August marks the height of backyard barbecue season, with Canadians making the most of warm evenings and outdoor entertaining before summer comes to a close.
Whether it’s burgers for a weeknight dinner or steaks for a family gathering, the grill is a staple of late summer. And while grilling may seem straightforward – especially for seasoned backyard chefs – even small missteps can make a noticeable difference in flavour, texture and overall quality of a meal.
“Grilling is one of the most popular ways Canadians enjoy summer, but great grilling is about knowing how to work with your ingredients and your equipment,” says Garry Scott, Vice President of Marketing at Napoleon. “Understanding what works – and what doesn’t – can help home cooks feel more confident and get more from every barbecue.”
Napoleon is highlighting the common grilling mistakes that can make a difference between a good meal and a great one:
- Using High Heat for Everything: Not every food benefits from direct, high heat. While steaks and burgers may need a strong sear, larger cuts of meat and delicate foods can burn on the outside before cooking properly inside. Match your cooking method to the food – use direct heat for quick-cooking items and indirect heat for foods that need more time.
- Adding Sauce Too Early: Barbecue sauce and marinades with sugar can burn when exposed to high heat for too long, creating a charred exterior instead of a flavourful finish. Add sauces toward the end of cooking to build flavour without burning.
- Skipping the Rest Period: Many people move food straight from the grill to the plate, but cutting in too soon can cause juices to escape. Give meat time to rest before serving to help maintain moisture and flavour.
- Treating Every Protein the Same: Chicken, steak, fish and vegetables all respond differently to heat, timing and preparation. Adjust cooking techniques based on the ingredient, not the grill temperature.
- Not Planning Grill Timing: A common barbecue challenge is having some food ready while other items are still cooking, creating a rushed experience for the host. Planning cooking times in advance and staggering start times can help ensure everything is ready when it’s time to serve. Starting with foods that require longer cook times, while using tools like a rotisserie basket on the barbecue to prepare sides and mains with different cooking requirements, can help streamline the process and make hosting easier.
“With several weeks of grilling season still ahead, there’s plenty of opportunity to put these tips into practice,” says Scott. “Small changes can make every cookout more enjoyable, whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or hosting a backyard gathering.”
Napoleon offers a range of barbeques for every grilling skill level. From beginner to pro, there are a variety of options and grilling tools to help cook the most tender meat and mouthwatering dishes.