Women’s guide to grilling

There is something special about cooking outside over an open flame, especially when the weather is superb. Taking advantage of the summer often means using the grill for warm-weather meals. Whether it is a simple weeknight dinner, a cookout with family, or a summer evening with friends, grilling can be a beautiful way to bring people together. In my opinion, it is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook meats, veggies, and beyond.

For many women, grilling may feel unfamiliar at first. It sure was for me. Maybe it has always been something your husband, father, or another family member handled. But grilling is not as intimidating as it seems. As long as you learn the basics and get plenty of practice, you will become a grilling master in no time. 

Start by understanding the grill you have

Before you worry about recipes, marinades, or perfect grill marks, begin by getting to know your own grill. Every grill is a little different – some heat quickly, some run hotter in the back, and some have uneven spots. The more familiar you become with your particular grill, the more confident you will feel.

If you have a gas grill, learn how to safely turn on the propane, ignite the burners, adjust the heat, and shut everything off properly. If you have a charcoal grill, learn how to light the charcoal, wait until the coals are ready, arrange them for different cooking methods, and safely dispose of the ashes once they are cool.

I recommend recruiting a friend or family member to walk you through the process in-person, if possible. Have them show you how to light the grill, adjust the heat, identify the hot spots, and tell you what to look for when the food is ready. Watching someone do it can make the whole process feel much less mysterious.

Online videos are a great resource. Look up videos for your exact grill model if possible, or search for beginner grilling tutorials. Seeing someone light the grill, clean the grates, flip chicken, or arrange charcoal can be much easier than reading instructions alone. YouTube and recipe websites can help you learn the basics at your own pace.

What to learn about your grill

Before cooking your first full meal, take time to learn a few important things about your grill:

1. How to safely light it.
2. How to control the temperature. 
3. Where the hot spots are. 
4. How long it takes to preheat. 
5. How to clean the grates. 
6. How to cook with the lid open or closed.
7. How to shut it down safely. 
8. How to recognize flare-ups. 

Grilling basics

Learn the basic skills and grilling rules to help you serve well, no matter what you cook.

1. Direct heat vs. indirect heat. 
2. Preheating matters. 
3. Cleaning the grates and when to use oil.
4. Use a meat thermometer. 
5. Do not flip too often. 
6. Let meat rest after grilling. 
7. Keep seasonings simple at first.
8. Do not walk away for too long. 

Gather the essentials

• Long-handled tongs
• Spatula
• Grill brush
• Meat thermometer
• Clean platter for cooked food
• Separate plate for raw meat
• Aluminum foil
• Timer

Start with simple foods

When you are learning, choose forgiving foods to practice timing, flipping, and temperature. 

Good beginner foods include:

• Burgers
• Hot dogs or sausages
• Chicken breasts or chicken thighs
• Shrimp skewers
• Pork chops
• Corn on the cob
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers and onions
• Pineapple or peaches

Learn basic timing

One of the biggest questions beginners have is, “How long do I cook this?” Timing depends on the heat of your grill, the thickness of the food, and whether you are cooking with direct or indirect heat. Still, general guidelines can help you get started, so use recipes and grill guides as a basis, along with a timer and a meat thermometer. 

Over time, you will begin to notice the signs: the color changing, the edges browning, the way meat releases from the grill, and the feel of meat once it is cooked to temperature, and of vegetables when they soften. 

Expect a learning curve

My biggest piece of advice is to not get discouraged and to keep using the grill, as repetition is what makes grilling easier. Eventually, grilling becomes more intuitive. You will start to recognize when burgers are ready to flip, when chicken needs a few more minutes, and when vegetables are perfectly tender. 

Final encouragement

Grilling doesn’t have to be complicated. With time and repetition, grilling will become more intuitive, and before long, lighting the grill may feel as natural as turning on the oven. So tie your hair back, grab your grill tongs, and begin. A delicious meal and perhaps your new favorite cooking method may be waiting just outside your kitchen door.

Try these beginner-friendly grilling recipes:

• Grilled Chicken with Radish Scallion Dressing
• Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
• Caramelized Onion and Aged Cheddar Burger