Get Ready for BBQ Season with GRIPmitt: BBQ Essentials
Summer is around the corner; the weather is nice and warm so it’s a great time to plan your first BBQ party for friends and family! Are you wondering what are the essentials to have when prepping a true backyard BBQ? Get ready with GRIPmitt and Get a Grip on Grilling!
Tools for Grilling
In our last article, we discussed the basic types of grills, their pros and cons so you probably chose your best option. So what else will you need to grill like a pro? You don't need a big set of grilling tools but there are some that will elevate your BBQ game to the next level. GRIPmitt is a great versatile tool to have at your BBQ station. You can use it to move meat or pieces of veggies on and off the grill, to slice a piece of grilled meet or hygienically serve bread.
Another must have is a spatula for flipping burgers or other delicate items. If you are a steak lover, you can't grill without a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the perfect internal temperature. For applying marinade and sauces, you will need a good brush that come in natural bristles ad silicone. Are you a fan of a grilled veggies? Get a grill basket and small pieces of veggies will never fall through the grill grates again.
If you are thinking about trying something a little more complicated than a simple burger, you might also need a cast iron to prepare for example stir fry, shrimps with sauce and others. (Don't forget the handle of cast iron is piping hot. Roll your GRIPmitt and tuck it on the pan handle. That way you can easily and firmly handle the hot pan. Aluminum Foil and paper towels are the staples that shouldn't miss at any BBQ station.
Are you done with grilling and it is time to clean? You will need a good grill brush to keep your grates clean and prevent sticking. Don't forget to deep clean your grill once in while and season the grates. How? You can find it in one of our previous GRIPmitt blog articles.
Safety and Set Up
Before you start your BBQ party, don’t forget to do the inspection of your grill station. If you are using a gas grill, check the propane tank for possible leaking. Also check if you have enough fuel. If you plan to grill after dark, don’t forget to set up an extra grill light or flashlight so you can check on food. To ensure safety and comfort, place the seating area away from the grill station and make sure there is enough room for guests to move around. Arrange tables and chairs to accommodate all your guests. If it's a sunny day, set up umbrellas to provide shade. And then prepare the followings: tablecloth, dinnerware, silverware, glasses, napkins, bottle opener and salt and pepper shakers.
Food and Drinks
Don’t forget to plan your menu ahead of time so you can get your groceries and maybe marinade the meat for a day. Whether you are going to prepare burgers, hot dogs or maybe grilled fish or steak, don’t forget to have a selection of toppings and sides so your guests have a choice. The staples are: buns, cheese slices, onions, sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles, bell peppers, then of course ketchup, mustard, relish and mayonnaise.
If you are going for a grilled fish or steak, you might want to do grilled veggies as a side from favorite and seasonal veggies, such as artichokes, asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms, etc. It is also great option for vegetarian that might be a little more difficult to please at the BBQ party. You can definitely surprise them with a vegetarian “steak” from cauliflower, mushrooms burger, grilled tofu or Halloumi cheese. As you are planning your menu, don’t forget the dessert. If you don’t want the good old classic such as apple pie or ice cream, try grilled fruit. Perfect fruits for grilling are for example peaches, plums, pears or pineapple. You can grill bigger pieces of fruit and then sprinkle them with a little bit of cinnamon and honey or do smaller pieces on skewers with melted chocolate and do improvise chocolate fondue.
So you now have all the tools...you did the set-up, and have your recipes ready along with your grocery shopping? It’s time to fire up your grill and Get a Grip on Grilling!
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Grill with GRIPmitt: Advanced Techniques for BBQ Enthusiasts
Have you mastered the basics of grilling and you are a pro in grilling burgers, hot dogs and steaks? It’s a perfect time to take your grilling skills to the next level with these advanced techniques and tips. Fire up your grill, prepare all the essentials including GRIPmitt and get a grip on grilling!
