You can opt for an oven-safe model with a thin probe connected by a wire. After taking the internal temperature of what you’re cooking, leave it in the oven or on the grill with the probe safely outside, allowing you to 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 cutting into a hot steak straight from the grill and regretted it. Cutting into freshly grilled meat immediately lets all the tasty juices and flavors escape, leaving you with a dry and bland piece of meat, regardless of how expertly you grilled it. Now that you’re aware, whenever you grill a steak, do yourself a favor and let it rest before cutting into it.

Coat the Pork with Apple Juice

It’s summer, the perfect time for grilling. You’ve got some great pork chops ready for dinner tonight. However, as any grilling enthusiast knows, timing is crucial. If you want your meat perfectly cooked, it’s essential to know when to put it on and take it off the heat—too soon or too late, and the results won’t be great. So, what should you do to avoid overcooking those delicious 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 on the grill.

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

Utilize rosemary sprigs to baste meat on the grill.

If you’re looking to avoid spending money on an additional kitchen utensil or wasting time searching for the right tool, you can use rosemary sprigs as brushes when grilling. Rosemary sprigs are not only convenient for cooking, but they also add a wonderfully aromatic flavor to meats and vegetables when brushed with olive oil or melted butter.

Keep in mind that this technique isn’t limited to rosemary; you can achieve great results using any herb’s leaves, such as thyme, sage, or bay laurel, instead. As long as the herb is brushed over the food while it grills, it will impart its distinct flavor into the meat.

Dual Zone Grilling System

Charcoal grills can do much more than just heat food to the point of losing its nutritional value. These versatile cooking tools are often overlooked for their ability to maintain different temperature zones. One of the best ways to do this is to create a “two-zone fire,” which is done by placing all the lit coals on one side of the grill.

How about trying a refreshing glass of grilled lemonade?

It’s been a warm day. What better way to finish it than with grilled lemonade? To prepare grilled lemonade, grill lemons until they develop dark brown spots and become soft and squishy throughout, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes over an open flame, or let them become hard as rocks if you prefer not to grill them too long due to time constraints or other reasons. Let them rest for 10 minutes at room temperature, then place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to cool down quickly. Take them out of the freezer and squeeze all the juice into a glass (you should get enough for 4 glasses). Add sugar, honey, or sweetener as desired (around 1 tablespoon per glass should be sufficient) and stir well.

Use Salt and Water to Keep Meats Tender and Juicy

Did you know that adding salt to water helps keep meats tender and juicy while also minimizing shrinkage? Salt is an essential part of brine. A brine is a solution made of water, salt, sometimes sugar, and other seasonings, and serves as the foundation for many marinades. The goal of adding salt to water or any liquid is to keep meat moist. This is accomplished by changing the boiling point of the liquid mixture, causing it to break down more slowly during cooking. With less evaporation due to this temperature adjustment, there is less moisture loss, resulting in meats that taste better and are evenly cooked. Salt not only helps retain moisture but also enhances flavor as it is a flavor enhancer for food.

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

After spending half an hour preparing homemade burgers, you might discover that they’ve dried out when cooked on the grill or stove. Don’t fret, as there’s a simple fix for this issue. Just mix some mayonnaise into the meat while it’s still cooking on the pan or grill, and this will help keep it from drying out.

Obtain a Quality Grill

Nowadays, it can be quite overwhelming with the wide range of new grill options available, such as gas versus charcoal and propane versus natural gas. For those who enjoy grilling frequently, having a high-quality grill is essential. First, you need to determine your requirements. Then, consider how many people you will regularly be cooking for. If it’s just for your personal use, find something within your budget that meets your needs. If you often host family gatherings, it might be wise to invest in a more significant option that can handle larger amounts of food or allows multiple levels of cooking simultaneously, so everyone doesn’t have to wait their turn.

Purchase High-Quality Tongs

Tongs are an essential tool in any kitchen that grills. Tongs are as crucial to grilling as a pen is to writing. They are an ideal accessory if you enjoy grilling your food. They help grasp food, turn it over, and move items around, enabling you to achieve the desired level of doneness on your meat. There are various types of tongs to use around the grill or when cooking outdoors. You can choose from spring-loaded tongs, locking tongs, barbecue tongs, heavy-duty stainless steel tongs, and more.

Boil Meat to Reduce Cooking Time

Boiling a piece of meat isn’t aimed at improving its flavor. The intention is to reduce grilling time, which is particularly helpful in the summer when you want to avoid heating up your house with the oven or stove. By partially cooking the meat before you start barbecuing, it allows for new options—such as quickly adaptable burgers and sausages that grill in minutes, or having a nutritious canned beef stew ready whenever desired. This method also enhances safety by eliminating more of the harmful bacteria that could be present on raw meat.

Plan for Leftovers

After finishing your BBQ, it might be difficult to anticipate whether the remaining food will be sufficient for another meal. This uncertainty may make you hesitant to purchase as much meat and other ingredients, in case there are leftovers that end up spoiling. However, if you do have extra meat and other food items, you can use them to prepare meals for the following day.

Have a spray bottle or a fire extinguisher close by.

There’s nothing worse than a terrible grease fire in your kitchen. But what about when you’re outside? That can be dangerous too. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are about 15,000 grill fires each year that result in injuries and property damage. Most of these fires are caused by flare-ups from grease dripping off food. So, if you plan on grilling or barbecuing this summer, make sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. The larger kind is preferable because it has a longer hose and nozzle for spraying from a distance. It also requires less pressure to release the extinguishing agent inside it.

Do not place cold food straight onto the grill.

Cold food and barbecue aren’t typically associated. When you think of grilling, hot dogs or hamburgers probably come to mind. Therefore, cold food on a grill is likely the last thing you’d think of. To prepare for a BBQ, it’s a good idea to get everything ready a day in advance. If you have sausages or other meats in the freezer, it’s best to take them out and let them sit for a few minutes to thaw. Placing cold and frozen food directly on the grill can not only damage your grill but also negatively affect the taste of your food.