As the weather finally warms around us, it’s time to dust off the tongs and fire up the grill. If you don’t have the opportunity to grill in the off-season, it’s easy to forget all of the handy tips and tricks that making turning out the perfect lean steak a breeze. This list from Serious Eats’ Food Lab will help you prepare for a long, lovely summer of grilled perfection.
1. Prep in Advance
Grilling can move quickly, and hot flames shouldn’t be left unattended, especially if small kids or animals are hanging out on the patio with you. Make your grilling less stressful by getting everything ready before you light the flame.
2. Don’t Rush It
We’ve all endured charcoal on the outside, ice on the inside grilling disasters. Don’t be that grill cook. Learn how your grill heats and cook the food slowly (with the cover on as much as possible) to get an even heat going.
3. Trust Your Thermometer
If you don’t have a good one, it’s worth investing, especially if you’re working with ground meat, chicken, or pork, which present food safety concerns if undercooked. Even for steaks, watching the heat will allow you to stop at medium or rare for a treat done just the way you like it.