Mastering multiple cooking methods on your grill can increase the number of recipes you can (grill)master. Not only that, but it gives you maximum use and enjoyment of your backyard kitchen. Depending on what it is that you’re cooking, the way you cook will vary between two types of heat: direct, indirect, or sometimes a little of both!
When most people think of grilling, they usually think of direct heat. Direct heat is where food is placed directly over a heat source and cooked for a short period of time at a high temperature. This is how you probably cook most foods for your backyard barbeque, such as burgers, steaks, and hot dogs.1 There is generally only one variation to direct heat grilling, and that is cooking with the lid up, or with the lid down.2 It’s a relatively basic way of grilling for foods that take 20 minutes or less to cook1 and are 2” or less in thickness.2
For foods that take longer to cook, such as whole chickens, ribs, or roasts, indirect heat is the way to go.1 Indirect grilling is similar to baking and cooks the food at a lower temperature over a longer period of time. 2 It requires the lid of the grill to remain closed, and the food to be placed to the side of the heat source, rather than directly above it. If you have a gas grill that only has one burner, a drip pan can be placed underneath the cooking grates to divert the heat from the food.2 You can even add wood chips to turn your grill into a smoker and give your food some added flavor.1
Another option for grilling is combo cooking, which uses both direct and indirect heat. This method is great for foods that are too thick or large to cook with direct heat but need the outside caramelized prior to serving. First, you cook the food with indirect heat and then move it to direct heat to sear the outside before removing it from the grill. Combo cooking is often used for large vegetables, such as cabbage, thick steaks, and bone-in chicken pieces and pork chops.1
Knowing the best way to grill your food goes a long way toward becoming the pit boss you’ve always dreamed you would be. Pretty soon, all your friends will be begging to come to your place for dinner! Be sure to visit your local Pinch A Penny to check out their selection for all your grilling needs.
