Summer in Flagstaff is the perfect time to fire up the grill, gather friends and family, and enjoy delicious backyard feasts! At HomCo Lumber and Hardware, we know that grilling can be a little intimidating, especially when your friends are over!

While we can’t walk you through it from the comfort of your own home (or we can, you can invite us over for dinner!), we hope having the right tools, tips, and recipes makes it a little easier. So, whether you just bought your first grill or you’ve been feeding the family BBQ for years, we hope this HomCo Grill Guide helps!

Grilling Tips for a Perfect BBQ

1. Start with a Clean Grill

Like your Momma always said, “Delicious food starts with a clean grill.” She said that, right?

Before you start, use a stiff wire brush to clean the grates. For stubborn grime, warm up the grill first and use a specialty cleaner; it will make scrubbing easier. Don’t forget to clean the drip pans and empty the ash catchers as well.

2. Preheat Your Grill

Preheating your grill for about 15 minutes before cooking ensures that it reaches the right temperature and kills any bacteria left from previous grilling sessions. A well-heated grill also helps to sear the meat, locking in juices and flavors.

3. Oil Your Grates

The worst is when you’ve nailed the cooking time, only to leave half your piece of chicken on the grill when you go to take it off! To prevent food from sticking, lightly oil your grill grates using a cloth or paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. Use tongs to hold the towel to avoid burning yourself.

4. Control the Heat

Different foods require different heat levels. Pro tip! Use a two-zone setup:

1. One side for direct high-heat.

2. The other side is for indirect lower heat.

This method allows you to sear meats quickly and then move them to the cooler side to finish cooking without burning.

5. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill

Just like you wouldn’t overcrowd cookies in the oven, leave enough space between items on the grill to allow for even cooking and proper airflow. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked food and difficulty in flipping.

6. Use a Meat Thermometer

It’s so hard to know if your meat is cooked correctly. How many times have you pulled your chicken off the grill early because you were worried about overcooking it? Make sure your meat is cooked to the perfect temperature by using a meat thermometer.

Here are some temperature guidelines:

• Chicken: 165°F
• Beef (medium-rare): 135°F
• Pork: 145°F
• Fish: 145°F

7. Let the Meat Rest

Jamie from Satchmo’s taught us to always let the meat rest for a few minutes after grilling before you cut into it. This allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in a more flavorful and moist bite.

Recipe Roundup: Delicious Grilling Recipes

Classic BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of pork ribs
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to 250°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cumin. Pro tip! Try one of our spice blends instead of making your own!

3. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.

4. Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.

5. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and grill for another 15 minutes.

6. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

2. Thread the vegetables onto skewers.

3. Brush the veggies with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.

4. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

5. Serve warm.

Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, basil, oregano, and pepper.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

It’s Time to Fire Up the Grill!

We hope that with these grilling tips and mouth-watering recipes, you’re all set for a sizzling summer BBQ. Remember, the key to a great BBQ is preparation and the right equipment. Visit HomCo Lumber and Hardware for all your grilling needs, from high-quality grills and accessories to the expert-friendly advice you’ve come to expect from HomCo. Happy summer and happy grilling!