How to Grill: Essential Grilling Tips for BBQ 101

Nothing says welcome to summer like gathering around the grill with family and friends while enjoying a backyard cookout. From succulent steaks to tender veggies, knowing how to grill can whip up an array of delicious possibilities.

If you’re new to grilling, you may be hesitant to start. Who wants to ruin an expensive cut of meat by undercooking or overcooking it? 

In our grilling for beginners guide, we’ll cover how to start a grill, how to grill your favorite meats, and provide surprising and fun ideas as to what to grill. Plus, don’t forget that Chomps beef jerky sticks make a perfect companion to grill-out meals.

Why Learn How to Grill?

Learning how to grill is more than just mastering another cooking technique. It's equally about improving your culinary skills to create memorable experiences for you and the people you’re grilling for. 

Grilling allows you to explore diverse flavors, from smoky and savory to sweet and tangy, to make each meal unique and delightful. Plus, grilling is a versatile cooking method suitable for various occasions, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive BBQ party. 

Finally, grilling is a healthy cooking option, since it often requires less oil and preserves more nutrients compared to other methods. So why not embrace the joy of grilling and discover the endless delicious possibilities it offers in every meal?

What to Cook on the Grill

When it comes to grilling, your possibilities are endless. While the classics like burgers, hotdogs, and steaks are always crowd-pleasers, there’s so much more you can explore. 

Want to expand your grocery list for your next cookout? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Seafood:

• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Scallops

Vegetables:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Corn on the cob

Fruits:

• Pineapple
• Peaches

Unexpected Treats:

• Pizza
• Avocados

The key is to experiment and enjoy the process. You’ll discover new favorites along the way. Learning how to grill and what offers a fun and flavorful way to prepare a variety of foods you’ll enjoy eating.

Grilling Tips for Different Grills

Before firing up your grill, keep these BBQ tips in mind. First, you’ll want to give it a good cleaning. Over time, your grill is bound to collect the burned fat, grease, and residue from various sauces and meats.

If your grill has non-coated grates like steel or cast iron, you can use a sturdy steel brush to remove any grimy residue.

For non-stick coated grates like porcelain, you can use a nylon-bristled brush to avoid scratching. Some grills will come with a cleaning brush designed specifically for your grill, in which case, you can simply use that.

Once your grill is cleaned, it’s ready to be fired up! If your grill grates are not coated, you may want to pre-season them with a thin layer of a high-temp cooking oil like avocado or canola oil.

Before turning up the heat, you’ll want to consult your grill’s manual to ensure you’re starting your grill properly. However, you’ll find BBQ tips for starting various grills below.

Starting a gas grill:

To start a gas grill, you’ll need to turn one of the knobs to high and then press and hold the ignitor button. You should hear a clicking followed by the ‘whoosh’ of the gas igniting. After you hear the gas igniting, or see a flame, you can release the ignitor button.

Starting a charcoal grill:

Charcoal grilling for beginners starts with the kind of coal you’re using. For example, if you’re using coals that are marked as “match light”, you’ll be able to simply light them with a match.

However, if you don’t have “match light” coals, you’ll need to add lighter fluid to your coals before lighting them with a match. Once your coals have light gray ash to them, you’ll be ready to cook.

Safety Grilling Tips

Grilling is a fun and flavorful way to cook, but it’s essential to prioritize safety to ensure an enjoyable experience. By following a few simple guidelines, you can prevent accidents and cook your meals to perfection. 

Here are some key safety BBQ tips to keep in mind before you fire up your grill.

Check for Gas Leaks

If you’re using a gas grill, regularly inspect hoses and connections for leaks. A simple way to check is to apply a soapy water solution to the connections and watch for bubbles.

Maintain a Safe Zone

Keep a safe zone around your grill free of flammable materials. This includes ensuring no overhanging branches, patio furniture, or other objects are near the grill.

Use Long-Handled Tools

To avoid burns, use long-handled grilling tools like spatulas and tongs. This allows you to manage food from a safe distance.

Never Leave Grill Unattended

Always stay by your grill while it’s in use. An unattended grill can lead to accidents, especially with children or pets around.

Tools Needed to Grill

To make for a smooth and enjoyable grilling experience, you’ve got to have the right tools on hand. Here’s a comprehensive list of grilling tools you’ll need:

• Spatula: For flipping burgers, steaks, and other items.
• Tongs: For turning and moving food without piercing it.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meat is cooked to the right temperature.
• Charcoal or Gas: Depending on your grill type, have enough fuel to maintain consistent heat.
• Grill Brush: For cleaning grates before and after grilling.
• Basting Brush: To apply marinades and sauces evenly.
• Grill Gloves: To protect your hands from heat and flames.
• Chimney Starter: For easily lighting charcoal without lighter fluid.
• Grill Basket: Ideal for grilling smaller items like vegetables or seafood.
• Skewers: For making kebabs or grilling smaller pieces of food.

Having these tools on hand ensures you’re well-prepared for how to grill your next BBQ. Preparation, after all, makes the process easier and safer.

