July is prime time to go outside and toss some meat and veggies on the BBQ. Unfortunately grilling is a pretty delicate art, and the method goes relatively unused for most of the year. To make sure you’re the grill-master that gets the whole neighborhood talking this season, here are some of our favorite DIY life hacks for summer grilling.
Preparation
Make Sure You Have Enough Propane – Need to make sure you’ve got enough fuel for your gas grill? Before you start cooking, boil a pot of water. Tilt your propane tank to a slight angle and pour the water down the side. Be certain to NOT pour boiling water on the top of your propane tank! Glide your hand from the bottom of the propane tank and move up. The part that is still cool is the propane level!
Sear First, Then Cook – Start with the flames on high and get a crisp on the edge of the meat or vegetables. Then lower the flame (or, if it’s not gas, move to the edge of the grill) and slow cook to get the inside tender.
Cooking
Spray Apple Juice to Improve Color and Tenderness – This is a great trick for when you’re grilling any meats, especially pork. Put some natural apple juice in a spray bottle and spray the food every time you open the lid on the grill. This keeps the food moist and sweet.
Add Smokey Flavor to Your Gas Grill – Gas grills are convenient, but they lack that smokey flavor all your guests will crave at a cookout. Aluminum foil to the rescue! Make an envelope of aluminum foil and fill it with cedar wood chips. Throw it above the burner but under the grate. Your gas grill will safely fill with sweet smoke.
Cleaning
Use an Onion to Clean the Grill – Before the grate cools off, roll the flat side of a halved onion over the surface. The oils in the onion will clear the grit without the use of any elbow grease. What is the other half of the onion for? To top your burgers, of course!
Muffin Tray for Condiments – Make serving simple by separating the condiments in a muffin tray, rather than individual plates. It keeps clean-up easy and helps guests find what they need.
What other DIY life hacks for summer grilling do you know? Share in the comments!