BBQ Like a Pro — Top Tips for Outdoor Grilling in the Twin Cities

The calendar may be moving toward fall, but that doesn't mean you have to close down the grill until next year. Why not welcome football season with a Sunday afternoon cookout for friends?

Of course, any sunny day is a good reason to cook out. Use these tips to wow your friends with delicious grilled food that tastes as good as it looks.

1. Barbecue Like Bobby

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay's name has become synonymous with great grilling. Here are his top five secrets to becoming a grill master:

• Lighting the grill is quicker and easier when you load the coal into a chimney starter.
• Clean the grill with a wire brush after it's heated up to loosen any debris.
• Resist the temptation to constantly move food around. You shouldn't need to turn it more than once.
• Follow the mantra of championship grillers: keep it low and slow.
• Season everything with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Best Meats for Grilling

• Chicken is a classic BBQ meat, popular and versatile enough to be eaten as is or in a variety of dishes. Save money by purchasing a whole chicken and cutting it up yourself.
• Pork shoulder is a favorite for grilling. It's inexpensive but tasty, and who doesn't love pulled pork sandwiches?
• Pork and beef ribs are another traditional grilling meat. Their size makes them easier to keep moist than other cuts, so look for ribs with low fat content and more meat.
• Beef brisket can be a main dish on its own or served in sandwiches and burritos. Choose a cut with uniform thickness and generous marbling.
• Burgers are always a crowd-pleaser. Boost the fun factor by putting out a number of condiments and toppings so people can build their own. Unlike ribs, ground beef should be 20–40% fat for maximum juiciness.

Once you're ready to expand your skills, try some of these creative grilling recipes for meat.

3. Grilling Safety Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer and follow the USDA recommendations for cooking temperatures.
• Use long-handled grilling tools to ensure a safe distance from heat and flames.
• Maintain a safe zone to keep kids and pets from getting too close.
• Never pour lighter fluid, gasoline or other accelerants onto the grill.
• Don't leave the grill unattended at any time.

Springs at Apple Valley and Springs at Egan Drive have outdoor grilling stations for your convenience. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and fire up that grill!