Grilling season is gearing up and the backyard cookouts are starting to line-up. Get your grilling on right with these five grilling tips to live by.

Grilling Tips to Live by ThinkStock
Grilling Tips to Live by ThinkStock
loading...

5 GRILLING TIPS TO LIVE BY THIS SUMMER

  • Preheat your grill: many people try to rush this process and end up with uneven heat. Give your grill at least 10-15 minutes to warm up.
  • Plan your meal and how it will grill: a pounded, boneless, skinless chicken breast will take about 8-10 minutes. (that is total cooking time NOT per side) Do you have veggies to cook? Grilling steak and need well-done and rare? A little planning will give you a lot more time and a lot less stress.
  • Oil: Don't be afraid to oil your grill grates, this will make clean-up easier. (a little reminder, don't force the meat off of the grates, if it isn't ready it will hold onto the grates. When you think it's time to flip your meat make sure it mostly pulls easily away from the grilling grate)
  • Check and See if the Food is Ready: so often people pull the meat off of the grill and let it rest only to find out that it is under-cooked. Don't be afraid to use a meat thermometer and know the safe eating temps for meat and poultry.
  • Know your technique: not all meats and veggies are created equal and shouldn't be grilled the same way.

Bottom line, don't be afraid to try new things and to experiment... oh, and have fun grilling this summer!

More From Retro 102.5