50 Ingenious Grilling Tips to Make You Look Like a Pro

Begin with a clean grill every time.

One way to demonstrate your expertise is by how you use your grill. A dirty grill can leave a lasting impression on your guests. It not only indicates a lack of grilling skills but also suggests poor hygiene. Therefore, it’s important to clean your grill before any gathering. This will prevent food from sticking to the grates and ensure the food tastes good. Cooking on a dirty grill can expose your meals to residues from previous leftovers. So, always thoroughly prepare and clean your grill.

Prepare Steakhouse Toppings on the Grill

Have you ever thought about how restaurants provide tasty toppings for steaks and other meals? The secret is that they grill them. That’s right. Using a cast-iron skillet, you can sauté all your vegetables, mushrooms, asparagus, and more on the grill. The pan keeps the toppings from falling through the grates. Plus, grilling enhances the flavor of the veggies. Adding herbs and garlic butter can also earn you compliments from everyone. And you won’t need to shuttle between the kitchen and the outdoor grill.

Use Bread to Identify Hot Spots

Many people complain that grilling is time-consuming. However, that’s because they aren’t using the right tricks. One way to grill quickly and effectively is by identifying the hot spots. These will show which part of your grill is most efficient, helping you cook meals faster. To locate these spots, simply place pieces of bread on the grill. Then, turn on the heat for a minute and flip the bread to see which piece is the most charred. That will be the best area to cook your steaks and other meals.

Utilize a Potato to Stop Sticking

A frequent challenge at BBQ parties is food sticking to the grill, particularly with poultry. However, many don’t realize this issue can be completely avoided. By utilizing a potato, you can convert your grill into a non-stick surface, making cooking much easier. Start by preheating your grill slightly. Next, slice a potato in half and pierce it with a fork or stick. Then, rub the grill using the cut side of the potato. The potato’s starch will prevent food from sticking to the grill.

Place Your Toppings in a Muffin Tray

Muffin trays are a versatile tool. They can be used for both baking and grilling. Although this might seem unconventional, it is actually quite effective. If you dislike setting up an additional table for condiments, there’s no need to worry. You can put all the vegetables and dips in the slots of a muffin pan and keep it on the grill. This way, you won’t need to move back and forth to retrieve the condiments. You can even refrigerate the sauces in the pan and serve them to guests. The best part is that you’ll reduce the cleanup after the party with this hack.

Place fish on top of lemon slices on the grill

Cooking fish on a grill requires careful attention, as even a small mistake when flipping it could cause it to fall through the grill grates or stick to them. To prevent this, simply use lemons. Lay out a bed of lemon slices on the grill and place your fish on top. This will add a refreshing citrus flavor to the dish and make cooking much easier. You’ll be able to flip the fish without concern, while your guests admire your clever and attractive presentation. The grilled lemons can also be served with the meal to avoid waste.

Cook fish with diagonal grill marks.

Here’s another fish hack that will simplify your life and impress your guests. One of the most common problems when grilling fish is that it falls apart. However, with some care, this can be completely avoided. To prevent this, simply place the pieces of seafood diagonally on the grill. This positioning ensures that they won’t lose balance and slip through the grates. Additionally, it will make it easier for you to pick up and flip the pieces of fish. Remember to grease both your grill and the fish before placing them diagonally.

Use herbs as skewers.

Herbs are not only great as toppings; they also make excellent skewers. If you don’t have skewers, they are a wonderful alternative. You can thread your vegetables onto a sprig of rosemary and grill them briefly. The rosemary will impart its flavor to the vegetables, and you won’t have any skewers to wash afterwards. However, be careful not to grill for too long because herbs can quickly burn. Also, avoid using this method with poultry, as the herb skewer won’t be able to support their weight.

Understand When to Grill With the Lid Open

Have you ever pondered whether to grill your food with the lid open or closed? If so, this trick will clear up your curiosity. Grills adhere to a straightforward cooking rule. If your food is ¾ inch thick or less, you should cook with the lid open. On the other hand, if your food is thicker than ¾ inch, you should close the lid. Keeping this simple rule in mind during your grilling session will help you prepare delicious food. Plus, when you share this tip with others, they’ll consider you a grilling expert.

