Grilling is the quintessential American celebration of summer, and over the years, the simple open charcoal grill has transformed into elaborate outdoor kitchens.
So whether you live in a thoroughly modern loft-style condominium community like Juhl in downtown Las Vegas with an outdoor kitchen and grilling stations framing a luxury resort pool complete with cabanas, or have an original kettle grill on the patio, it’s time to break out the BBQ recipes!
Here are a few tips and tricks from the Food Network’s Top 10 Tips for Excellent Summer Grilling to make the most of your summer BBQ!
The fewer times you flip something, the better (once is ideal for most meats). If the meat is stuck to the grill, let it cook more. It will unstick itself when it’s ready for flipping. Also, don’t squeeze or flatten meats – you will squeeze out the taste and moisture.
Letting meat come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling will help it cook more evenly. (If you are looking for a rare sear, however – like if you’re grilling tuna – then chilled is the way to go!)
Carryover cooking is a real thing. Food continues to cook after it leaves the grill. Once you remove it from the grill, allow the meat to rest for five to 15 minutes allowing the juices to redistribute.
Unless you are a very experienced cook, it is hard to tell meat’s temperature merely by touching it. (Although, here’s how to do it according to the Food Network: Touch the meat. If it’s soft like the flesh between your index finger and thumb, it’s rare. If it’s soft like your cheek, it’s medium-rare, and if it’s firm like your forehead it’s well-done.)
Now get ready to tell Alexa to put some scrumptious items on your grocery list for these delightfully delectable recipes.
Check out Jamie Oliver’s Ultimate BBQ Recipes For Summer including Barbecued Thai-style chicken legs with a zingy marinade. This super-easy, dairy-free, gluten-free recipe, with only eight ingredients, cooks in 40 minutes, feeds four, and has only 313 calories per serving.
Of course, almost everyone has a favorite ribs recipe that’s been handed down from generation to generation, so go with what works. In the meantime, here’s a Best Barbecue Ribs Ever recipe from the Food Network. And who cares how many calories there are per serving when it comes to ribs right off the grill!
This Epicurious 43 Grilled Fish Recipes for Your Next Barbecue has the tips you need to grill fish with confidence, with a recommendation to start out with a classic like cedar plank salmon with rosemary and lemon zest.
What are the best vegetables for grilling? According to foodiecrush, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, cauliflower, broccoli, and tomatoes are a good start. Plus, if you’re looking to up your seasoning skills when grilling vegetables try these herbs and spices: tarragon, oregano, marjoram, mint, basil, garlic, cumin, chile powder, allspice, Italian seasoning blend, and ginger.
It’s time to make the most of the early summer weather in Las Vegas. So gather around the grill, cook up something delish, and enjoy! That’s what it’s all about!
