Kitchen Talk - BBQ Basics

Everyone loves BBQ! For April, we are covering everything you need to know about BBQ so the beginners out there can feel confident tackling the grill this summer.

Last week on our blog we covered some basics around BBQ, fuel source, cleaning and maintenance. This week we will walk through step-by-step instructions for BBQ using gas or charcoal.

Setting Up

Choose your fuel source. You can use charcoal or gas. If using charcoal, use a charcoal chimney starter and enough briquettes to cover the bottom of the grill. If using gas, ensure the propane tank is full and the burners are working properly.

Set up your BBQ in a safe and level location. Make sure there is enough clearance around the grill to avoid any hazards.

Preparing to BBQ

Preheat the grill. If using a gas grill, turn the burners high and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes. If using charcoal, light the charcoal in the chimney starter and let it burn until the coals are gray and ashy.

Prepare your food. Season or marinate your meat or vegetables according to your preference. Throughout this month, we will give you recipes to try, suitable for beginners and experts.

Clean the grill grates. Using a wire brush to clean the grates before cooking removes any leftover debris.

Oil the grates. Rub the grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.

Cooking

Place the food on the grill. Turn the food over as necessary. Use long-handled tongs or a spatula to flip the food over halfway through cooking.

For thicker cuts of meat, sear each side for a few minutes on high heat to lock in juices, then move to a cooler area of the grill to finish cooking. You can do this by moving it to a higher rack or, if using gas, turning off one area or burner of the BBQ.

For vegetables or thinner cuts of meat, cook over medium heat until they reach your desired level of doneness.

If you are using BBQ sauce, spread on to your food for the last few cooking minutes on each side. This will allow for caramelization, without burning the sauce.

When is it done?

Monitor the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food has reached a safe internal temperature. When checking for doneness, insert the thermometer into the thickest section of the meat.

Canada.ca had this handy free printable chart on the Food Safety section of the website.

Remove the food from the grill once the desired internal temperature has been reached.

Clean-up

Turn off the grill. For gas grills, turn off the burners and close the propane tank valve. For charcoal grills, close the vents to extinguish the coals.

Clean the grill. While the grill is still warm, use a wire brush to clean the grates and remove any leftover debris.

Enjoy your meal! Serve your grilled food hot off the BBQ and enjoy it with your favorite sides and Township27 condiments. Check back for more BBQ recipes all through April.