Grilling Tips, Tricks, and Must-Have Tools!

As I often share, the grill is an absolute staple in our home! I have spent an enormous amount of time in both my career and personal life preparing grilled foods. I absolutely love a grilling moment… the culinary style, the flavor, the experience, YUM! During the spring and summer months I find myself leaning towards recipes that can be prepared on the grill even more so than usual. One of my favorite recipes for summer grilling is Beef Skewers… such an easy option for hosting or a weeknight dinner. 

I prefer the ease of a gas grill, but also love the flavor from grilling on a charcoal grill. I’ve been blessed to work with Beef Loving Texans for over 20 years, and have gained so much grill-related knowledge… How to navigate a grill, purchase a grill, clean a grill, how to cook on a grill, and not to mention the essential tools needed to grill. My specialty on the grill has always been grilling steak… a skill that is relatively easy once you get the hang of it! Below, I’m sharing the steps I swear by to grill the perfect steak, a few “Tiffy’s Tips” I’ve gathered over the years, and the three items I believe are true grilling essentials. 

Grilling Essentials

It’s no surprise that having the correct equipment will likely lead to a more pleasurable grilling experience. If you’re just dipping your toes into the grilling pond, deciding which items are true necessities can be a bit overwhelming (especially when so many items are marketed as “essentials”). If you’re just getting started, below are the three basic items that I consider to be must-haves when grilling. 

• Grilling Tongs: Tongs are an absolute must-have for grilling. I prefer longer tongs as they help keep exposed skin from getting too close to the grill.
  • Tool Set: This set is a great starting point for grilling… it includes tongs, three other grilling tools, and a case to store them in. 
• Meat Thermometer: Internal temperature of proteins especially is something it’s best not to just “eyeball”. I recommend either the MEATER Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer or this Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer. 
• Grill Cleaning Brush: Keeping your grill clean is such an important and often overlooked part of grilling. When it comes to a grill cleaner, there’s really no need to get fancy. As long as you’re able to adequately remove food particles to prevent buildup, you are good to go. I love the basic Williams Sonoma Brush, but have heard great things about the Grand Grill Daddy Steam Cleaning Grill Brush as a more elevated option.

TIFFY’S TIPS

~ Hold your hand 4 inches above the heat source, if you can hold it for approximately 4 seconds before the heat requires you to remove your hand. The grill should be 400 F.  

~ Cleaning grates is always easier with a warm grill. I recommend allowing it to cool off ever so slightly, then cleaning. 

~ Use your favorite steak rub, marinade or simply salt and pepper to season. 

~ Always use tongs instead of a fork to turn steaks. This keeps delicious juices inside and prevents the steak from drying out.  

~ Check Beef Loving Texans doneness chart to determine doneness. 

~ The steak’s internal temperature will continue to rise while the meat rests.

~ A few grills I recommend: 

• Natural Gas Grill: Weber Genesis II EX-335
• Charcoal Grill: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill
• Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker: Traeger Grills Pro Series 575
• Under $500 Propane Gas Grill: Char-Broil Propane Gas Grill
• Natural Gas Grill Splurge: Hestan Outdoors Aspire Series

I hope you find these grilling tips helpful and enjoy your steak!