1. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure you have ample charcoal, lighter fluid, and matches handy. If you are using a gas grill, make sure you have a full canister of propane, or a full refill canister. We keep one in our grill, another full, in the garage, ready to replace if needed. It’s always frustrating to be grilling food and run out of gas before the food has finished cooking!
2. Plan the full menu ahead of time. Consider if you want to buy and prepare all items yourself, or handle as a potluck with guests contributing.
3. Allow time for marinating and slow indirect grill time. Ribs, specifically, require advance preparation. We season and prepare the meat 24 hours in advance, wrap in heavy duty aluminum foil, and refrigerate until grill time.
4. Have everything, chopped and ready ahead of time.
5. Use coupons to save money on condiments this time of year!
6. Shop the farmers market to get fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price, while supporting your local farmers!
7. Keep water and a fire extinguisher handy.
8. Use a meat thermometer. You want to make sure food is cooked to a safe temperature, and to the desired level you prefer.
9. Rest time – some meat needs time to rest after being grilled. It allows juices to flow back into the meat, making it soft and moist, not tough and dry.
10. Keep an eye on the clock. Prevent food poisoning by knowing what items can be left out, and for how long. Make sure there are ample containers for leftovers, and room in the fridge or a cooler to store them!
jenn huey says
I usually leave the grilling up to the guys but with these tips I may be able to pull of a good grill. I will bookmark these and refer to them next time
kymom (@kymom13) says
Love grilling! I never remember to have a meat thermometer handy which would help with over cooking!
Kelly O says
I am SO ready to BBQ! I will use these tips, as I am a horrible cook/griller 🙂
ANN*H says
BBQ season is finally upon us. We like to grill and any tips or recipes are greatly appreciated. thanks for all the tips for BBQ’s.
sheila ressel says
After such a long winter I am so ready to get out and get barbequing!
Jennifer Speed says
Great tips. I usually do tips 1,3, and 4.
nenasinclair says
These are great tips! I’m getting my BBQ ready and will be using it for the first time this year on Mother’s Day! 🙂
Rachée Fagg (@sayitrahshay) says
it’s starting to warm up and I am going to have some free time. Thanks for these tips; I think it’s time to pull out the grill!
mommypowers says
I love bar-b-q season, thanks for the tips!
Paula Ball says
last weekend my son in law got a severe burn at a crawfish boil (Mississippi BBQ)from boiling water splashing on his foot(in flip flops) so please wear good shoes when cooking.