BBQ 101: How to Cook on a Grill

Before you start grilling, you’ll want to take the next set of BBQ tips to heart, starting first with preparation. This is a simple, yet important step to ensure your meat is flavored to suit your taste and is cooked to perfection.

You’ll begin by patting your meat dry, and seasoning with salt and pepper, or another seasoning that you enjoy. Next up on this list of grilling tips, you’ll want to lightly coat your meat in a small amount of oil. It’s important to note that if you use too much oil, you can cause flare-ups which can burn and carbonize your meat, creating an unpleasant taste and texture.

The last step in how to grill meat the right way is to lay it down on the grill and keep it there until grill lines, or caramelization appears on the surface.

Your meat will need to be flipped over but try using a spatula rather than a fork. Using a fork can puncture your meat and cause the release of important juices.

Moving Food Around to Avoid Burning

Before grilling your food, you’ll want to prepare your tongs, spatula, charcoal or gas.

To avoid burning, keep one of the most important BBQ tips in mind. Ideally, you’ll want to set up heat zones on your grill. For example, one portion of your grill should have a high amount of heat for searing meats and veggies, while another section should provide low to medium heat for thorough cooking.

Grilling times will vary based on the type and cut of meat so it’s important to read the instruction manual for your specific grill to get it just right.

If your meat is seared on the outside but not yet cooked thoroughly in the middle, try grilling it to a different place on your grill with a lower temperature.

Additionally, any excess oil, sauces, or marinades can cause your grill to flare up which can create burning. Therefore, as far as BBQ tips are concerned, it’s best to minimize the oil and marinades you brush onto your food before grilling it.

Grilling Temperature Guide

When learning how to grill the right way, it’s wise to invest in a meat thermometer. This is the only reliable way to measure the internal temperature of your meat.

When using a meat thermometer, you’ll want to insert it into the thickest part of your meat and  avoid any contact with bones.

Thermometer readings should be:

• Rare: 125 °F
• Medium rare: 130 °F to 135 °F
• Medium: 140 °F to 145 °F
• Medium well: 145 °F to 150 °F
• Well done: 155+ °F

Grilling times and temperatures may vary depending on the type of meat you’re grilling, and the type of grill you’re using. It’s best to refer to your grill’s instruction manual for more specific grilling tips and guidelines.

What to Grill: 7 Easy Dishes for Your Next BBQ

Ready to impress your guests with some delicious and easy-to-make dishes at your next BBQ? We’ve got you covered with seven mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for grilling. 

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just learning how to grill, these recipes will provide you with all the grilling tips you need to create a memorable meal.

Whole 30 Jalapeno Poppers

A fall favorite, these jalapeño poppers are warm, filling, and quick to make. Stuff halved jalapeños with a mix of Whole30 compliant cream cheese, garlic powder, and finely chopped Chomps Jalapeño Beef. Throw them on the grill at 400ºF for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. These will become your go-to snack for cozy nights.

Grilled Beef Kabobs

Perfect for summer gatherings, beef kabobs offer a tasty mix of veggies and meat. Cut Italian Beef Chomps, bell peppers, onions, and zucchinis into chunks. Skewer with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, then grill for 10-12 minutes. These kabobs pair wonderfully with a fresh watermelon, feta, and mint salad.

BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ chicken wings are one of the most popular grill appetizers to kick off a fun and flavorful backyard gathering. To make juicy wings, simply marinate chicken wings in your favorite BBQ sauce and grill them until they’re crispy and cooked through. These wings are sure to be a hit at any BBQ while providing a savory and tangy start to your meal.

Chomps Stuffed Mushrooms

Chomps Stuffed Mushrooms make the perfect BBQ appetizer because they combine the savory flavors of Chomps Mini Beef Sticks with tender mushrooms, creating a delicious protein-packed bite to kick off your next backyard soirée. Simply stuff mushrooms with chopped Chomps and your favorite cheese, then grill until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted.

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers offer a satisfying and protein-packed start to any outdoor gathering. To make them, marinate chicken cubes in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean spices. Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce. These skewers are bursting with flavor and are a healthy option to add to your BBQ menu.

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Glaze

Grilled pineapple is a sweet and tangy treat that makes a perfect BBQ appetizer or dessert. Simply slice a fresh pineapple into rings and brush each side with a mixture of honey and lime juice. Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are caramelized and have beautiful grill marks. Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra kick.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Spicy grilled shrimp is a quick and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress. Marinate peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Skewer the shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and slightly charred. Serve with a wedge of lemon for a zesty finish.

How to Barbecue With Chomps

Now you know how to grill not only hamburgers, hotdogs, and steaks, but other favorites too! For more ideas, you can always dive into our BBQ Guide for some mouth-watering and surprising recipes that will be perfect for your next cookout.

And again, don’t forget that Chomps Meat Snacks are the perfect grilling companion. From original beef to a variety of other flavors, Chomps has options for you. 

Not only are they grass-fed, but they are gluten-free and ready to eat. This makes them a simple, easy, and delicious appetizer for your next backyard gathering. 

So what are you waiting for? Take our BBQ tips to heart and start grilling today!