Barbecue Olympics: BBQ Techniques Every Grill Master Needs to Know

The Olympics season is finally here — and while we can’t teach you how to score a bullseye in archery or how to win a gold medal for the 100-meter backstroke, we can, however, share a few BBQ techniques that will turn you into the ultimate grill master. After all, you’re going to need a scrumptious meal to feast on while you root for your country at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

If you solemnly swear to do everything in your power to up your grill master skill set, we’ll let you in on these 10 secrets that will help you win every cookout. You’ll never have to wonder how to BBQ the right way ever again.

 

Wait Before you Grill

When grilling meat, try seasoning 45 minutes in advance to improve searing and flavor. Salting within 45+ minutes of cooking will allow the salt to pull moisture from the meat, the salt dissolves in this liquid and both are reabsorbed into the meat for incredible flavor.

To learn more, check out our blog on the science behind salting your meat!

 

Start with a Clean Slate

You wouldn’t want yesterday’s smoked salmon essence to rub off on today’s steak, now would you? When you are done cooking, if the grill is still hot, around 400°F+, brush your cooking grids using the appropriate grill brush. (Brass for cast iron grids and stainless steel bristles for stainless steel grids.) If the grill is less than 400°F turn the burners up to high for 5 minutes to carbonize any food residue before brushing them clean with a grill brush. Before cooking, once the grill has been preheated, brush again before putting down food. Remember, a clean grill is a healthy grill!

 

Go Nonstick, Organically

To prevent sticking, use a silicone brush to brush oil onto the cooking grids. You can also use a paper towel to oil your grids, but it is suggested that you use tongs to keep your hands safely away from the heat. Well-maintained grids and a properly preheated grill will provide all of the nonstick-ness you need. Once grill marks have formed on food, it should easily release from clean cooking grids.

Your friends might be opting to coat their cooking grids with just oil at your next cookout, so here’s a BBQ tip that will set you apart: use a potato for an organic, nonstick alternative. All you need to do is cut a potato in half and rub it onto the heated grates using tongs or a barbecue fork. This reduces the need for the use of excessive oil.

 

 

Leverage the Flavor of Wood Chips

Celebrity chef, Myron Mixon, recommends including fruit tree wood chips to your next barbecue on a charcoal grill or adding them to some interesting accessories that allow you to include the fun of smoking on your gas grill. The mild flavor and high sap content of peach, apple, cherry, and grape wood chips will add an unconventional taste to your meats. You can choose to add wood chips or chunks directly to the charcoal, or follow the steps below when adding wood chips to the charcoal barbecue or gas grill for a longer-lasting smoke.

If you decide to add this fruity-wood twist to your list of mastered BBQ techniques, here’s how to get it done the right way, according to Chef Mixon:

1. Soak the wood chips in water for at least an hour. If you soak them overnight, then that’s even better!

2. After this, drain the chips.

3. Wrap them in aluminum foil like burritos.

4. Place them on your grill!

 

Preheat Your Grill

Preheating your grill is one of the key BBQ tips that will help you produce better quality cooking. But exactly what temperature is ideal? It depends entirely on what you’re cooking.

If you’re searing, a steady 500°F is typically the most optimal heat for gas and charcoal grills. This will ensure you get those beautiful grid marks and a good crust. When you see a thin coat of gray ash, it's go time!

For anything that will take a while to cook or is being slow-cooked should be between 250°F and 375°F. You may also want to check out our blog on how to use the indirect grilling technique when a lower BBQ temperature is required.

 

Don't Squeeze

You might love barbecue so much you want to hug it, but grill experts would advise against it! When you squeeze or flatten meats on the grill, you’re actually squishing out the juicy flavors. No matter how satisfying that sizzling sound may be, do not squeeze your barbecue meat.

 

Don't Rush

Although we are sharing these tips so you can come out as the champion at your next backyard BBQ Olympics, we’d like to remind you of one of the most important BBQ techniques: Unlike the actual Olympics, the BBQ Olympics is not a race.

Cooking at high temperatures is a surefire way to get the best crust and sear marks on meats and veggies, but they will need to be finished with a lower, more gentle temperature for a winning BBQ experience.

 

Invest in a Meat Thermometer

Do you know how to accurately tell the difference between rare, medium-rare, and well-done meats? We know, it’s not easy. This is where a meat thermometer will come in handy. Just refer to this temperature guide so you’ll know exactly when to take the meat off the grill:

• Rare - 125°F

• Medium Rare - 135°F

• Medium - 145°F

• Medium Well - 150°F

• Well Done - 160°F

Keep in mind that you should be removing your meat from the grill five degrees Fahrenheit before it reaches the desired doneness. This is because food temperature rises at least five degrees after you take it off the grill. Undercooking will produce the perfect meal as long as you follow our next step…

 

Let it Rest

We know how tempting it can be to start eating your steak as soon as it comes off the grill. After all, it always smells so good and you’ve literally just spent the past half an hour staring straight at it.

However, letting meat rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout. Give your smaller foods like steaks and chicken 5 to 10 minutes, and your roasts 15 minutes or more depending on the size.

Good things come to those who wait! Check out our blog that dives deeper into letting your BBQ rest before digging in.

 

 

Let the BBQ Olympics Commence

With these BBQ techniques up your sleeve, we think you’re now more than ready to take on all your friends at your next cookout. Start putting your newfound mastery to the test and let the BBQ Olympics commence!

You’ve got the secret BBQ tips, now all you need is the perfect grill to give your friends a run for their money steaks. With Napoleon’s range of grills that have premium designs and superior functions, there’s no doubt about it that you’ll emerge as the BBQ Olympic champion. Start your BBQ Olympic adventure by picking up everything you need at your nearest Napoleon Dealer!