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4 Ways to Grill Like a Pro This Summer

It’s that time of year again and everyone is ready to host their first cookout of the season. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, over 75% of Americans own an outdoor grill or smoker. However, barbecuing isn’t as easy as putting meat on a grill and letting it cook. There’s a lot of skill involved to have a successful cookout and Sparkle Markets is here to give you a few tips and tricks!

1. Room Temperature

Many people make the mistake of taking their meat out of the fridge and cooking it immediately. When you do this, the meat doesn’t cook evenly, so it’s crucial to let the meat sit out for at least 20 minutes before you start grilling. This will ensure that the center of the meat is being cooked thoroughly. Nobody wants to cut into their steak and realize it needs to be cooked longer!

2. Flavor and Spices

You can throw some chicken, ribs or even pork chops on the grill and it’ll taste alright, but to guarantee a flavorful experience, you must spice your meat before you put it on the grill. You could incorporate a nice dry rub or marinate your meat to help the flavor go a long way. Be sure to do this at least 30 minutes before you cook the meat to ensure it soaks in all the way!

3. Invest in BBQ Tools

In no way do you need a 10-piece grill kit, however, some specific tools can truly contribute to the success of your barbecues. These include high-quality tongs, a spatula, a meat thermometer, heat-resistant gloves and a wire cooling rack, just to name a few. With these tools added to your kitchen, grilling will be much more efficient!

4. Leave it Alone!

The most important tip is to leave your meat alone! We know, you’re probably thinking, well don’t I have to flip it? Yes, but many people make the mistake of flipping their meat too often. You should really only flip your meat once or twice to ensure that it is cooking all the way through. If you’re worried, you can always use a meat thermometer to make sure that this is happening.

What Recipes Can I Try?

Now that you know what’s needed to grill like a pro, it’s time to try some recipes out! Sparkle’s grill favorites include Grilled BBQ Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Ribeye with Blue Cheese Butter, Grilled Sausage and Veggies and Grilled Honey Chicken. If you’re in the mood for something more fun with the family, you can try out our different burger recipes!

Stop in at Sparkle and grab all the needed ingredients to grill away this summer! Sign up for our Sparkle E-Deals and get weekly recipes and specials delivered right to your inbox!