Be a Grill Master this Summer (Plus Grilling Safety Tips)

The sun is shining, the beach is open, and school is coming to an end, it can only mean one thing, it’s the start of grill season! While many people may choose to feed their guests the standard fare of hot dogs and hamburgers, there are countless options for using your grill and impressing your guests!

It doesn’t matter if your barbeque is just for the family or a large gathering if everyone is happy and satisfied. Check out these grilling ideas and by the end of the party, people may be referring to you as the “grill master:”

No matter what type of griller you are, it’s important to keep you and your loved ones safe through proper practices when firing up. There are a few useful tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself and your family safe this summer.

Making the Most of Your Barbeque

Grilling can be for everyone! You don’t have to be a grill master to enjoy barbecuing, and just because its barbecue doesn’t mean that it can’t be healthy! All you need to do is follow these tips below:

• Lean Meat: Replace your beef burgers with healthier options such as turkey burgers, salmon burgers, or barbecued chicken. Marinating is ideal here, as you have countless varieties to choose from. Thinking sweet? Choose from honey mustard, lemon-pepper glaze, or even a lime marinade. These will add unique light flavors and a summery feel to your dish. Remember to saturate your meat the night before in the marinade of your choice to increase the flavor and tenderness. Thinking spicy? Blacken your meat by sprinkling a Cajun seasoning or chili powder on either side.

• Choose Whole Grains: Switch your usual white buns for whole grain buns for more flavor. Whole grain buns are heartier, making the meal more satiating while boosting your essential vitamins, mineral, and fiber intake that you won’t get from white bread.

• Fruits & Veggies: Grilling isn’t only for meat. Love the smoky taste and crisp texture you get from the grill? Try it with your favorite fruits and vegetables. Corn on the cob, zucchini, summer squash, and okra are all vegetables that are in season in May. Pineapples, mangoes, and tomatoes are also in-season and are a delicious and succulent addition to your plate. Grilling enhances its natural flavors by caramelizing the sugars. Wrap them in tin foil to cook together, place them directly on the grill, or put them on a grilling pan to cook. Try adding a dash of fresh herbs or lemon to them for additional flavor.

• Mix Flavors: Barbequing doesn’t have to be the same process each time. Make it exciting! Kabobs are a great idea because you can put whatever you wish on the skewer. Mix shellfish such as shrimp with pineapple and bell peppers and a pinch of lime or alternate barbecued chicken chunks with mango, onion, and tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and think outside the box.

• Try Simple: Try some simple dishes full of color and texture that will be eye-appealing and quick and easy such as a grilled veggie burger topped with lettuce, tomato, and avocado with a side of grilled corn and your favorite pasta salad. You don’t have to spend a fortune; barbeques are usually informal and are meant for relaxing and eating casual and inexpensive dishes.

Grilling Safely

Think of the grill as an extension of your kitchen and start on a clean surface! Before throwing on your award-winning creations, be sure to scrub the grill with warm water and soap.  Wash your hands before handling any produce or meat as bacteria is easily transferable from your hands to the food items you’re preparing. Here are some other useful tips.

• Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.  The same rules hold for marinating your meat, as you should always marinate in the refrigerator or cooler if on the go.

• If you are planning on using a marinade that raw meat was basted in after your meat comes off the grill, it must be boiled to kill any bacteria lingering from the raw meat.

• Wash any utensils you use to handle raw meat before using them to transport cooked meat to your dinner table.

• Have separate cutting boards: Have a cutting board for raw meat, one for vegetables, and the other for ready-to-eat foods. This further minimizes the transfer of bacteria.  The easiest way to do this is to color code your cutting boards.  For example, have a purple cutting board for produce and a red cutting board for raw meat.

• Always be sure to cook your meaty masterpieces to the right temperature.  Undercooked meat can be harmful to your health and your family’s well-being. It’s also important to refrigerate your meat after you are done eating. Do not let leftovers sit on the counter, in the hot sun, or on a picnic table for your family to pick over the course of the day!

Lastly, enjoy the grill!  Following grill safety rules will ensure that you and your family will have a happy and healthy summer and grilling season. So, grill on!

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