It’s grilling season, my favorite time of year. In all of our haste to take advantage of the gorgeous weather, we sometimes forget to take the necessary precautions to guarantee a good experience for everyone. These are five essential things that we feel everyone can do. We are sure that by keeping this list close, every cookout can be a great time. Here they are:
1. Be Safe! Make sure to use your grill in an open area that is at a safe distance from buildings or people. It’s best to keep the grill away from any area that children will be playing or travel by frequently.
2.Do your prep work! Your grilling experience is going to be much nicer and less stressful if you take the time to prep all your food before the grill is hot and ready to go. Professional chefs have brigades of workers that spend loads of time in the kitchen before the restaurant opens specifically for prepping the food that will be cooked that night. You should do the same! Cut the veggies, make sure the meat has been marinated long enough. Set yourself up for success!
3. Cleanliness is next to godliness. No one wants to remember your party by the hours they spent in the bathroom afterward. Be clean to help prevent sickness and bad taste.
4. Keep the veggies for last! If you are grilling veggies, which we highly recommend, save the for last so that they are sure to be cooked the right amount. Over cooked veggies will be charred and limp.
5. Check, double check, and triple check your meat temps. No one wants to go home with food poisoning!
USDA Recommended Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
- Steaks & Roasts - 145 °F
- Fish - 145 °F
- Pork - 160 °F
- Ground Beef - 160 °F
- Egg Dishes - 160 °F
- Chicken Breasts - 165 °F
- Whole Poultry - 165 °F
Have a great grilling season!