Utilize a Container Cover to Form Your Burger

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

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

If you don’t grill frequently, keeping track of your propane gas supply can be challenging. You can’t simply open the tank to check the level. However, this method will help you avoid worrying about how much gas is left. First, boil a cup of water. Then, carefully pour it along the side of the tank. Next, use your bare hand to feel the temperature of the tank. The hot area indicates where there is no gas, while the cold area shows where the propane gas is located. This will allow you to determine if you have enough gas for your grilling needs.

Thoroughly Season Burgers

Most people season their burgers as they grill the meat. While it saves time, it doesn’t create outstanding dishes. That’s why you should season your meals in advance. You can do this while preparing the raw patties, or if you’re short on time, season them an hour before the gathering. This allows the spices and herbs to infuse the meat and boost its flavor. Additionally, consider adding a bit of brown sugar to the seasoning mix, as it can significantly elevate the dish and earn you compliments from your guests.

Allow Your Steak to Reach Room Temperature

If you grill your steaks right after removing them from the freezer, you’re not giving the meal or your guests the best experience. Cold meat doesn’t cook evenly and takes more time than usual. That’s why steaks should always be taken out at least thirty minutes before grilling to allow them to reach room temperature. This tip applies to all steaks and thicker cuts of meat. Putting steaks on the grill at regular temperature helps retain more flavor. However, for thin cuts, it’s beneficial to let them stay somewhat cold to prevent overcooking.

Place fruit on the grill

If you have fruits that are not so flavorful at home, it’s time to make use of them. Rather than letting them go to waste, consider grilling them. Simply place the fruit in a cast iron pan and set it on the grill, maintaining a high heat. Fruits have natural sugars that caramelize when exposed to high temperatures, bringing back their sweet taste and making them softer. One of the great things is that all fruits can be grilled. You can even get creative by adding ingredients like butter to boost the flavor.

You can grill a pie too.

What distinguishes exceptional pies from ordinary ones is the way they are cooked. Many enjoy baking pies because it’s a common method. However, for the most delicious pie experience, grilling is the method to choose. This technique allows you to prepare it in just thirty minutes and achieves a crispier crust than an oven. Plus, you won’t have to stand in a hot kitchen monitoring your pie. Additionally, grilling allows for numerous toppings, which isn’t usually possible with baking.

Immerse Your Skewers

Do your skewers burn when grilling at high temperatures? If that’s the case, you should learn this technique promptly. This trick will keep your skewers intact until you finish grilling. The exciting part is it’s a simple method. Just half-fill a pitcher with water, place your skewers in it, and let them soak for fifteen to thirty minutes. After soaking one end, flip the skewers to soak the other end as well. Once you’ve done this, you can attach your kebabs or other items to the skewers and start grilling.

Utilize Double Skewers

If you’re planning to grill kebabs, shrimp, or any skewered food, be sure to use two skewers for each. This provides more stability while cooking and prevents the items from spinning or falling when you turn them. This trick is especially important for shrimp, as they shrink when grilled and can easily slip through gaps. Once you try this method, you’ll also find it much easier to transfer the food to plates with double skewers. Your guests will be impressed by your grilling expertise and know-how.

Create a spiral slice in your hot dogs

When you eat hot dogs from a cart or a store, you’ve probably noticed some cuts on them. In fact, most pictures you find online will show this as well. The reason for the spiral cuts on the sausage is that they enhance the flavor. These cuts make you look like a cooking pro and add a caramelized taste to the hot dog. That’s why homemade hot dogs can seem less flavorful. To achieve the taste of a popular vendor’s hot dogs, always make some spiral cuts. Keep them close together to ensure even grilling.

Use a Grill Mat to Keep Your Vegetables Secure

A great way to demonstrate your expertise is by having the right grilling tools, including a grill mat. This tool allows you to grill vegetables and fruits without the risk of them falling through the grates. Grill mats are made from various materials, and a mesh mat can help grill small food pieces easily. The mesh design prevents anything from slipping through the grates. Plus, some grilling mats are non-stick, ensuring food doesn’t stick and making grilling even more efficient. This means you are more likely to impress your guests.

Utilize a ceramic stone to grill a pizza that has a thick crust.

Grilling is the ideal method, whether you prefer a thin or thick crust pizza. The charcoal enhances the flavor, and the cheese melts perfectly. However, for thick crust pizzas, there’s a concern about the dough sticking to the grill. While this might not be an issue around family, it could leave a bad impression with guests. To prevent any embarrassment, simply use a ceramic stone. Place it under the dough when you grill the pizza. This will let you grill perfectly without any concerns.

