5 summer grilling tips to elevate your Father’s Day cookout

(BPT) – Are you gearing up for a Father’s Day barbecue? Summer signals grilling season in the U.S., especially for big holidays like Father’s Day and Independence Day. Whether you’re a grill expert or this is your first time grilling for friends and family, it’s helpful to get back to basics. Check out these five grilling tips to take your Father’s Day cookout to the next level and savor the outdoors all summer long.1. Know how to handle your foodHandling meat properly can make the difference between a meal that’s good and one that’s great. Make sure to let your raw meat come to room temperature before grilling. This allows the meat to cook evenly, and it won’t cause the muscle fibers to tense up and become tough. Also, once the meat is on the grill, don’t move it around too much or flip it too often.2. Let it restYou’ve probably heard that you should rest steak before serving, and the same rule applies to other meats like pork and poultry. After the meat is taken off the grill, it continues to cook for a few minutes afterward as the heat on the meat’s surface moves to the center. At the same time, the juices that migrated to the center of the meat while cooking are redistributed to the rest of the piece. Letting the meat rest allows the whole cut to come to the same temperature and to be juicy throughout.3. Invest in the right grillTo grill the best meals, you need the right equipment. The Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Cast Iron Grill is a portable hibachi-style charcoal grill that allows you to take your cooking to the next level wherever you go. From searing your favorite meat to charring up seasonal veggies on the cast iron grill grates, this versatile, pre-seasoned grill can be used to create a variety of flavors and contains a slide-out ash drawer for easy cleanup. If you’re hosting a Father’s Day cookout, this grill could be the perfect gift that will last for years to come.4. Have the right accessoriesOnce you’ve picked the right grill, you’ll want to buy some grilling accessories like spatulas, tongs and grill-grate brushes. Don’t forget to pick up a meat thermometer. You may be able to tell if the meat is done just by looking at it, but you can take the guessing out of grilling with this simple tool. It also means that you can relax and chat with friends and family without worrying you may over or undercook the meat.5. Plan the right recipesAs you plan your Father’s Day barbecue, take time to pick out some fun and delicious recipes to try. For example, a grilled New York strip steak with harissa butter has a tasty kick and pairs well with several sides. If you’re looking for an appetizer that is a real crowd-pleaser, try grilled jalapeno poppers. Filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, this tasty treat is perfect for milling around the backyard and socializing while cooking the main dishes.Using these five tips, you’ll be hailed as an expert griller, and you can enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor this Father’s Day. To learn more about grilling and check out more grilling recipes, visit LodgeCastIron.com.