Grilling foods is popular for a variety of reasons—not the least of which are the delicious tastes we create when grilling and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. However, from a nutritional standpoint, grilling is a great way to cook without a lot of added oils or fats.
Most of our favorite foods can be grilled. This includes beef, chicken, fish, pork, and even your favorite fruits and vegetables.
However, grilling can be dangerous without taking the proper safety steps.
Whether you use a gas, charcoal, or electric grill, it is important to follow the operating directions carefully and locate your grill in a safe place to avoid accidents. To help you get the most out of your grilling experience, we’d like to offer you a few tips:
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Clean your grill. It’s important that you clean your grill before cooking. To clean your grill, remove the grates and wash in hot, soapy water. Scrub off any food particles or drippings with a brush or scrubbing pad. Rinse with clean water and air dry. Remember to remove and clean, or replace, the drip pan. Clean the outside of the grill with hot, soapy water and rinse clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the burners and interior of the grill.
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Do not use the same plate for raw and cooked meats to avoid cross-contamination.
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Use a food thermometer to ensure that meats are cooked to a safe temperature.
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Heat the grill for 10-15 minutes before adding food so that foods will be seared instead of steamed or baked.
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Use tongs to turn solid pieces of meat. This is safer and will keep the juices of the meat inside.
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Be creative. Remember, your favorite vegetables and fruits taste great if grilled properly. In fact, you might find that even your pickiest eaters will enjoy their vegetables after the foods are grilled!