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March 28, 2023 5 min read

 

Barbecue season is upon us and it's time to fire up the grill! There are always new techniques to pick up, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to backyard BBQ. In this blog post, we'll share some of our favorite BBQ hacks to help you take your grilling game to the next level. Let's get started.

 

BBQ Hacks for Delicious and Effortless Grilling

 

Want to take your grilling game to the next level? Here are some top BBQ hacks that will elevate your skills. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, these tips and tricks will work for any type of grill you have, including a gas grill, charcoal grill, or a simple backyard grill.

 

1) Use Different Cooking Techniques

 

cooking back ribs on the grill

Credit: Envato Elements/ joshua_resnick

 

When it comes to cooking your meats on the grill, there are a few techniques that you can use to ensure they come out evenly cooked every time. One of the most popular techniques is the two-zone method. This involves creating two temperature zones on your grill, one hot and one medium-low. You can sear your meat on the hot side and finish cooking it on the medium-low side.

Another technique to try is the reverse sear. This involves cooking your meat at a low temperature first and then searing it at the end. This helps to cook the meat evenly and keep it juicy.

 

2) Keep Meats Moist by Adding Ice Cubes

 

ice cubes

Credit: Envato Elements/ margaritaylita

 

Adding ice cubes to your marinade or directly on top of your meats before grilling can help to keep your meats moist and prevent them from drying out. The ice cubes will slowly melt during the grilling process, adding moisture to the meats and keeping them juicy. This is particularly useful for lean cuts of meats like chicken breast or pork tenderloin which tend to dry out easily.

 

3) Add Extra Flavor with Sliced Bread

 

3 slices of bread

Credit: Envato Elements/ boomeart

 

You can use sliced bread as a makeshift drip pan for your meats. To do this, simply place a few slices of bread under your meats while they're grilling. Any juices that leak from the meats will be absorbed by the bread. The bread can then be used to create a mouthwatering sandwich with your grilled meats.

 

4) Make Clean up Easier with Tin Foil

 

foil packet fish

Credit: Envato Elements/ ADDICTIVE_STOCK

 

Tin foil can be used for a variety of things on the grill, such as creating a foil packet for vegetables, or making cleanup easier. For example, you can line the grates of your grill with tin foil before grilling to prevent sticking. You can also use tin foil to create a makeshift tray for your meats, which you can discard after grilling for easy cleanup.

 

5) Add a Touch of Sweetness with Apple Juice

 

adding basting sauce on grilled kabobs

Credit: Envato Elements/ macniak

 

Apple juice can be a great addition to your marinade or basting sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to your meats. The natural sweetness and acidity of the juice will help to balance out the flavors in the marinade and enhance the taste of the meats. You can also brush the apple juice over your meats during the last few minutes of grilling for an added touch of sweetness.

 

6) Cook with a Cast Iron Skillet

 

cook bacon in a cast iron skillets

Credit: Envato Elements/ willmilne

 

Cast iron skillets are versatile tools when it comes to grilling. Not only can you use it to cook a variety of vegetables, but it also allows you to make delicious skillet cornbread. The high heat retention means that your food will cook evenly and develop a nice crust.

 

7) Check Propane Levels with Hot Water

 

gas tank
Credit: Envato Elements/ Lightitup_now

 

If you use a propane grill, it's important to check the propane level in the tank to ensure that you have enough fuel for your BBQ. One way to do this is by using the hot water method.

To check the propane level, turn off the grill and remove the propane tank. Then, pour a cup of hot water over the top of the tank, where the gauge is located. The area of the tank that is full of propane will feel cool to the touch, while the empty area will feel warm. This is because propane is stored as a liquid and the warm water will cause the liquid propane to expand, revealing the level.

 

8) Add Flavor with Half an Onion

 

cut onions

Credit: Envato Elements/ magone

 

You can use half an onion to add flavor to your grill. To do this, simply place a cut onion on the grates while grilling. The onion will release moisture and its natural sugars will caramelize, adding a subtle sweetness to your meats. 

Furthermore, you can use the other half of the onion to make your cooking grates and warming rack non-stick by rubbing it all over them. This will not only add a delicious flavor but also make cleaning up a breeze.

 

9) Use Muffin Tins

 

muffin tins with condiments

Credit: Delish

 

Muffin tins are a useful and unexpected tool to use on the grill. They can be used to make mini burgers, meatloaf, or even individual portions of macaroni and cheese. The compartments in the muffin tin will help to keep the food in shape and prevent it from falling apart on the grill. Furthermore, these tins can be used to serve condiments and other sides, making it easy to organize and present them to your guests.

 

10) Use a Fish Basket to Cook Fish

 

cook fish on the grill

Credit: Envato Elements/ Mint_Images

 

Cooking fish on the grill can be simple with the right tools and techniques. To prevent the fish from sticking to the grates, use a fish basket or well-oiled tin foil. Additionally, you can check the fish's internal temperature using a thermometer (it must be 145°F for safety).

 

11) Use Egg Cartons to Start a Charcoal Grill

 

egg carton

Credit: Envato Elements/ iheartcreative

 

If you have a charcoal grill, lighting it up can be tricky. To make the process easier, all you need is an egg carton and lighter fluid. To light it up, simply fill the egg carton cups with charcoal briquettes and add a small amount of lighter fluid to each cup. When ignited in the liquid-filled egg carton cups, the charcoal must burn until it is covered in white ash. 

This method not only uses less fluid but also helps to recycle old egg cartons. Plus, it allows for easy and controlled lighting, minimizing the risk of flare-ups.

 

12) Create Professional-Looking Grill Marks

 

steak with grill marks

Credit: Envato Elements/ joshua_resnick

 

Grilled food looks so much better with restaurant-quality grill marks. A simple hack to do this is to preheat your grill to high heat and then oil the grates with a high-smoke oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. Place your food on the grill at a 45-degree angle to the grates, and then rotate the food 90 degrees after 2-3 minutes. This will create the traditional crosshatch grill markings. Repeat this process on the other side of the food and cook to the desired doneness.

 

Summary

 

Grilling does not have to be a nightmare. By trying out the above BBQ hacks, you'll be sure to impress your friends and family at your next BBQ. And to make your grilling experience even better, don't forget to check out Pepe Nero - the ultimate grilling set that comes with everything you need to elevate your BBQ game. From high-quality grilling tools to a durable carrying case, Pepe Nero has got you covered. Happy grilling!


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