Preheat a gas grill or let charcoal burn until covered with a white-grey ash
Keep the lid on the grill while cooking (closed)
Oil the Food, Not the Cooking Grates
Use more salt that you think you need to bring out the natural flavors of the food
Leave the food alone! Go have fun and turn once halfway through cooking time.
Invest in a pair of locking chef tongs, these are widely available at cooking stores, large houseware and department stores. The slender long handles make it much easier to turn food on the grill.
Remembering which long handled tongs came in contact with raw food can be difficult. Avoid contamination by labeling one set of tongs with red tape (red means stop, raw food has touched these tongs) and another set with green tape (green means go, cooked foods touched these tongs).
Avoid ruining manicured nails by using an extra-long grilling mitt to take food to and from the hot grill.
Tie up anything loose. Long hair, long flowing sleeves, long necklaces and charm bracelets.
Dress for the weather. Once you’ve mastered outdoor cooking, you’ll be using your grill come rain, sleet, snow or shine. Make sure you dress for the elements.
