By ,
Published February 16, 2017
If you're planning on flipping burgers this Fourth of July, check out Celebrity Chef Ted Reader's tips to make your barbecue experience safe, fun and a little more tasty.
1. Before lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray to the grill grates. The protective spray helps keep food from sticking and cuts down on clean-up time.
2. For charcoal grills, never use gasoline, kerosene or highly volatile fluids as a starter. Use electric starters, solid metal chimneys or starters specifically made for lighting charcoal briquettes or wood chunks.
3. Always have an extra bag of charcoal or a full propane tank in case you run out in the middle of grilling.
4. Feeling the heat: To check if the temperature is ready for grilling, carefully hold your hand, palm side down, four to six inches above the grill grate. If you can keep it there for:
5. Keep your meats refrigerated and cold before grilling to reduce chances of bacteria growth.
6. Keep the lid open when grilling directly over a fire or when cooking with a medium to high heat flame. When you're grilling low and slow, keep the lid closed and use indirect heat.
7. Use the right tools for the job. Invest in a good set of knives, some tongs, a spatula and a meat thermometer.
8. Never leave your grill once you have started to grill your food. Stand by your post and be mindful of children.
9. Never squish, poke or cut into any meats you are grilling. This will cause your meats to dry out and overcook. When cooking hot dogs and sausages, turn the heat down and grill slowly to keep them plump and juicy. Keep them moving on the grill to prevent them from scorching.
10. A clean grill is a hotter, healthier grill. Scrub your grill with a sturdy grill brush after each grilling session to keep bugs, insects, rodents and pesky varmints from seeking any tasty leftover bits from your grill. Here are some tips to help clean every nook and cranny of your barbecue:
https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/grilling-101-tips-and-how-tos