Getting Grill Ready 

Getting Grill Ready

I was driving home from work – it was after 8pm, I was tired, and looking forward to relaxation. As I turned up my street, I smelled something familiar- burning charcoal briquettes. The scent made me smile, and immediately thought of my own grill at home; it was time to get it ready for barbecuing. During the spring and summer months I use my gas grill often, because I love the taste of the food that it produces, and it also helps me keep my kitchen clean. Besides being a practical alternative to cooking indoors, grilling food often becomes a social event, bringing together friends and family.

Before you start to grill, make sure that your equipment is in working order. It’s important to have clean surface to cook on. Here are a few tips to consider when preparing your grill:

If you have a gas grill:

Make sure that all of your connections are secure. The hose that connects the propane tank to the grill should be attached securely. Using your hand, make sure that the fittings are tight, eliminating any possible gas leaks.

Before throwing your first burger or steak on the grill, it’s important to have a full tank of propane. Propane tanks are sold everywhere now; most supermarkets, home improvement stores, and convenience stores carry them for around $20.00.

The bottom of the grill should be free from and debris that may have collected there during the winter months. If there are leaves, or other particles in the receptacle, they may become fire hazards. Simply clean the bottom of the grill using a metal spatula, then scoop out the excess waste placing it in the trash.

I always like to let my grill burn on high for at least 20 minutes before using it for the first time. When the grill reaches at least 500 degrees, I’ll scrape the cooking surface with a metal brush. After the grill is completely clean, dip a cloth in vegetable oil and run it across the cooking surface- seasoning the grill with an oily rag will help prevent foods from sticking, and will help enhance the flavor of the food.

Charcoal Briquettes

If you have a charcoal grill:

Follow the cleaning steps as stated above, and remember to season your cooking surface.

Additional points:

Always remember to make sure you have enough gas or charcoal briquettes before starting your barbecue.

Your grill should reach at least 350 degrees before you place food on it.

If you’re using briquettes, they will turn gray when ready to use.

Make are you have the right tools for the job. Purchase a metal spatula, tongs, and a good wore brush. Never use a plastic utensil when using your grill.

A long-stemmed lighter is the best way to ignite your charcoal, or flame for a gas grill.

If you’re grilling meat, let it come to room temperature before exposing it to heat- doing this prevents the protein from seizing up.

If you’re cooking a piece of fish, place it on the grill and leave it alone. Remember, fish is delicate and can crumble if handled, or moved around too much.

Don’t grill your veggies to death. Place a small amount of olive oil on them then season with salt and pepper. Crunchy vegetables fresh off the grill are delicious!

Do you have any tips to add? Please let me know!

Chef Chuck
Cooksandeats.com
chuck@cooksandeats.com