Cook your meat a little less than usual

Did you know that your meat continues to cook even after you remove it from the grill? This happens because of the high temperature when it is taken off. It’s one of the reasons why people might complain about overcooking. To avoid disappointing your guests, you should always take the meat off the grill slightly before it reaches the desired time or temperature. After removing it from the grill, wrap it in aluminum foil and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, you can serve perfectly cooked and steaming hot food to your guests like a pro.

In a pinch, aluminum foil can be used to clean your grill.

Using a clean grill is the best way to impress the crowd and cook delicious meals. While you might be using a brush to clean your grill, we suggest you reconsider. A dirty and greasy brush will only make your grill dirtier. But don’t worry. A piece of aluminum foil can do wonders for you. Simply roll the foil into a ball, grab it with some tongs, and easily wipe the grates of your grill. This quick trick will be helpful if you ever forget to clean your grill. However, remember not to hold the foil with your hands, as you might contaminate it.

Or Use a Lemon to Clean Your Barbecue Grill

While aluminum foil is a great method for cleaning the grill, it can occasionally tear. Additionally, cleaning off all the grime can be time-consuming. That’s why using citrus fruits like lemon is a better choice. Simply slice a lemon in half and rub the cut side on the grill grates. The lemon will lift off the char and dirt, and it imparts a fresh, zesty flavor to your grilled food. The fruit also leaves a pleasant aroma on the grill, making it especially useful if the last thing you cooked was seafood.

An onion makes an excellent replacement for a grill brush.

Although citrus fruits and aluminum are effective cleaning options, there is a better method. This involves using an onion instead of a brush. Begin by cutting the onion and attaching it to a fork. Then, rub it against your grill. It will remove char, dirt particles, and old residues in just a few minutes. If you’re concerned about wasting food, don’t worry. After cleaning, you can cut off the dirty part of the onion and grill the remaining portion to serve with the meal. The flavor will also infuse with the food, making it tastier.

Cook burgers with an ice cube.

By using this brilliant method, you can prevent serving dry and tough burgers to your guests. Even if you have doubts about trying it, we assure you that this trick works wonders. Simply put one ice cube on each raw patty while grilling. The water from the ice cube will keep your meat juicy and tender. When it’s time to flip the patties, you can toss the leftover ice. The great thing is, the ice cube doesn’t necessarily have to be made of water. So, you can make the ice from any flavor you want to add to the burgers.

Position Your Charcoals Carefully

If you use a traditional charcoal grill for cooking, it’s beneficial to know how to use it effectively to avoid disappointing your guests. The first important technique is arranging the coals correctly. For indirect heat, align the coals on one side of the grill and cook on the other side. If your dish needs intense heat, place the coals in the center and lower the grate slightly. Keeping this tip in mind will allow you to grill food evenly, ensuring your cooking will be appreciated by the end of the event.

Apply oil to the grill.

Prevent food from sticking by using this trick for your barbecue gatherings. No matter if you’re grilling vegetables, meat, fruits, or other items, they can all stick to the grates. Removing them is challenging, especially with meat. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your grill is non-stick. The best method is to oil the grates, which reduces friction and provides a smooth grilling surface. Simply dip some foil or paper towel in oil and rub it on the grill. This tip will stop food from sticking and make it slightly juicier.

Create a dent in the center of your burgers.

Have you ever ended up with burgers that are too thick to eat due to the patty puffing up? If so, you need this trick in your life. With this method, your food will always be satisfying. We guarantee people will be asking you for the secret to your perfect burgers. To create a juicy and thin burger, you should always make an indentation in the meat. Use your thumb to press down on the center of the raw patty to create a dent. This will ensure your burgers are the perfect size and easy to eat. Plus, indented patties are easier to grill.

Wrap Fish in Foil

Do you grill fish directly on an open grill? If so, reconsider. Turning seafood on grills can be difficult unless you are very skilled at handling it. 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 them. This will prevent the fish from falling through. It will also make it easier to turn the food while keeping it intact. Additionally, the enclosed space provides steam to the fish, enhancing its flavor.

Pair your fish with a grilled lemon.

While preparing simple dishes saves time, adding some sides is always beneficial. They improve the presentation and provide the consumer with options. With fish, there’s no better side than a grilled lemon. Knowing that this citrus fruit pairs well with fish will earn you high praise. You can grill the fish on a bed of lemons and then serve them alongside the dish, or you can grill lemons separately by cutting them in half. Their juice will caramelize, allowing guests to add more flavor to their serving if they wish.

