Top 10 Grilling Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Grilling is a sacred art form for many men. There’s something about cooking over an open flame that taps into our primal instincts and makes us feel like we’re the kings of the backyard. But as much as we like to think we know what we’re doing, the truth is that many of us make some pretty big mistakes when it comes to grilling. Here are the top 10 grilling mistakes men make and how to avoid them.
Not Preheating the Grill You’re eager to get started, but skipping the preheating step can have disastrous results. If you put your food on a cold grill, it won’t cook properly and may even stick to the grates. To avoid this, turn on your grill and let it heat up for at least 10-15 minutes before adding your food.
Not Cleaning the Grill Grates A dirty grill can lead to uneven cooking and even food poisoning. Make sure to give your grates a good scrub down with a wire brush before each use to remove any debris or bacteria.
Using Lighter Fluid Lighter fluid can impart a chemical taste on your food and can even be dangerous if used improperly. Instead, opt for a chimney starter or natural fire starters to light your charcoal.
Flipping the Meat Too Often Resist the urge to flip your meat every 30 seconds. Let it cook for a few minutes on one side before flipping it over. This will give your food time to develop a crust and prevent it from sticking to the grates.
Cutting into the Meat Too Soon When you cut into your meat too soon after taking it off the grill, you’ll lose all those delicious juices. Let your meat rest for at least five minutes before cutting into it to allow the juices to redistribute.
Not Letting Your Meat Rest Speaking of resting, it’s important to let your meat rest after it comes off the grill. This allows the juices to settle and ensures that your meat will be tender and juicy.
Overcooking Your Meat No one likes dry, overcooked meat. Invest in a good meat thermometer and take your meat off the grill when it’s a few degrees below your desired temperature. It will continue to cook as it rests.
Not Using Enough Seasoning Don’t be afraid to season your meat generously. A little bit of salt and pepper goes a long way, but you can also experiment with other spices and rubs to add flavor to your food.
Not Having a Plan B The weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes your grill just won’t cooperate. Have a backup plan in case you need to move your cooking indoors or switch to a different cooking method.
Drinking Too Much We get it, grilling and drinking go hand in hand. But too many beers can lead to sloppy mistakes and even injury. Make sure to pace yourself and stay alert while you’re cooking.
Avoid these common grilling mistakes and you’ll be on your way to becoming a grilling master in no time. Happy grilling!
