Intro To Grilling On A Gas Grill
You’ve received your new gas grill, and want to get going right away. Check out this intro to grilling to avoid some common mistakes when breaking in a new grill, please take a few extra minutes to read this article before getting started (we know how excited you are!)
Grilling Is More Than A Method
It's a culinary art form that has been cherished by cultures around the world for centuries. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice just starting out, understanding the fundamentals of grilling is essential for creating mouthwatering dishes that are sure to impress. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the basics of grilling.
Intro To Gas Grill Set-up
Not only should you read the owner’s manual, but also make sure that you keep it in a safe place. In the future, if you need to contact the manufacturer for customer support or warranty work they’ll need the serial number of your grill which is most of the time located in the owner’s manual as well as on the grill itself somewhere.
Also, if your new to this particular grill brand you’ll want to read the owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with all that grill’s features. Just because you were comfortable using your previous grill doesn’t mean you’ll be able to jump right into a new grill.
Fuel hook-up
Once you have the grill fully assembled, you’ll need to get the fuel hooked up. If you didn’t purchase a propane tank or already have a natural gas line run to where the grill is located, you’ll need to address that before you're able to get going on the grill. Most gas stations and hardware stores will have propane tanks available for purchase. If your house is already running on natural gas or an in-ground propane tank, you’ll need to contact a local licensed gas installer to run a gas line to your preferred grill location.
Prepping Your Grates
Seasoning or oiling prevents rust from forming on your grill grates and makes them easier to clean.
Safety Tip
Propane tanks should always be stored outside. If you move the grill into a garage or shed, the tank should stay outside.
Lighting The Grill
Once the propane is connected and the tank valve is open, it’s time to light the grill.
- Make sure that the grill lid is open. The gas could build up and blow up the lid… you don’t want that.
- When igniting your new gas grill for the first time consult your owner’s manual, gas grills all have their own specific type of ignition systems and may not be the same as the last grill you had.
What If My Gas Grill Doesn’t Light?
Most modern gas grills have a “manual lighting hole” for this reason, and some even include a match holder attached to the grill (it looks like a long wand with a curlicue on the end). Find the hole — it may be on the side of the grill. Light the burner closest to the hole and carefully insert a lit match, preferably a long match or attached to the grill’s match holder. The burner should light right away.
Tips For Gas Grilling
Season your grates prior to use with cooking oil. This is helpful for a number of reasons:
- Prevents rust from forming on the grates
- Makes the grates easier to clean after each use
- Food is less likely to stick to properly seasoned grates.
Get the grill up to temp. Gas grills may be easier to start than a charcoal grill but they still require sufficient time to pre-heat before putting food on the grill. This could take anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on the brand of grill and what type of burner it is (standard or infrared).
Don't Forget To Clean Up
Clean your grill after the first time you use it. You might not have to and probably don’t want to after using it for the first time, but this will help get you in the habit of properly maintaining your grill. You’ll run into way fewer issues in the long run by cleaning and caring for your grill regularly and not just when entertaining guests.
Intro To Essential Grilling Techniques
Direct Heat vs. Indirect Heat:
As direct heat involves cooking food directly over the heat source, indirect heat involves cooking food away from the heat source, using the grill's lid to trap heat and create a convection oven effect. Notably, direct heat is ideal for searing meats and vegetables, while indirect heat is best for slow-cooking larger cuts of meat or delicate items that require gentle heat.
Searing:
Searing is a technique used to lock in juices and create a caramelized crust on the exterior of meats. To sear properly, preheat your grill to high heat and place the meat directly over the heat source, cooking it for a short period of time until a golden brown crust forms. Once seared, you can move the meat to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
Grill Marks:
To achieve grill marks, place your food on the grill at a diagonal angle to the grates, then rotate it 90 degrees halfway through the cooking process to create crosshatch marks.
Temperature Control:
Maintaining proper temperature control is essential for achieving consistent results when grilling. Invest in a good-quality meat thermometer to ensure that you cook your food to the appropriate temperature.
Grilling is a rewarding and enjoyable pastime that allows you to unleash your creativity and impress your friends and family with delicious homemade meals. By mastering the basics in this intro to grilling and experimenting with different techniques and flavors, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true grill master. So fire up the grill, embrace the sizzle, and let your culinary adventures begin!
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