Are you a beginning griller just looking at that new grill, wondering where to start? This guide will get you off to a great start. Learn to control your grill and some basic recipes. For the more experienced grillers, maybe pick up a new recipe or tip.
Introduction
This "Guide for Beginner Grillers" is mainly aiming for those that have little experience and now have that shinning grill from big box store but are a bit lost.
I'm a gas grill person. Most of what I say will also apply to a charcoal grill. If you are a smoker, you probably are not reading a beginner's guide.
I have picked out some basic example recipes I think are important to learn. You can check out almost 100 recipes in the Grilling Recipes Catagory.
Please start with A Beginners Guide to Grill Temperature on a Gas Grill. Then pick a beginner recipe below and learn that technique, you can then easily expand from there.
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
Grill Safety
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 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 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.
Using Your Grill
Cooking is all about temperature. 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.
Beginner Grill Recipes
If you are a raw beginner, you can handle these four classic recipes. Master these techniques, and you will be well on the way to mastering your grill.
All are "How To" meaning they have expanded detailed discussion of not only the what, but why to do things. Pick one and master it first.
If you have a bit more experience, check these guides out for some tips to up your game.
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.
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.
Pork Recipes
Pork and grills are made for each other. Here are a few intermediate level pork recipes you can master easily.
Grilled Side Dishes
Learn to add some basic grilled side dishes to round out there meal with these recipes.
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
Editor's Note: Originally Published March 31, 2019. It will be refreshed yearly and now has improved navigation to help you find what you need.
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