Grilling is a summer tradition that almost everyone enjoys. However, not many people know how to grill like a professional chef. There are a few tricks to grilling given by professionals in chef coats and women’s and men’s chef aprons, that can make your food taste amazing.
Here are a few tips to help you grill like a pro this summer.
Preheat your grill to the right temperature before adding food
Preheating your grill until it comes to the right temperature is important in keeping your food from sticking and becoming charred. Make sure to close the lid of your grill so that it comes to temperature quickly. If you are using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are white before adding your food.
If you add the food onto the grill while it is still not at the right temperature, you will end up with food that is either burnt on the outside or not cooked all the way through. This is why professional chefs always recommend that you preheat your grill before adding the food.
Use the right kind of charcoal or wood for your type of grill
The right kind of charcoal or wood will help to create the perfect flavor for your food. For gas grills, use hardwood charcoal because it will give you a smoky flavor. For charcoal grills, use a combination of hardwood and fruit wood to get the best results.
While coal lumps are the traditional way to light a barbecue, using a chimney starter is a much faster and easier way to get your grill going. Once the coals are hot, spread them out in an even layer across the bottom of the grill. This will help to ensure that your food cooks evenly. Then, place the food on the grill and close the lid. Don't open it again until you are ready to take the food off. This will help keep all of the heat inside so that your food can cook properly.
Grill meat at the right temperature for the correct amount of time
When grilling meat, it is important to cook it at the right temperature for the correct amount of time. This will ensure that your meat is cooked all the way through without being dried out or burnt.
For example, beef should be grilled at a temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit and should only be cooked for a few minutes on each side. Pork, on the other hand, should be grilled at a slightly higher temperature of around 375 degrees Fahrenheit and can be cooked for up to 20 minutes per side.
If you are grilling fish or seafood, it is best to cook it at a lower temperature of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish can be cooked for as little as two minutes per side, while seafood will typically take about four minutes per side.
Flip food only once to avoid drying it out
An important thing to remember is to flip food only once while it is on the grill. This will help to avoid drying it out and ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides.
Use a thermometer to test whether meat is cooked properly
In order to check whether your meat is properly cooked, it is best to use a thermometer. The most accurate way to test for doneness is to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, pork should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are cooking chicken or turkey breasts, they are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are cooking thighs or legs, they need to reach an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit in order to be safely consumed.
Marinade meats in advance for extra flavor
The best way to ensure that your grilled food is delicious is to season and marinade them well in advance. This will add tons of flavor to your meat, and it will be sure to impress your guests.
Some great marinades to try include:
Once you have chosen your marinade, be sure to coat all sides of the meat evenly. Place in a container or bag and refrigerate for at least two hours (or up to 24 hours). Don’t forget to wear a bib apron when working with marinades as they can splash on your clothes.
Don't overcrowd the grill
Another important tip is to not overcrowd the grill. If you put too much food on the grill, it will not cook evenly and will end up being either burnt or undercooked. Grill your food in batches if necessary, so that it cooks evenly.
With these tips you will be grilling like a pro chef in no time! Grill up your favorite summer recipes and enjoy.