Begin Grilling Your Salads

If you want to impress your guests, a grilled salad is essential on the menu. It will delight the taste buds of those who enjoy greens, and even those who aren’t salad fans will learn to appreciate it. This is because grilling items like lettuce brings out their sweetness and adds a crispy texture. In other words, you’ll transform a basic salad into a delicious dish. Plus, the texture of vegetables when grilled is fantastic, making them easier to chew.

Prepare some dessert.

One thing that people almost never refuse is dessert. A delicious sweet dish can be the highlight of any occasion. Some of the finest desserts are prepared on grills. For instance, you can slice some fruits and caramelize them on the grill. They will become softer, sweeter, and more flavorful. You can serve them as they are or add some ice cream for your guests. Offering a range of fruit desserts ensures there is something for everyone. This consideration will help you win over many people’s hearts.

Immerse Your Corn in Water

If you hold grilling events in the summer, corn should be part of your menu. Children, adults, and seniors all enjoy it equally. The essential step to grilling corn safely is to soak it. Before grilling, immerse the corn in water for 10 minutes. This will prevent it from igniting and allow it to cook quickly. Otherwise, you may run into significant issues and might even need to call the fire department if the situation worsens. Naturally, this would make you appear inept. So, soak the corn and demonstrate to everyone that you are a grilling expert.

Convert Your Grill into a Temporary Stovetop

Did you know you can convert your grill into a stovetop? Many individuals use their grills to melt butter, prepare sauces, and more. They help to keep your home cooler when it’s hot outside. All it takes is placing a pan on the grill at an appropriate heat. While boiling water might not be possible, a grill is the ideal choice for small food items. Moreover, if you’re hosting an event, you can do everything outdoors instead of constantly going back and forth. We bet some guests will even adopt this trick for their own gatherings.

Utilize a thermometer while cooking or grilling.

Did you know that using a food thermometer is the most precise way to grill your meal? A digital thermometer ensures your meat is cooked thoroughly and correctly. If you don’t have a thermometer, it’s advisable to get one. Regardless of how confident you are in your cooking skills, without accurate temperature readings, you can’t ensure safety and quality.

An oven-safe model with a thin probe connected by wire is also an option. This allows you to measure the internal temperature of what you’re cooking, place it in the oven, or leave it on the grill with the probe hanging outside, where it is safe from harm but still able 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 slicing into a hot steak straight from the grill and regretted it. It’s not a good idea to cut into freshly grilled meat immediately because it will release all the tasty juices and flavors, resulting in a dry, bland piece of meat regardless of how expertly you grilled it. So now that you’re aware, give yourself a break each time you grill a steak by allowing it to rest before cutting into it.

Brush the Pork with Apple Juice

It’s summertime, and it’s grilling season. You have some nice pork chops, ready to grill for dinner tonight. But any griller understands that timing is crucial. To have perfectly cooked meat, you must know when to put it on the heat and when to take it off—too soon or too late, and your dinner might not turn out well. So, what should a smart person like you do to avoid overcooking those delicious pork chops? Baste the pork with apple juice while it’s on the grill. This will enhance the flavor and make it more tender.

Place the Herbs Directly on the Grill

If you’re in the mood for grilling, a great way to incorporate your favorite herbs into your meal is by grilling them. You can place the herbs directly on the charcoal when you’re cooking kabobs or steak. You’ll just need a handful of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, or basil. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and let them dry before placing them on the hot coals. Wait until they start to smoke, then mix them into your dish just before serving! This can enhance the flavor of your food significantly.

Use rosemary sprigs to baste the meat on the grill.

If you’re not keen on spending money on another piece of cookware or searching the kitchen for the right tool, you can use rosemary sprigs as a brush when grilling food. Rosemary sprigs are not just handy cooking tools; they also infuse a delightful aroma and flavor into meat and vegetables when basted with olive oil or melted butter.

Remember, this method isn’t limited to just rosemary; leaves from other herbs like thyme, sage, or bay laurel can be used as substitutes with excellent results! As long as the herb is brushed over the food while it cooks on the grill, it will impart its distinct flavor into the meat.

