Make the Most of Your Summer With These Outdoor Cooking Tips

Summer isn’t over yet! In fact, there are a few ways that you can extend your fun in the sun by taking advantage of this season’s warmer days. One way is through outdoor cooking. Packing away those pots and pans for another year doesn’t have to be such a bummer if you know how to cook outside with style.

Know Your Equipment

There’s more to outdoor cooking than what meets the eye: you’ll need a grill, pans, or pots, and preferably some sort of lid. If you’re only using your grill for cooking, it doesn’t matter which one. But if you plan on frying up any food in addition to grilling, then a larger pan is best so that everything doesn’t crowd together.

Keep the Grill a Distance From the House

It’s a good idea to keep the grill at least ten feet away from your home so that those pesky flare-ups don’t ruin its exterior. After finishing some of my favorite griddle recipes, I always put the grill away to avoid danger.

Clean the Cooker Frequently

Prevent flare-ups and food from sticking to the grill by cleaning it often. The easiest way is through boiling water:

• Simply place your grill over a pot of simmering water.
• Add some dish soap or degreaser.
• Scrub away with a wire brush.

Don’t Overload the Smoker or Grill

This should go without saying, but it’s essential to keep both the smoker and grill as empty as possible. This means that you’ll need a few extra sets of hands to help out with all the cooking: just make sure they’re clean!

Learn the Safety Steps in Case of a Fire

It’s a good idea to know the safety steps in case of an emergency: stay away from anything on fire and call 911 if needed.

Know When It’s Time To Invest in New Equipment

If you’ve been cooking outside for two or three years, then it might be worth investing in some newer cookware so that your food doesn’t stick or get overheated.

Keep Cool Inside

You must keep cool during the summer months, so make sure to keep an extra bottle of water inside your home for hydration. It’s also a good idea to take frequent breaks by stepping in front of an air conditioner or fan when cooking if possible.

Plan Your Menu

What kind of food do you enjoy grilling? What about frying up in a pan or on the stovetop? Planning out what to make can help with the preparation and save time while cooking. It’ll also be easier for other people that are helping if they know precisely what needs doing ahead of time.

Know Your Stove Top

If you’re cooking on a grill, the heat source is taken care of for you: all it takes is some gas and maybe an adjustment to get things going. However, if you plan on cooking indoors, then using a cast iron pan outdoors will be tricky without any form of protection (such as aluminum foil).

Conclusion

There are many ways to make the most of your summer by cooking outside: from keeping a safe distance, learning how to clean up after yourself, and making sure that you’re well hydrated. So glean into the above pointers for epic summer cooking.