BBQ Tips and Tricks For A Great Meal

BBQ season is in full swing. Cooking outdoors on a grill is a favorite American summer pastime. It's a great way to experiment with different types of cooking and to spend more time out of doors with your family. No one needs to keep running inside to check on dinner and miss out on the fun when the grill is on. Here are some BBQ tips and tricks to make your grilling time even easier and tastier.

Take Care of Your Grill

The grill needs to be cleaned out from time to time, not just the grate itself but the grill. Whether you have a gas grill, a charcoal kettle or a smoker the sides and lid need to be scoured out with a wire brush. See the residue from that last turkey you smoked? Do you want this week's brisket to be turkey flavored?

The ashes need to be removed regularly on a charcoal grill, when they are mixed with water they become corrosive and will shorten the life of your grill. An easy way to help with this is to line the bottom of your grill with heavy-duty tin foil and spread the charcoal on top of it. This will help make clean up a breeze.

How Hot is Your Fire?

Grilling is quicker cooking directly over a high heat. BBQ is slower cooking over a lower or indirect heat. Smoking is very slow cooking over indirect heat. To figure out how hot your fire is, hold your had over the grill. How long you can hold your hand there is an easy way to tell how hot your grill is; 2 seconds is Hot, 3 to 4 seconds is Medium Hot, 4 to 5 seconds is Medium.

Flavor Your Meat Ahead of Time

Don't rely on sauces and glazes to be the main flavoring of your meat. Use them as a final touch during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Instead use marinades, rubs and seasonings to add flavor. You can use commercial ones from the store or a catalog or make your own. You can vary the taste by whatever you like. This is the part where the cook gets to have fun and be creative. If you're in a hurry or at a loss for an idea for a marinade, salad dressing right out of the bottle works great!

I don't cook in BBQ competitions, but sure do enjoy grilling for my family and trying out new recipes. For more ideas and recipes for Competition BBQ recipes visit BARBECUECOOKBOOK.INFO

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.