Nothing beats the first BBQ gatherings of the season; fresh Spring air, loving friends, and the smell of meats and veggies on the grill. For some of you, it may have been a few months since you last touched a grill, but for others, it may be one of the first times you’ve touched one. We’re here to share some backyard BBQ tips to kick off the spring season! 

Backyard BBQ Tips

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Anyone new to grilling can benefit from an experienced cook, and even seasoned grillers could use a refresher on the important “behind the scenes” approach to BBQ. Distractions, cooking in a hurry, and changing equipment all play a role in the BBQ process and, inevitably, how your food comes out. Let us shed some light on the technical side of grilling, to upgrade your BBQ game and make your food extra tasty!

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Kick it Off With a Clean Grill

You can’t do anything until your grill is clean, because you should never cook on a dirty surface. Doing so could lead to scorching, food sticking, and potentially food falling into the grill. Additionally, you increase the risk of making you and your guests sick, and food or grease remnants can fall into the fire beneath and cause a grease fire, which is dangerous for everyone!

Preheat for Perfection

Like preheating the oven, you need to preheat your grill before you try putting anything on it, so food cooks evenly at the appropriate cook times. One of the simpler backyard BBQ tips we can offer is to properly preheat your grill about 10-15 minutes before putting your meat or veggies on.

Embrace Marinade

A flavorful marinade can make the meats you’re grilling taste amazing and keep them juicy during cooking. Keep it fully submerged in the marinade, rotating it occasionally if needed, and ensure it reaches room temperature before cooking on the grill to avoid temperature issues with cold meat on a hot surface.

Minimize Lifting the Lid

When you grill, temperature regulation is key, so it’s important to limit the amount you lift the lid. The more you do, the cooler the inside of the grill gets, and your food can cook unevenly, ruining the flavor. Lifting the lid also introduces a rush of air into the pot, which can cause the coals to overheat and scorch your food.

Let Your Food Rest

This is one of the most overlooked and ignored backyard BBQ tips: letting your food rest before eating. We know you can’t wait to dig into your tasty masterpiece, but patience is key in any good BBQ! This step allows your food to cook off the grill a bit more and retain the juices that make it taste its best.  

Springtime BBQ Experts

Now is the perfect time to start practicing for the perfect spring BBQ in Roanoke, VA. The temperatures are going to keep rising, people are getting out and exploring more, and the sun is making a more regular appearance.

At Due South BBQ, we know how to elevate your cooking skills and are always ready to feed customers, new or current. Give us a call to learn more about our BBQ menu and other tasty services!