How to Grill for Beginners

Summertime is synonymous with grilling out. There’s something about the smell of charcoal and grilled food that just makes everyone happy. In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of how to grill different types of meat and vegetables. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, we have got you covered!

What is grilling?

Grilling is a method of cooking that involves dry heat applied to the surface of the food. The heat can come from charcoal, gas, or electricity. When grilling, the food is placed on a grill rack over the heat source.

Grilling and barbequing have been around since fire was discovered by man some 1.7 to 2 million years ago. The first recorded use of the word “grill” in English was in 1560, and it referred to a gridiron, which is a grilling rack with parallel bars.

Grilling vs barbequing; what’s the difference?

Grilling is a quick-cooking method that uses high heat, whereas barbequing is a slow cooking method that uses low heat. Both methods can produce delicious food, it just depends on your preferences.

The Etymology of the word barbecue, as this study describes it, “invokes the savage side of man by combining some of the most inherently manly things: hunting, fire building, beer-drinking, and greasy meat.”

Barbecue in the US is now synonymous with southern cooking and is commonly used to refer to low and slow cooking over indirect heat. This method of cooking originated with Native Americans who would build a fire on one side of the campsite, and cook their food on the other side.

In this blog, we won’t talk about barbecue or barbacoa, as the Spanish called it but will focus on assisting you to master how to grill any types of meat, and some vegetables as well.

But first, I want to explain some important aspects when it comes to grilling.

Factors that will impact your grilled meat outcome:

Weight/thickness of meat:

This is an important factor because it will determine the cooking time. The general rule of thumb is that the thicker the meat, the longer it will take to cook.

For example, a thick steak will take longer to cook than a thin burger patty.

Type of grill:

There are three main types of grills: charcoal, gas, and electric. Each type of grill has its own set of pros and cons.

For faster grilling, gas is the way to go. It’s also very convenient because you can control the heat with a knob. The downside is that it’s more expensive than charcoal, and it’s not as flavorful.

Charcoal grills take a little bit longer to heat up, but they are less expensive and produce a tastier result. The downside is that they are a bit more difficult to control the heat.

Electric grills are the most convenient because they are easy to use and don’t produce smoke. However, they also don’t have as much flavor as charcoal or gas grills.

Altitude:

Another factor that affects grilling time is the altitude. The higher you are, the longer it will take for the food to cook because there is less oxygen.

So, if you live in a high-altitude area, you will need to adjust your grilling time accordingly.

Wind:

Wind can also impact the grilling time because it can cause the grill to lose heat. If it’s a windy day, you may need to cook the food for a longer period of time.

Outside temperature:

If it’s a cold day, the grill will take longer to heat up. Conversely, if it’s a hot day, the grill will heat up faster.

So, these are some of the factors that you need to consider when grilling. Now let’s get into how to grill different types of grills.

Types of grills:

Charcoal grills:

Charcoal grills are the most popular type of grill. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Charcoal grills are the most traditional way to grill. It’s what our fathers and grandfathers used to use. It’s what you see in movies and TV shows set in the 50s.

The main downside to charcoal grills is that they can be a bit messy. Use a charcoal grill if you want to cook slowly for up to 30 mins. If you want fast cooking, use a gas grill and you’ll be ready to eat in 5 to 10 mins.

A charcoal grill requires you to get charcoal and you’ll need to light the fire. It may take you up to 10 mins to get the temperature up to optimal grilling temperatures of 225 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

I really like that charcoal grills are inexpensive and can get them for as low as $99. On the other hand, gas and electric grills cost as high as $600. Grilling enthusiasts, however, claim that charcoal grills deliver the best tasting meat. So, if you are willing to get messy with some charcoal burning and fire making, then go ahead and get a charcoal grill.

Pros of charcoal grilling:

• Inexpensive
• Delivers best tasting meat
• Gives food a smoky flavor
• It cooks slower than gas or electric options

Cons of charcoal grilling:

• Messy
• Risk of fire
• Requires some effort to get the fire going
• Takes longer to heat up compared to gas grills
• Requires extensive clean-up
• Poor temperature control
• -If you want fast cooking, use a gas grill and you

Gas grills:

Gas grills are the second most popular type of grill and utilize flammable gas such as propane. They are easy to use and very convenient. The main downside to gas grills is that they can be expensive. Use a gas grill if you want to cook quickly for up to 10 mins. If you want slow cooking, use a charcoal grill and you’ll be ready to eat in 20 to 30 mins.

