Top 10 Burger Burger Grilling Tips: Grill Like a Pro

Grilling burgers, like any other kind of cooking, is a combination of technique and art. Mastering grilling techniques is fairly straightforward and is learned with a little bit of patience and practice.

The art is where the real fun and addiction comes in and mainly involves the recipes, the toppings, and the side dishes. Unlike with an oven, where you can simply place the food inside, set the temp and timer, and walk away for a while, grilling requires that you remain ever engaged, proactive, and vigilant. With that said, here are a few rules of good grilling.

Rule 1: Keep It Clean

Always keep your grill clean. This is essential for good tasting food and safety! Scrape and clean your grill before and after each outdoor grilling endeavor.

Rule 2: Keep It Safe

Always keep a close eye on what you’re grilling and doing. Be proactive, watchful and in control. There are more distractions when you are grilling outside, so stay focused on the task at hand.

Rule 3: Location, Location, Location

Always place your grill in a safe and flat location away from anything flammable such as lighter fluid, fences, your house, etc.

Rule 4: Keep 'Em From Sticking

When grilling low fat meats and other foods that stick, use cooking oil on the grill grate. Never use a cooking spray directly on the grill. You can use a basting brush, or soak a few folded paper towels shaped into a 3 inch x 3 inch square with cooking oil and while holding it with a pair of tongs, rub the oil on and into the grill grates before and after grilling your burgers.

Rule 5: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Spray Bottles

Do not use spray bottles of water to control flare‐ups. Flare‐ups are caused by too much fat and too much heat. When cooking burgers, flare‐ups usually occur when the burger is pressed with a spatula, which, although seemingly fun, is not only dangerous but also squeezes the precious juices out of the burger. If a flare up occurs, move what you are grilling to a different part of the grill.

Rule 6: Don't Get "Burned" By Your Sauces

Do not add oil‐based sauces, or sugary marinades directly to meat on the grill. This inevitably causes a blackened char on your burger. If you must, wait to add your oil‐based and sugary marinades until the very
end.

Rule 7: Prepare Ahead of Time

Always allow yourself plenty of time to prepare and cook. Prepare ahead of time for things that need not be grilled such as added toppings, condiments, etc. Don't leave your family and/or guests waiting.

Rule 8: Spice it Up Before You Grill

Spice up your food a good hour or two before you hit the grill. This time allows the flavor to sink in.

Rule 9: It's All about The Tools

Use the proper grilling tools for grilling your burgers. The basics are a solid long‐handled stainless steel spatula, long‐handled tongs, an oven glove, a meat thermometer, and a fire extinguisher. We provide a more extensive list in the GrillJunkie Burger a Day Cookbook.

Rule 10: Have Plenty of Food To Grill

Always be sure to plan for and make more than enough food for everyone including unexpected guests.

The last thing you will need is an angry mob on your hands. Enjoy your burger addiction!