Ultimate Summer Grilling Hacks for a Sizzling Season from Hellmann’s & Best Foods

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Summer is the season of sizzle, smoke, and savory delights. It’s the time when backyards become the stage for culinary creativity and where the grill is the centerpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a barbecue beginner, these grilling tips and tricks will elevate your outdoor cooking game. So, grab your Hellmann’s, tongs, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into these barbeque tips and tricks that will make your next cookout a hit!

How to Clean a Grill with an Onion

Before we get to the mouth-watering meats and vibrant veggies, let’s start with a clean grill. Skip the wire brushes and go for something more natural and equally effective: cleaning your grill with an onion. This simple grill cleaning tip not only sanitizes your grill grates but also seasons them, giving your food an extra layer of flavor.  

Step 1: Crank up the heat! Whether you’re using a gas grill or charcoal, get those temperatures soaring to burn off any leftover residue from your last barbecue.

Step 2: Cut a standard onion in half, and don’t bother peeling it. Take one half and impale it on a long grilling fork to keep your hands away from the heat.

Step 3: Using the fork, rub the onion’s cut side down on the hot grates. The combination of natural onion juices and heat will steam-clean the grill, dislodging any stubborn gunk.

How to Preheat a Grill

One of our most important barbecue tips for beginners is: a hot grill is a happy grill. Preheating your grill ensures a well-cooked meal with those coveted grill marks. Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, give your grill a good 10-15 minutes to reach the optimal temperature. A properly preheated grill sears foods on contact, keeps the insides moist, and helps prevent sticking.

When to Use Direct Vs. Indirect Heat Grilling

Understanding when to use direct heat versus indirect heat is at the top of fundamental barbecue tips for beginners and experts alike.

Direct Heat: This is the classic grilling method where food cooks directly over the heat source. Turn all the burners on or spread the coals evenly for a high-heat zone that’s ideal for quick-cooking items. Think steaks, burgers, and veggies that need that charred exterior and tender interior. Keep in mind that any marinaded foods may burn under direct heat.

Indirect Heat: For foods that require a little more TLC, indirect heat is your go-to. This method uses the grill like an oven. Light the burners on one side or pile the coals on one side of the grill, then place the food on the opposite side. This method is perfect for slow-cooking meats like whole chickens or roasts.

How to Grill Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a summer staple. Here are some grilling tips and tricks for our favorite veggies:

• Zucchini: Green or yellow work perfectly. Cut into ⅓″ to ½″ slices before grilling—cut too thin and they’ll fall apart. Try our Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Sandwich! 
• Bell Peppers: Slice bell peppers and remove seeds before grilling for easiest eating. Try our Grilled Cheese & Veggie Recipe!
• Portobello Mushrooms: No need to slice the mushrooms, just grill them whole. Start the mushrooms gill side down, then finish cap side down to hold in moisture. Check out Hellmann’s Portobello Mushroom Burgers Recipe.
• Corn: For extra juicy corn, grill the corn directly in the husk or wrapped in foil. Shake up a traditional corn on the cob with Hellmann’s Plant-based Corn Ribs or Mexican Elote Corn recipes.
• Eggplant: Grilling eggplant with the skin on makes this nightshade tender, creamy, and slightly smoky. Try gilling the eggplant for a smoky finish in out Herbed Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip.
• Onions: Any variety will work for the grill. Grilling red onions draws out their natural sugars creating a slightly sweet and flavorful veggie that enhances any dish!
• Asparagus: Fatter asparagus cooks more evenly than skinny stalks and won’t fall through the grates. We recommend medium stalks of asparagus and grilling horizontally.

How to Grill Kabobs

Kabobs are fun and customizable. One of our best barbeque tips? Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning and use two skewers per kabob to keep your ingredients from spinning when you flip them. We recommend alternating veggies and meat, so each ingredient infuses the other with flavor. Hellmann’s has a variety of flavorful kabob recipes like our Chicken Kabob Marinade, Grilled Asian Kabobs, or Cilantro Lime Pineapple Chicken Skewers.   

How to Grill Burgers

The secret to a perfect burger lies in the patty. Press a shallow indentation in the center to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing up. Even cooking and heat distribution will keep each patty juicy and consistent. For an added flavor boost and moisture, mix Hellmann’s mayonnaise into your ground meat. This not only binds the patties together but also locks in moisture for a juicy, flavorful burger.  For more burger inspiration check out these recipes: Garlic Burger with Creamy Garlic Mushrooms & Onions, Best Ever Juicy Burgers, or Plant-Based Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach.

Season’s Eatings

With these grilling tips and tricks, you’re all set to host the ultimate summer barbecue with Hellmann’s. Remember, the key to great grilling is patience, preparation, and a dollop of Hellmann’s. So, send out the invites to friends and family and let’s get grilling! Check out a full list of summer recipe appetizers, mains, and side inspiration here!

Save money on your favorite Hellmann’s & Best Foods flavors when you shop the Commissary! (Link opens in new window.)