A gas grill is very easy to use as you just need to turn on the knob and set it to your desired temperature. It’s also very convenient because you can cook with gas even if there is no power. Being clean and efficient, you don’t get the smoke. This is another reason why people choose gas over charcoal.

Cleaning a gas or electric grill is easier than cleaning a charcoal grill. You just need to clean the bars and grease trap and you are good to go. To clean a charcoal grill, you’ll need to regularly dispose of ash and clean the bars.

Another downside of a gas grill is that you’ll need to spend at least $500 to get a good quality brand. In terms of temperature, you can get a gas grill up to searing temperatures of 500+ degrees Fahrenheit.

The chart below is a snapshot from the Weber grilling guide and it shows the sizes you should cut your meat and the corresponding grilling times if you are using a gas grill.

Pros of gas grilling:

• Better temperature control for even cooking
• No need for lighter fluid
• Easy to use and clean-up
• Convenient
• Efficient and clean
• Lower risk of fire accidents compared to charcoal option
• Easy ignition with a push-button for easier preheating

Cons of gas grilling:

• More expensive than charcoal grills
• Doesn’t give food a smoky flavor
• They are larger units – take up a lot of space

Bottom line: Get a gas grill if you want an easy-to-use and clean grill. It’s also a good choice if you are looking for even cooking with better temperature control. If you want a smoky flavor, go with a charcoal grill.

Electric grills:

Electric grills are the third most popular type of grill. They are easy to use and very convenient.

While it is the least traditional way to grill and the least popular option over the years, it is gaining popularity now as the most convenient grilling option. It only requires an outlet to work.

The main downside to electric grills is that they can be expensive. Use an electric grill if you want to cook quickly for up to 15 mins.

The chart below is a snapshot from the Weber grilling guide with details of the sizes you should cut each meat type and the approximate recommended grilling times when using an electric grill.

Without the smoke, you can’t get the charbroiled taste or the smoky flavor that you can get with gas and charcoal grills. It is, however, considered healthier than gas and charcoal grills. It is also considered safer and people living in apartments and condos find it convenient as there are countertop options.

Pros of electric grilling:

1. Safer: No risk of flare-ups or gas leaks
2. Heathier: No carcinogens from the smoke
3. Convenient: Can be used indoors and outdoors
4. Easy to use: Just plug it in and start grilling
5. Easy to use
6. countertop options
7. Heats up quickly than other options

Cons of electric grilling:

1. More expensive than charcoal and gas grills
2. Can’t get the smoky flavor that you can get with gas and charcoal grills

If you are looking for a grill that is easy to use and very convenient, then an electric grill is a good option for you. If you are looking for a grill that is less expensive and can give you a smoky flavor, then a gas or charcoal grill would be a better option for you.

How about solar-powered electric grills?

Solar-powered electric grills aren’t mainstream yet but we’re heading there.

With the shift from dirty energy sources such as coal and expensive electricity, solar grilling is becoming a thing and there have been studies on the use of solar and incorporation batteries. Here is a study on electric grills using batteries presented last year during the  18th International Conference on Electrical Engineering.

Electric grills vs electric griddles:

An electric grill is different from an electric griddle in a few ways. An electric grill has raised ridges on the surface, while a griddle is flat. This allows fat and juices to drip away from the food as it cooks, making for healthier grilled food. Electric grills also tend to have higher temperatures than electric griddles, so you can get a sear on your food if you want. Electric griddles are better for cooking things like pancakes, eggs, and bacon since they don’t have the ridges that an electric grill does.

Per this research, the electric grill market which combines electric grills and electric griddles is expected to steadily grow to reach $ 5.2 Billion by 2025.

The chart below shows the trend of growth starting from 2015 when it was just sized at $ 950.4 million;

So, are Americans grilling more nowadays?

Yes, according to this infographic, 75% of American households own a grill and use them to grill an average of 5 times a month. The report quoted a survey that found that 75% of American households that owns a grill were broken down as follows;

• 69% owned a gas grill
• 47% owned a charcoal grill
• 7% owned an electric grill.

