Want to get a rep as the grillmaster with the fastest flip?
Be known as the neighbor with the sassiest sauce?
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Learn how to work your apartment community barbecue grill like a pro when you follow these rules of the roast!
Master your main course
Whether you are a meat-eater or a veggie-lover, you can increase your BBQ clout by mastering a main course. Understanding how to grill different types of meat or how to barbecue veggies to perfection takes time. Start by picking one main dish to master. When you can make the most amazing hot dogs or pork chops, you’ll be a sizzling sensation at the community grill.
Choose your weapon
Your apartment community may provide grills for residents to share and enjoy. If you want to invest in a personal grill, however, you have plenty of grilling options.
- When you want to fire it up fast, a gas grill is right for you.
- If you can wait patiently for chargrilled flavor, then a charcoal grill is your best bet.
- If you are afraid of fire — but love cooking outdoors — try an electric grill.
Not all grills are created equal, but just about any grill can make a mean burger!
Know the rules of the grill
The most important of all grilling tips is to always follow your community’s grilling guidelines. A good grillmaster takes risks with flavor combinations, but not with grilling safety. Check the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s list of safety rules.
Most apartments won’t let you have combustible materials within 10 feet of a building or decking, so discuss the details with your property manager before grilling out. Or use your community grill to play it safe (and make friends!)
Come equipped
For the best results, assemble great grilling gear. There’s a cornucopia of grilling tools on the market ranging from frugal to fancy. No matter how much you spend, you’ll need the basics:
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Meat fork
- Marinade brush
- Carving board
- Meat-slicing knife
- Meat thermometer
In addition to these essentials, you can spice things up with specialty grill gear like a monogrammed steak brand or a hot dog rack.
Season with style
A list of barbecue tips and tricks wouldn’t be complete without a mention of sauces, rubs and marinades. These tasty additions add oomph to an ordinary piece of meat. You might try the sauces on your local grocer’s shelf, or get exotic and join a BBQ Sauce of the Month club.
Share your skills
You’ve worked hard learning to barbecue like a pro, so don’t keep that rack of ribs all to yourself. Plan one night a week to grill out with your friends and show off your skills. Ask them to bring side dishes, drinks and desserts to help round out the menu. At least once a year, heat things up by hosting a grilling competition!
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Photo credits: Shutterstock / Eldad Carin, Jill Chen, sevenke