Summer is in full swing and if you’re planning a backyard barbeque, you will need to master the grill. Mike Morrone and Gillian Maffeo come from Jake’s Way Back Burgers in Cheshire to demonstrate how to grill the perfect burger.
They also have the answers to common grilling questions:
• What is the best temperature to cook burgers?
If your grill has a thermostat, then heat between 400 to 450 degrees to get a nice sear on the meat. This will allow you to achieve flavorful meat and natural juice without getting a “hockey puck” burger.
• How do you get grill marks on burgers?
Don’t move your burgers around and only flip them once. This should leave a nice grill mark on each side.
• What is the best temperature to cook hot dogs?
You want to heat the hot dog thoroughly without burning it, so 300 to 350 degrees is ideal. You can also use the warming section of your grill.
• What is the best way to cook vegetables?
Vegetables are simple to grill as long as you use the correct kind. Great grilled vegetables include whole peppers, zucchini, eggplant, corn and onions.
• How do you prevent veggie burgers from falling apart?
Similar to the beef burgers, you can’t move veggie burgers around too much. Heat your grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side for grilling perfection. If you try and move the burgers before you get a sear, they will stick to the grill and fall apart. If you find that the burger is stuck, give it a few more minutes and then try to move it again. You can also use a grill safe cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Important: Never spray an aerosol can directly on a lit grill. This can result in serious injury.