Excited to experiment with new tools and grill recipes this summer? These essential tools are capable of enhancing every weekend BBQ dish or weekday meal you grill. Check out our top tips for tools and recipes to grill every night this summer:
Monday: A Wood Plank
Grilling on a wooden plank can add a certain magic touch to a Monday-night meal. Cooking on a wood plank can leave a mild smoky flavor as well prevent food from drying out due to damp smoke from soaked wood. You can find planks in a variety of aromatic woods ranging from alder, hickory, maple, and more in groceries stores, gourmet stores, and hardware stores.
What to try: A cedar wood plank gives off a gentle flavor making it an excellent tool for seafood. Pair our salmon fillets with a cedar wood plank for this Cedar Plank-Grilled Salmon with Avocado-Orange Salsa.
Tuesday: A Basting Brush
Want to keep your food moist and add extra flavor to your grilled dinner? Use a basting brush. Try a traditional boar brush to spread the most flavor or a dishwater-safe silicone brush for easy cleaning.
What to try: Use our chicken breasts to make this intensely flavorful Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Sun-Dried Tomato Puree.
Wednesday: A Meat Thermometer
One of most simple yet incredibly useful tools in a kitchen is a meat thermometer. Since different grills and different meats cook at different rates, you will need a tool to ensure properly cooked food for a healthy (e.g. safe) and delicious meal. For properly cooked meat, remember that beef is cooked at 145 degrees, poultry at 165 degrees, pork at 160 degrees, and lamb at 145 degrees. It is also important to let the meat rest for a juicy, tender, and much more delicious meal.
What to try: Use an instant read thermometer for a big chop. Test out this Gigantic Rib-Eye Steak recipe.
Thursday: A Grilling Spatula
For a safe time flipping food, use a grilling spatula. Silicone and metal spatulas with a long handle are best for grip and durability. It’s a simple and versatile tool for the grill.
What to try: A spatula is an excellent tool to cook delicate fish fillets. Try these outrageously tasty Grilled Fish Steaks using our Walleye Filets.
Friday: A Chimney Starter
A chimney starter is a serious tool that burns hotter and drier than propane meaning that your food will be left with a smokier and crispier crunch. Grab some charcoal and get ready to grill!
Saturday: Meat Claws
A fun tool for the week, meat claws will make you feel like Wolverine at the grill. The sharp prongs of the meat claws are perfect for shredding meat for sandwiches, wraps, and casseroles. Use chicken for festive fajitas, pork for pulled pork sandwiches, or beef for Mexican beef sandwiches.
What to try: Grill one of our boneless pork loin roasts, and shred it for Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches.
Sunday: A Grill Basket
An excellent grill tool for lighter meals, a grill basket is an all-purpose tool that every true grill chef needs. Grill baskets come in a variety of styles: expertly shaped baskets for meatballs and sliders; long and slender baskets for corn, or half-circle baskets for the ultimate quesadilla. We recommend getting a large and all-purpose grill basket for grilling a variety of foods.
What to try: Grill baskets are especially good for grilling smaller items that would otherwise fall through your grill trap. Try this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Basket for a healthy and oh-so-delicious addition to your BBQ.
