Grill seasoning is starting so let’s get our basics down pat. Learn a few easy basic techniques along with core recipes we all need.
For the new griller and beginners, this roundup will get you off to a great start. For the intermediate griller, you will hopefully pick up a few useful tips along with some great recipes.
This is a bit longer than my normal posts, so I have added this Jump Table for easy navigation
101 Level- Basic Grill Recipes - Easy recipes for a few classics
102 Level-Chicken Grilling
102 Level-Beef Grilling
102 Level-Pork Grilling
102 Level-Grilled Side Dishes
201 Level-Advanced Classic Grilling Recipes
Introduction - Basic Techniques
This is a "Guide for Beginner Grillers" I usually put something together at the beginning of grill season. Last week, we had snow on the ground. This evening, 7 of the top 10 recipes on the site are grilling recipes. It's time.
I'm a gas grill person. For years I used propane but now natural gas, so I don't run out of gas. Most of what I say will also apply to a charcoal grill. If you are a smoker, you probably are not reading a beginners guide.
I have picked out some basic examples I think are important to learn. You can check out almost 100 recipes in the Grilling Recipes Catagory
I highly recommend my guide to grill temperatures and learn how to do a burger correctly.
Safety First - Be sure you are safe.
Safety and maintenance are a must. If you have a new grill to start the season, assemble and test per 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 web site by download.
You need to check for damage. Look for insects nested in the works. Replace corroded parts. Clean grates Check the burners closely and be very sure about any gas connections and valves. If using bottled gas, check over the container. A professional review may be in order.
Here is a nice guide I use for my Weber S-470 (image above). Deep Cleaning Your Weber Gas Grill. There are many other guides out there I won't attempt to duplicate. Google is your friend, and you may well find what you need on the manufacturer's site.
Food Safety
It is great to have your grill safe and ready to go. Now let's prepare and store our food safely.
Check Out: Summer Food Safety
Using Your Grill
This the most important post on the site about grilling. The best grillers know how to control their grill temperatures to get the best results. Learn this (it is easy) and you will up your grilling game.
Or take it to the next level.
Need for the more advanced recipes but will take you up that final step.
The Recipes
101 Level - Basic Grill Recipes - Beginning recipes for a few classics everybody needs
If you are a raw beginner, you can handle these four recipes. If you have a bit more experience, check these guides out for some tips to up your game.
102 Level - Basic Chicken Recipes
Here are three chicken recipes that will take you up just a notch all with easy to follow step by step photos and complete instructions to get it right first time and every time. Be sure to read the guide to grill temperature to get these right.
102 Level - Basic Beef Recipes
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.
102 Level - Basic Pork Recipes
Pork and grills are made for each other. Here are a few intermediate level pork recipes you can master easily.
102 - Grilled Side dishes
Learn to add some basic grilled side dishes to round out there meal with these recipes.
201 - More Advanced Grilling Recipes
These are the real classics. All need a bit more work. 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.
Wow. You got this far. One last reminder on the part that will make you a much better griller. Check Out: A Beginners Guide to Grill Temperature on a Gas Grill
Have a great and safe grill season.
DrDan
Silvia B
Hi Dr Dan,
How do I grill with charcoal?
Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
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