For many,
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off of summer. It also marks the
beginning of grilling season, and every year, people across the country gather
in their backyards with good food, family and friends to honor those who have
served us in the military.
To ensure
your Memorial Day bash is a success, here are a few basic grilling tips.
- Plan ahead. Before you fire up the grill, make sure you have everything you need organized, prepped and ready to go. This includes making sure you have enough propane or charcoal to get you through your cookout.
- Turn up
the heat. Preheat
your grill at least 15 minutes before putting on the meat to burn off
remaining residue from your last meal and to make sure it reaches the
optimal temperature. A properly heated grill sears your meat on
contact and prevents it from drying out.
- Brush
it off. Use a
cleaning brush to remove buildup before each grilling session and when you
swap out meats and vegetables.
- Invest
in a good thermometer. For the
best cooking results and to avoid undercooked meat, cook your meats
according to a food thermometer. A good thermometer will allow you to
achieve the perfect internal temperature for the specific meat you
are cooking.
- Oil it
up. Reduce
sticking and make clean up easier later by lubricating the grates on your
grill with vegetable oil before you put on your food.
- Be patient. To maintain a consistent temperature, resist the urge to repeatedly lift the lid or poke and flip food to check for doneness. Instead follow the approximate time given in your recipe, and use your food thermometer to test its internal temperature.
- Time it. Meat will continue to cook after you take it off the grill, so it's best to remove it right before it has reached the desired doneness.
- Keep it
simple. Hot
dogs, burgers, chicken and corn on the cob are quick and easy foods for a
Memorial Day cookout. Combine your meats with a spread of condiments, fruit
and chips, and you’ve created a tasty, trouble-free feast that everyone
will enjoy.
For more home tips, visit HomeChannelTV.com.