The summer months are upon us.  Now is the time to get out on that grill!  If you’re like me, you use the grill all year round, but the summer months are a special time for cooking outside.  How can you beat a juicy steak, burger, chicken thigh, or sausage – flame-kissed and beautifully browned with those distinguishing grill marks?  Grilling is also a fast and easy way to make a delicious lunch or dinner, and also helps to cut down on that mess in the kitchen.  Listed below are some quick tips to get the most out of your grill this summer season.

Pre-Heat That Grill and Grates for More Even Cooking

Whether you use gas or charcoal, it’s important to pre-heat the grill and grates – BEFORE you add anything to cook.  Not only does a hot cooking surface allow the grill to sear in those beautiful cross-hatch marks on your food, but it will also help to make your cooking time go faster and help the food cook more evenly.

Try a Marinade

Marinating meat and vegetables will add lots and lots of punch and flavor to your food.  You can use store-bought marinades, salad dressings (like Italian or any vinaigrette), or come up with your own flavor combinations.  Get creative!

Using a Barbeque Sauce?  Wait Until the End to Add It In

The sugars in any barbeque sauce will quickly burn if added too soon to the meat on your grill.  For chops, ribs, or even chicken – first cook the food on the grill without the sauce, and then slather it on during the last five to ten minutes of cooking time.  Not only will you retain all of that barbeque flavor, but your meat won’t look like it went through a house fire before reaching the table.

Let It  Rest!

All grilled meats and poultry should rest for a few minutes after cooking.  Not only will the food continue to cook for a while AFTER you remove it from the heat, it also allows all those delicious juices to redistribute back through the meat, keeping your hard work moist and flavorful.  That perfectly grilled steak you got just to medium-rare on the grill will probably continue to cook and make it up to medium by the time it rests before serving, so be aware that you’ll need to “almost” get there on the heat – then remove the meat or chicken and allow it to finish cooking off of the flames (you can tent it with foil to add a few more minutes of residual cooking time as well).

The Grill is for More Than Just Meat, Chicken, and Fish!

Think of the grill as an outdoor cooking space that can be used for all kinds of creations.  Grill up vegetables, like squash or corn on the cob.  Skewer up some meat and veggie kabobs.  I even use the grill to make homemade pizzas!  If you can cook it on a stove or in an oven, you can probably modify it to work on the grill.  Use your imagination!

Well, what are you waiting for?  Get out there and get grilling!