Its summer and grilling is always on top of the list of outdoor activities that we all enjoy. It’s a great way to bond with friends and family over food or while cooking food. So if you’re planning to throw a couple of barbecue party, then you came to the right place!

We have some tricks and hacks for you to prepare for the barbecue party. Check out our top seven favorites:

 

Solve the Sticky Situation

 

Everyone would agree that any meat would stick on the grill. Regardless of what meat you grill, it always holds, right? Try avoiding this sticky situation. Your best solution is to rub a potato on your grill before cooking. Of course, you have to clean it up first before you rub the potato. 

The reason for this is that the starch on the potato creates a non-stick film on the grill. Simply rub the potato and then slowly heat it. If you don’t have potatoes, then you can also rub onions on your grill to get the same effect. 

 

Keep it Hot…

 

I know everyone’s excited to start grilling, but preheating the grill is necessary. Make sure to preheat your grill at least 15 minutes before you start cooking. Fifteen minutes is a rule of thumb when it comes to preheating both gas and charcoal grills. 

For gas grills, make sure to open the grill first before lighting it up. Turn the temperature to its maximum and then close the lid. Wait at least 15 minutes before opening the cover and make sure that you adjust the hit first. 

For charcoal grills, light the charcoal and let it burn until it turns white and ashy. Then, close the lid and wait for 15 minutes. 

 

But Tame the Flame

 

Do you know that flare-ups happen because of the fat dripping from the meat? It’s essential to avoid this because it can cause carcinogenic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) on your food. Aside from this, meat tastes off when it has been licked with flames, so try to avoid flare-ups. 

You can do so by making sure that the meat you are grilling are lean cuts. Prepare your meat too by cutting the excess fat and don’t forget to remove poultry skin. 

 

Safety First, Always

 

Don’t forget to always think of food safety when it comes to cooking food. The USDA suggests that, in order to avoid cross-contamination, use different cutting boards for various meat and vegetables. 

Make sure also to use different utensils. Use different clean platters for raw and cooked food, too. In meal preparation, make sure to refrigerate your marinated meat. 

 

Defrost Meat Properly

 

It’s essential to defrost meat in a uniform temperature because it can affect how the meat is cooked. Make sure to defrost your meat early enough, so you don’t have an unevenly cooked grilled meat. 

Also, if you are planning a barbecue party, you can prepare easy-to-defrost meat. Vacuum seal the meat and freeze it. This makes it easier to submerge in warm water. 

 

Bring the Right Tools

 

Yes, you read that right; you need tools to cook grilled meat properly, and here are some tools you’ll need:

• Thong – a trusted bbq thong never goes out of style in any grilling party.
• Thermometer – get an instant-read thermometer to check if the meat is already cooked quickly. 
• Grill basket – use one to make sure that food won’t fall through the grill cracks, especially sliced vegetables and cumbersome food. 

 

Are you ready to step up your grilling parties this summer? If yes, then don’t forget to tick these hacks and tips!