Barbecuing on a grill can seem intimidating, but with some basic knowledge and the right techniques, anyone can become a grill master. Grilling allows you to impart delicious smoky flavors into meats, vegetables, and more for an unforgettable outdoor cooking experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to BBQ on a grill.
Selecting the Right Grill
The first step is choosing the right type of grill for your needs:
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are one of the most popular options. They use charcoal briquettes as the fuel source and allow you to get that quintessential smoky barbecue flavor. Charcoal grills come in a variety of sizes, from small portable models to large, heavy-duty ones.
Pros:
- Authentic BBQ flavor from charcoal
- Inexpensive compared to gas grills
- Can reach very high temperatures
Cons:
- Starting the charcoal can be time-consuming
- Temperature regulation is harder than gas grills
- Cleanup can be more involved
Gas Grills
Gas grills use propane or natural gas as the fuel source. They make it easy to control the temperature and cook food quickly. Gas grills tend to be more expensive but require less maintenance.
Pros:
- Push button start makes them very convenient
- Easy to control temperature
- Heats up quickly
Cons:
- Does not impart as much smoke flavor as charcoal
- More expensive than charcoal grills
- Requires a gas hookup or propane tank
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills burn small compressed wood pellets to produce heat and smoke. They provide the convenience of gas grills with the smoky flavor of charcoal. Pellet grills do cost more than other types.
Pros:
- Provides authentic smoke flavor
- Digital temperature controls make it easy to set and maintain heat
- Versatile for smoking, grilling, baking
Cons:
- Pellet hopper requires frequent refilling
- More expensive than gas or charcoal
- Some models may not reach high searing temperatures
Once you decide on charcoal, gas, or pellet, look for a grill with high-quality construction and the size and features to suit your needs.
Preparing Your Grill
Proper preparation is key to successful grilling. Here are some tips:
For Charcoal Grills:
- Open vents completely to establish airflow.
- Use a chimney starter to evenly light charcoal.
- Let coals burn until covered with grey ash (about 20-25 mins).
- Spread hot coals evenly across bottom of grill.
- Clean cooking grates thoroughly before each use.
For Gas Grills:
- Keep grill area clear of combustibles.
- Check propane level before starting.
- Open lid and turn all burners to high for 10-15 mins to preheat.
- Clean grates thoroughly and oil them before cooking.
For Pellet Grills:
- Ensure hopper is full of pellets.
- Plug grill into outlet and turn on.
- Set grill to desired temperature and let it preheat completely.
- Oil grates lightly before putting on food.
No matter what type of grill, always preheat it thoroughly so it reaches the proper cooking temperature before adding food.
BBQ Grilling Techniques
Applying the right techniques is crucial for perfectly grilled food:
Direct vs Indirect Heat
- Direct heat means food is placed directly over hot coals/flames. Use for thinner foods needing quick searing.
- Indirect heat has coals/flame on sides and food in center. This distributes heat more gently for thicker foods.
Flip Frequently
- Flip foods every few minutes to prevent burning. This helps food cook evenly.
Know When to Move It
- Move foods to hotter/cooler areas of grill depending on needed level of doneness.
Use Thermometers
- Instant-read thermometers should be used to check internal temperatures and determine doneness, especially for larger cuts of meat.
Let Meat Rest
- Letting meat rest 5-10 minutes after removing from grill allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy meat.
Consider Two-Zone Fire
- For charcoal grills, arrange coals into two heat zones – one hot for searing, one lower heat for cooking after the initial sear.
BBQ Grilling Times and Temperatures
Cooking times will vary based on thickness and whether using direct or indirect heat. Use a thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
Beef:
- Burgers – Cook 3-5 mins per side for medium doneness (160F internal)
- Steaks (1-inch thick) – 4-5 mins per side for medium-rare (135F internal)
- Ribs – Cook 4-5 hours indirect at 225-250F until tender and easily pulled apart
Chicken:
- Boneless breasts – Cook 6-8 mins per side until no longer pink (165F internal)
- Bone-in pieces – Cook 40-60 mins indirect at 300-350F (165F internal)
- Whole chicken – 1-1.5 hrs indirect at 325F until 165F in thickest part
Pork:
- Chops (1-inch thick bone-in) – Cook 4-5 mins per side until slightly pink (145F internal)
- Tenderloin – Cook 8-12 mins until slight pink (145F internal)
- Ribs – Cook 4-5 hours indirect around 250F until very tender
Seafood:
- Shrimp – 2-3 mins per side until opaque
- Salmon steaks – 3-5 mins per side until flaky
- Whole fish – 10-15 mins per lb indirect
Vegetables:
- Dense veggies (potatoes, carrots) – Parboil then grill 10-15 mins, turning occasionally
- Delicate veggies (peppers, zucchini) – Grill 5-8 mins per side over direct heat
- Veggie skewers – Grill 10-12 mins, turning frequently
BBQ Grilling Tips and Tricks
- Let meat come to room temp before grilling for more even cooking.
- Oil meat lightly before seasoning so spices adhere better.
- Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Use tongs rather than forks to flip meat – piercing causes juices to escape.
- Brush on sauces only during last few minutes to prevent charring or burning.
- Clean grill thoroughly after each use once completely cool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling
What are some grilling safety tips?
Some key grilling safety tips include keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, avoiding loose clothing that could catch fire, using long-handled grilling tools, never leaving a hot grill unattended, placing your grill a safe distance from combustible items, and avoiding putting too much lighter fluid on coals when starting charcoal grills.
What foods can I grill besides meats?
Many vegetables taste delicious grilled! Try zucchini, bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, corn on the cob, eggplant, asparagus and more. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, and watermelon also work well.
How can I prevent food from sticking to the grill?
- Make sure grates are thoroughly clean and well-oiled before cooking. Use a grill brush to scrape off any residue from prior grilling.
- Avoid moving food too much during cooking – let it sear before trying to flip.
- Brush a light coating of oil on food before placing on grill.
- For small items like shrimp or thin vegetables, use grilling skewers or grids.
What are BBQ briquettes and how are they different from charcoal?
BBQ briquettes are uniform pieces of compressed charcoal combined with various additives like sawdust, coal, and starch. Compared to standard charcoal, they burn longer and more consistently, making them a popular choice for BBQ grilling. However, they do not impart as strong of a smoky flavor as lump charcoal.
How can I get good grill marks on food?
- Use direct heat rather than indirect heat when you want pronounced grill marks.
- Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled.
- Only flip food once during cooking – flipping too much prevents defined marks.
- Press down lightly as you place food on the grill to get maximum contact.
- Consider using wider sear marks by scoring with grid pattern before grilling.
How do I extinguish coals when finished grilling?
- Let coals burn out completely, closing vents to cut off oxygen supply.
- Once fully cooled, transfer remaining ashes and coals to a metal bucket for proper disposal.
- For a charcoal grill, soak remaining coals thoroughly in water before disposing.
- For gas grills, simply turn off burners and propane tank when finished cooking.
Conclusion
Learning how to BBQ on a grill opens up endless possibilities for mouthwatering smoked flavors in your backyard. With the right techniques, from choosing your grill to monitoring temperatures, anyone can master the art of grilling. Pay close attention to preparation, cooking times, and safety. Before long, you will gain confidence to take your grilling skills to the next level. Get outside and enjoy creating sizzling BBQ masterpieces on your grill this season!