*the % figures exceed 100% as some households have more than one type of grill

And what are the top grilling holidays?

The report identified the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day as the top grilling holidays here in the US.

So, what do Americans grill the most?

The report identified budgers, steak, hot dogs, and chicken as the four main popular foods prepared using grills

Along with the grill, below are some of the top other utensils identified in the report as being useful to have when grilling;

1. Long-handled thongs: These are used for turning food without getting too close to the heat. This utensil is owned by 72% of Americans who owned grills.
2. Wire or cleaning brush: For cleaning the grill before and after cooking. 68% of Americans with grills who were surveyed revealed that they owned a cleaning brush.
3. Long-handled fork: The fork is used for turning meat and vegetables. 60% of grill-owning Americans own this utensil.
4. Long-handled spatula: SpatulaIs used for flipping burgers and is owned by 54% of grill-owning Americans.

Aside from the 4 utensils mentioned above, below are other key utensils you should have;

1. Cover: A cover is used to protect the grill when it’s not in use and can also help keep food warm until it’s time to eat. said they owned a grill cover.
2. Grilling gloves
3. An apron
4. Grilling gloves
5. Tongs
6. Plate or tray
7. Aluminum foil
8. Marinade injector: This is a syringe-like utensil that is used for injecting marinades into the meat.
9. Tongs: These are used in a similar way to the long-handled fork but can also be used for picking up food from the grill.
10. Grill basket

Why do people grill?

For the flavor:

Many people believe that grilling gives food a unique flavor that cannot be replicated using other cooking methods. Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) did a survey in 2019 and found that grilling was done by 72% of American households for the flavor.

Lifestyle:

Grilling provides an opportunity to relax and socialize with family and friends and many people grill for this reason. In the same Survey by HPBA, 52% of Americans surveyed indicated that their reason for barbecuing was because they liked the lifestyle.

Health:

Many people believe grilling to be healthier as it enabled you to reduce fat and calorie intake: When grilling, the fat drips off the meat which is not the case with other cooking methods such as frying where the food is cooked in its own fat.

Many people also choose to grill lean cuts of meat which further reduces the fat and calorie content. 18% reported health as their reason for grilling.

Efficiency and convenience:

People choose to grill because it is more efficient than other cooking methods. For example, if you are grilling for a large group, you can cook all the food at once which is not the case with oven cooking where you have to cook in batches. In addition, many people believe that cleanup is easier when grilling as compared to other cooking methods people also choose to grill because it is more convenient than other cooking methods. For example, if you live in an apartment and do not have access to a kitchen, grilling would be the most convenient option for you. 33% of those surveyed by HPBA said that convenience was their reason for grilling.

Entertainment:

Some whooping 44$ of the Americans who responded to the “State of the Barbecue Industry” survey by HPBA indicated that they did it for entertainment. Grilling involves hanging out with friends and having a great time with perhaps some alcoholic beverages. This is one of the many reasons Americans, especially younger generations choose to grill instead of opting for other methods.

Credit: HBPA ‘State of Barbecue Industry Study (2019)’

Now that we have a good understanding of the different types of grills and utensils to have when grilling, the next section has all the details you need to understand about how to grill different kinds of meat. Let’s start with red meat.

How to grill red meat for Beginners

What you need:

1. Grill (electric, gas, or charcoal): To grill red meat such as steak, you need to get any of the grill options discussed.
2. Long-handled tongs and forks,
3. Thinly sliced meat or the meat of your liking,
4. Salt,
5. Pepper,
6. Spatula,
7. Apron,
8. Cleaning brush,
9. Grilling tray to put the grilled red meat,
10. Oil, preferably olive oil: This helps in keeping the meat moist as well as prevents it from sticking to the grill.
11. Seasonings: You can use any seasoning of your choice or go for a spice rub.
12. Kebabs: If you’re grilling kebabs, you’ll also need skewers
13. Ground beef patties: You will need a burger press if you’re making ground beef patties

Step 1; Preheat the grill:

Step one is to preheat the grill. If you’re using a gas or electric grill, set it to high heat and let it run for about 15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they’re ashed over before placing them in the center of the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the meat:

The second step in grilling red meat is to start preparing the meat. If you’re using thinly sliced steak, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help in preventing the steak from steaming when it hits the grill. Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice.

