I love summer cooking because most of it happens on the grill. The charred edges, the deeper flavors and — let’s be honest — the easier cleanup make grilling my go-to. Some favorites this season include my Creamy Sesame Chicken Skewers and a simple Honey Dijon Grilled Chicken bowl. Both deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Grilling can feel intimidating at first, and there’s always something new to learn. I’m still picking up tips, so here are practical pointers that helped me become more confident at the grill.
- Get familiar with your grill. Reading the manual isn’t thrilling, but watching short how-to videos makes it easier: learn how to light and adjust heat, change the propane, perform basic maintenance, and use any special features. A little practice each time you grill builds confidence quickly.
- Preheat thoroughly. Heat the grill to about 500°F and close the lid for 2–3 minutes before cooking. This step burns off residue from earlier use, heats the grates evenly and helps prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Especially when you’re starting out, a thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. I’ve had great results with a smart thermometer that lets me monitor internal temperature so steaks, chicken and roasts hit the right level every time.
- Use a veggie tray for small or delicate items. Anything that could fall through the grates or create a mess—small vegetables, chopped herbs, or marinated bits—works better on a tray. Grilled vegetables elevate every meal, and a simple tray keeps things tidy.
- Limit how often you open the lid. To get clear grill marks and even cooking, resist the urge to flip constantly. Aim to turn food only once or twice and keep the lid closed so the grill maintains a consistent temperature.
Grilling is my favorite way to cook because it’s fast, flavorful and versatile. If you have questions or want help grilling a particular meal, tell me what you’d like to learn in the comments—I’m happy to share more tips and recipes.