Fire Up the Grill!

grilling
Always use a food thermometer to check doneness of meat.
Photo: USDA

Summer is almost here, but many grills are already getting a work out! Here are some tips for successful grilling.

  • Keep meat refrigerated until ready to cook.
  • Remove visible fat from meat to reduce flare-ups and charring.
  • Marinate raw meats in the refrigerator. Discard marinade if not using for sauce.
  • Use a medium heat for even cooking and juicy meat. Charcoal should be covered in gray ash.
  • Use tongs instead of forks to keep meat juicy.
  • Check meat doneness with a thermometer, not color. This temperature chart is a handy reference.
  • Keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross contamination.