It's time to learn some basic recipes for your grill. This will be gas grill 101 for beginners, but even the most experienced grillers will pick up some valuable tips. So, whether you are learning new skills or just refreshing what you have been doing for years, fire it up, and let's start.
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This is a great refresher for all grillers, whether on gas, charcoal, or other grills. If you are a smoker, you probably are not reading this.
I'm aiming at those who have little experience and now have that shiny new grill from the big box store, but are a bit lost. They need some ideas, and they can handle these recipes. The easiest way to learn is through doing, so let's get started.
👨🍳Pro Tip: Grilling is all about temperature control. Get it right, and you are good for life. Get it wrong, and you doom yourself and your family to eat overcooked, undercooked, or even dangerous meals.
4 Easy chicken recipes
Here are three chicken recipes that will take you up just a notch. All have easy-to-follow step-by-step photos and complete instructions to get it right the first time and every time. Be sure to read the guide to grill temperature to get these right.
5 Easy beef recipes
Grilling burgers is easy, but many beginners and experienced grillers get it wrong.
Let's get our steaks done right. All with easy-to-follow photo instructions and complete discussion to get you to your final goal of a great steak.
4 Easy pork recipes
Pork and grills are made for each other.
4 Easy grilled side dishes
Add some basic grilled side dishes to round out their meals with these recipes.
3 Bonus more advanced classic grill recipes
These are the real classics. They all need a bit more work and technique. You should tackle these after you feel comfortable with the basics. Of course, all the recipes have easy-to-follow step-by-step photo instructions.
⚕️Grill Safety
Safety and maintenance are essential. If you have a new grill to start the season, assemble and test it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If your grill has been idle all winter, it should be cleaned and checked over as instructed by your grill manual. If you don't have the manual for your grill, you should be able to obtain one from the manufacturer, usually through their website. Always review the manual and follow its recommendations.
You need to check for damage. Look for insects nested in the works. Replace corroded parts. Clean grates, check the burners closely and be sure about any gas connections and valves. If using bottled gas, check over the container. A professional review may be in order.
Here is an excellent guide I use for my Weber S-470 (image above). Deep Cleaning Your Weber Gas Grill.
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Wow. You got this far. Have a great and safe grill season.
DrDan
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 31, 2019. It will be refreshed annually and now has improved navigation to help you find what you need.
Silvia B says
Hi Dr Dan,
How do I grill with charcoal?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Silvia,
Welcome to the blog.
First let me say, my last charcoal grilling was over 20 yrs ago. But the basics are the same. Grill temperature is key and is much harder to control for me on charcoal. See the guide to grill temperature where I briefly discuss charcoal. You will need to learn your grill and how much charcoal and what location you need. https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/grill-temperature/
Once you learn to control the surface temperature, most recipes will be fine. Most beef grillings work on very hot but chicken and pork will be an issue if the charcoal is too hot.
Hope that helps some.
Dan
Steve says
Just wanted to chime in and mention to all grilling newbies that, and I quote " Good bbq comes from experience and experience comes from...well, bad bbq". Never give up on cooking or yourself. The bad guys win if you do.
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says
Hi Steve,
Welcome to the blog. There is lots of truth in that saying.
Thanks for chiming in.
Dan