Barbecue season is upon us, and it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious outdoor cooking. However, before you start cooking up a storm, it’s important to know some common mistakes people make when BBQing and how to avoid them. These mistakes can ruin your meal, waste food, and even cause accidents. In this blog, we’ll discuss five common BBQing mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Preheating the Grill

One of the most common mistakes people make when BBQing is not preheating the grill. Preheating your grill is crucial to ensuring that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly. When you put your food on a cold grill, it will take longer to cook and may end up being dry and tasteless. To avoid this mistake, preheat your grill for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking. This will ensure that the grates are hot enough to sear your food and create those delicious grill marks.   

2. Cooking with the Lid Open 

Some people make the mistake of cooking with the lid open, thinking that it will allow them to keep a closer eye on their food. However, this is a mistake because it can cause the temperature inside the grill to fluctuate, resulting in uneven cooking. Keeping the lid closed helps to trap the heat and smoke, creating a more consistent cooking environment. It also allows your food to cook more quickly, reducing the chances of overcooking. So, keep the lid closed as much as possible, only opening it to check the temperature or to flip your food.

3. Overcooking the Meat

Overcooking your meat is another common mistake that can ruin your BBQ meal. Cooking your meat for too long can cause it to become dry, tough, and chewy. To avoid this mistake, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat. The recommended temperature for different types of meat varies, so make sure to research the right temperature for your specific cut of meat.

4. Not Cleaning the Grill Grates

Not cleaning your grill grates is a mistake that can affect the flavour of your food and even cause food poisoning. When you leave food particles and grease on the grates, it can create a buildup of bacteria that can make you sick. To avoid this mistake, clean your grill grates before and after each use. Use a wire brush or grill scraper to remove any food particles or debris.

5. Cutting the Meat Too Early

Another common mistake people make when BBQing is cutting the meat too early. When you cut the meat right after taking it off the grill, you risk losing all the juices that give it flavour and tenderness. To avoid this mistake, let your meat rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavourful and juicy.

Happy Grilling