Grilling Basics (Tips for Beginners)

Fire up your grill because these grilling basics will give you all the confidence you need! Discover how easy it is to cook, entertain, and make incredible food on an outdoor grill.

Grilling isn’t just for burgers and steaks! There are so many delicious ways to use a grill. Try these shrimp skewers, the most incredible grilled pineapple, or simply grill up some zucchini!

What to Know Before You Grill

Grilling is a method of cooking food over an open flame. There are so many types of grills on the market these days, but I want to give you the grilling basics that are helpful for any grill that you use. I really want to focus on tips for beginners who are new to gilling. The most common household grills are propane and gas grills, so let’s focus on these! Cooking outdoors is convenient in the summer and a delicious way to quickly cook all kinds of recipes. Before you grill, there are some grill basics you should know! First and foremost, make sure your propane tank is full and hooked up properly. Whether it’s your very first time, or if you need some grilling reminders, then I have you covered.

1. Clean the Grill: The best way to clean the grill grates is with a grill brush. It’s safe to have a clean grill for sanitary reasons, and for it to work properly. See the manufacturer’s manual on how to clean the inside of your grill as well.
2. Oil the Grates: Oil the grates before grilling to avoid the food from sticking. I like to use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil.
3. Preheat the Grill: Before you grill, preheat the grill. You want it hot and ready when it’s time to cook. Preheat the grill with the lid closed.
4. Prepare the Recipe: Prepare the food before you fire up the grill! Allow time to marinate the meat if the recipe calls for it. Make your burger patties, season the chicken, or thread the skewers. Everything needs to be ready to go because you don’t want your grill hot and waiting if you aren’t ready!

Before you fire up your grill, you need to make sure that you have your grilling tools ready to use. The type of tool you use will depend on what you’re grilling. Here is a list of the most common tools you will need and when you will use them.

• Skewers: Feel free to use wood or metal skewers for grilling! Both work great, but if you use wood skewers make sure to soak them before threading on the meat, veggies, or fruit. Soak the wood skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent the skewers from getting dry and brittle as they cook.
• Meat Thermometer: Invest in a good meat thermometer that reads the temperature of your meat correctly. I love using a wireless thermometer because it makes it so easy!
• Tongs: Strong metal tongs are the best for grilling and flipping meat like steak and chicken. I also use tongs to cook brats, ribs, and hot dogs because you can grab ahold of them easily.
• Metal Spatula: A large metal spatula is great for flipping burgers.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush comes in handy for brushing on sauces or marinades while cooking the meat. Use a basting brush for recipes like my grilled huli huli chicken!

Marinades VS. Seasoning

Grilling meat is a popular way to use an outdoor grill! And how you prepare the meat is totally up to you! Most people either marinate their meat or rub on seasonings. A marinade adds flavor and makes the meat super tender. And a dry rub or seasonings adds a flavorful crust to the meat. Both methods are delicious! You have to try my famous steak marinade or this chicken seasoning.

Meat Temperature and Grilling Time

Grilling basics start with knowing how long to cook your meat. I’ve created a fun temperature guide for steak that also includes the cooking time. It’s helpful to see the doneness visually as well. Below are additional meat temperatures for chicken, fish, and pork.