For grilling the steak, make sure to use tongs to flip it over. Do not use a fork as this will poke holes in the meat and cause the juices to run out.

Step three: Grill the red meat:

Now that the grill is preheated and the steak is prepared, it’s time to start grilling. If you’re using a gas or electric grill, make sure to brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

For a charcoal grill, place the steak over direct heat.

If you are cooking Steak which could be New York strip, porterhouse, rib-eye, T-bone, and filet mignon (tenderloin) of ¾ inch in thickness, cook it for 10 to 14 minutes on high heat. If the steak is 1 inch in thickness, cook it for 14 to 16 minutes on high heat and if it is 2 inches in thickness, cook it for 18 to 20 minutes on high heat.

If you are cooking 1.5 to 2 pounds of kebab cut ii into ¾ inches, grill it for 12 to 15 minutes on medium heat

If you are cooking ground beef patty, cut it in ¾ inches each and cook it for 12 to 16 minutes on high heat.

The ground beef patty is usually cooked well-done, so if you like your steak rare or medium-rare, it’s best to cook them separately.

Step four: Check for doneness:

The final step is to check for doneness. The easiest way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the ideal temperature is 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Red meat sizes and weight with their corresponding cooking times.

How to grill Pork:

What you need:

• Grill (electric, gas or charcoal),
• Long-handled tongs and forks,
• Thinly sliced pork or the pork of your liking,
• Salt,
• Pepper,
• Spatula,
• Apron,
• Cleaning brush,
• Grilling tray to put the grilled pork,
• Olive oil or any other cooking oil,
• Seasonings of your choice.

Step one:

Preheat the grill: Just like with grilling red meat, the first step is to preheat the grill. If you’re using a gas or electric grill, set it to high heat and let it run for about 15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait until they’re ashed over before placing them in the center of the grill.

Step two:

Prepare the pork: Start by thinly slicing the pork or cutting it into pieces. Season both sides of the pork with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice. Cut bratwurst into 3-ounces thick, chop pork into 0.75 inches thick and loin into 0.75 or 1 inches in thickness.

Step three:

Grill the pork: Just like with grilling red meat, if you’re using a gas or electric grill, make sure to brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. For a charcoal grill, place the pork over direct heat.

For bratwurst cut into pieces measuring 3 ounces in thickness, and cook it for 28 to 32 mins.

For pork chop which could be with bone or boneless cut into 3/4 inch thickness, grill it it for 20 to 30 mins.

For boneless pork loins cut into 3/4 to 1 inch thickness cook it for 16 to 18 mins. f

Step four: Check for doneness:

The final step is to check for doneness. The easiest way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. For pork, the ideal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to grill Poultry:

What you need:

• Grill (electric, gas or charcoal),
• Long-handled tongs and forks,
• Thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken pieces, kebab
• Salt,
• Pepper,
• Spatula,
• Apron,
• Cleaning brush,
• Grilling tray to put the grilled chicken breast or poultry kebabs,
• Olive oil or any other cooking oil,
• Seasonings of your choice.

Step one:

Preheat the grill: Just like with grilling red meat, the first step is to preheat the grill. If you’re using a gas or electric grill, set it to high heat and let it run for about 15 minutes.

Step two:

Prepare the chicken: Start by thinly slicing the chicken breasts or cutting them into pieces. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice. Cut chicken breasts into 6 to 8-ounce thick chunks, chicken pieces into 3 to 6 ounces and kebabs into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes.

Step 3: three:

Grill the chicken: Just like with grilling red meat, if you’re using a gas or electric grill, make sure to brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. For a charcoal grill, place the chicken over direct heat.

For chicken breasts weighing 6 to 8 ounces, it would take 12 to 14 minutes on medium heat and chicken pieces of 3 to 6 ounces would take up to 40 mins on medium heat and for kebabs, it would take14 to 16 mins on medium heat.

Step four: Check for doneness:

The final step is to check for doneness. The easiest way to do this is by using a meat thermometer.