Dual-Zone Fire Grill

Charcoal grills can do much more than just heat food to the point where it loses its nutritional value; they’re often underestimated in their ability to maintain different temperature zones. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a “two-zone fire.” This can be done simply by moving all the hot coals to one side of the grill.

How about giving a chilled glass of grilled lemonade a try?

It’s been a warm day. What better way to finish it than with grilled lemonade? To prepare it, grill the lemons until they have dark brown spots and are soft and squishy throughout, usually about 15 to 20 minutes over an open flame, or stop when they become hard if you don’t want to grill them too long due to time constraints. Let them sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, then place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to cool them quickly. Take them out of the freezer and squeeze out all the juice into a glass (you should be able to get enough for 4 glasses). Add sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste (about 1 tablespoon per glass should suffice) and stir well.

Maintain the Tenderness and Juiciness of Meats With Salt and Water

Did you know that adding salt to water helps keep meats tender and juicy while also reducing shrinkage? Salt is an essential ingredient in brine. A brine solution consists of water, salt, sometimes sugar (and other seasonings) and serves as the base for many marinades. The purpose of adding salt to water or any liquid is to maintain the moisture in meat. This is achieved by altering the boiling point of the liquid mixture, causing it to break down more slowly during cooking. As a result, with less evaporation occurring due to this change in temperature, there is less moisture loss, leading to better-tasting meat that is properly cooked. Not only does salt help retain moisture, but it also enhances flavor, acting as a flavor booster for foods.

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

You’ve just spent 30 minutes preparing homemade burgers, only to discover they are dry after cooking them on the grill or stovetop. Don’t worry; there’s a simple fix for this issue. Just mix some mayonnaise into the meat while it’s still in the pan or on the grill to keep it from drying out.

Acquire a Quality Grill

Nowadays, with so many grill options, choosing between gas versus charcoal and propane versus natural gas can be quite overwhelming. For frequent grillers, having a high-quality grill is essential. Start by identifying your needs. Ask yourself how many people you will typically be cooking for. If it’s just for you, choose something budget-friendly that meets your needs. If you often host family gatherings, consider investing in something more robust that can cook larger amounts of food or offer multiple cooking levels simultaneously, so everyone doesn’t have to wait their turn.

Purchase high-quality tongs.

Tongs are an essential tool in any grilling kitchen. They are as crucial to grilling as a pen is to writing. If you enjoy grilling your food, tongs are a perfect accessory to have. They assist in grabbing food, turning it over, and moving items, allowing you to achieve the desired doneness on your meat. There are various types of tongs for use around the grill or when cooking outdoors, including spring-loaded tongs, locking tongs, barbecue tongs, heavy-duty stainless steel tongs, and more.

Save Time by Boiling Meat

Boiling meat isn’t meant to enhance flavor. Instead, it’s to reduce grilling time, which is particularly useful in the summer when you want to keep your home cool without using the oven or stove. Pre-cooking the meat before starting the grill allows for quick and easy preparations, like burgers and sausages that can be grilled in minutes, or having nutritious canned beef stew ready whenever you desire. This method also improves safety by further eliminating harmful bacteria that might be on raw meat.

Plan for Leftovers

At the end of your BBQ, if you have leftovers, it can be difficult to plan ahead and decide if there’s enough extra food for another meal. As a result, you may choose to buy less meat and other ingredients, just in case there’s some leftover that might spoil. However, if you do have leftover meat and other food items, you can use them to prepare a meal for the next day.

Have a spray bottle or an extinguisher close by.

A nasty grease fire in your kitchen is quite terrible. But what about when you’re outside? That can be risky as well. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association reports that there are about 15,000 grill fires annually that result in injuries and property damage. Most of these fires are triggered by flare-ups from grease dripping off food. Therefore, if you plan to grill or barbecue this summer, make sure to have a fire extinguisher within reach. The larger type is preferable as it comes with a longer hose and nozzle for spraying from a distance and requires less pressure to activate the extinguishing agent inside.

Do not place cold food straight onto the grill.

Cold food and barbecues are not typically associated. When considering grilling, one usually imagines hot dogs or burgers. Therefore, the idea of cold food on a grill is uncommon. It’s advisable to prepare everything a day ahead of your BBQ event. If you have sausages or other meats in the freezer, it’s best to take them out and allow them to thaw for a few minutes. Placing cold or frozen food directly on the grill can not only harm your grill but also negatively affect the flavor of your food.