Have you ever harbored dreams of being a grill master? Of flipping the perfect steak on the grill or crafting the juiciest, most flavorful burger? Are you interested in trying out some summer grilling recipes and making the most of summer vegetables and fruits on the grill? There are plenty of grilling tips and grilling tricks from experts that are readily available online and in books and magazines, and often, it just takes grilling steaks or other food regularly to perfect the art. Practice makes perfect, after all! In some cases, cooking classes may help you find a zippy technique or teach you how to make the most out of your grilling experiences. You can celebrate the end of the class by creating a delicious barbecue for family and friends and impress them with your grilling prowess. Summer is the ideal grilling time, so fire up the grill, and get started!
What Do I Need to Know About Grilling?
About 80% of household in the United States have an outdoor grill or smoker and just under 6% say that they grill more than once a week. Over 70% say that they grill because of the improved flavor. Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are some of the most popular grilling holidays of the year.
Of course, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make if you’re starting out grilling is what kind of grill you should purchase. See below for more on that topic. You’ll also need to get basic grill equipment — you can upgrade if you turn out to be using your grill a lot or want to try fancier recipes, but generally you’ll need long-handled spatulas, tongs, basting brushes, a meat thermometer, and skewers.
Know how to light your grill properly and remember that everything you will grill will have a different timetable. You’ll grill fish differently than grilling steaks, for example. Grilling is not a one-size-fits-all methodology, so you’ll want to pay attention to the temperature of your grill and how long you cook the food.
What Type of Grill Should I Get?
The three most commonly used outdoor grills are gas grills, charcoal grills, and electric grills. There are different advantages and drawbacks to these grills, and many people argue about what grill provides the best flavor.
A gas grill is definitely the most popular type of grill these days, providing a quick start and quick clean up at the end. No more waiting for charcoals to heat up! However, some people suggest some of the charcoal flavor is lost; the price for a gas grill will also be a bit higher.
A charcoal grill is perhaps one of the most traditional kinds of grills and offers that smoky flavor that so many associate with grilling. However, it is a longer process in terms of getting the grill ready and cleaning up afterwards.
Lastly, an electric grill is perfect for a city dweller who doesn’t have a lot of space or who can’t use a gas or charcoal grill because of city regulations. However, many people say an electric grill offers less flavor.
Regardless of what grill you choose, what type of recipe you make is also often a big factor.
What are Popular Recipes for the Grill?
Over 60% of people who grill say that hamburgers are what they cook most often on the grill. Grilling steaks is another popular grill item and barbecue sauce, rubs, and marinades can seriously elevate a grilling experience. However, almost anything can be thrown on a grill — fish and vegetables can be put in a wire basket to maintain a little more control — and it can be a quick and easy way to cook dinner. Adding lemons or other citrus to the grill can bring out unexpected flavors and color as well.
If you’re a little unsure about your grilling skills, see if a cooking class near you offers help with grilling! You’ll be grilling steaks in no time and probably come away with a whole arsenal of tasty recipes to try.