Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Entertaining
  3. Seasonal
  4. Summer Entertaining
  5. BBQ & Grilling Recipes
  6. 12 Genius Grilling Tips and Tricks You Never Thought Of

12 Genius Grilling Tips and Tricks You Never Thought Of

By Jennifer Anderson Updated June 16, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
buttered corn
These ideas will add flavor to your summer meals and make the process of preparing them so easy.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
grilled spatchcocked chicken

Grilling is fun and freeing. You can escape the kitchen and explore different foods and recipes to add to your usual dinner repertoire. And, as we all know, it's a great way to entertain. Whether you need some new inspiration for grilling or some handy tricks to take your skills to the next level, we are here for you.

Let's start with cheese; while a cheese board can be a wonderful way to start (or end) a meal, have you ever thought about grilling a cheese? Not a grilled cheese sandwich, but rather a whole grilled cheese like a Camembert. Grill slices of baguette at the same time and you've got an impressive and tasty appetizer everyone will enjoy.

Grilled fish is delicious, but it's more delicate than a steak or chops, which means it's more likely to break if it sticks to the grill. Our inspired workaround is to grill fish on top of slices of citrus which prevent sticking and also add flavor. As for grilled chicken, we're advocating for cooking a whole bird at once, but using the spatchcocking method, as pictured here, so that it cooks faster and more evenly. Have you only ever spatchcocked a chicken before roasting, not grilling? Then it's important to note that the technique works just as well on the grill as it does in the over. What about meat? We know that grilling larger pieces of meat can be time consuming, and that's why we recommend brine boiling ribs or chicken legs before they hit the grill. It adds flavor and cuts down on cook time.

Our tips and helpful hints also include advice on cleaning the grill and why we think it's time you start to grill dessert and even breakfast.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Cheese—Literally

grilled3-0611mld107183.jpg
Credit: Raymond Hom

It may seem counterintuitive to put a wheel of cheese directly on the grill, but just wait until everyone dives into the luscious pool of smoky, gooey Camembert scooped up with grilled baguette slices.

This hors d'oeuvre gives a whole new meaning to the term "grilled cheese." Choose a wheel of cheese with a thick rind and an inside that's soft but not runny, such as Camembert. Brush rind with olive oil, and grill cheese directly on oiled grates over indirect heat until warmed, about two minutes per side. Serve immediately with grilled baguette slices.

2 of 12

3 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grill Fish Over Citrus Slices

sarah-med108678-002.jpg
Credit: JOHNNY MILER
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Strewing citrus slices over a grill keeps fish from sticking to the rack and infuses it with flavor at the same time. Slice oranges, lemons, and limes about 1/4 inch thick, then spread the fruit generously over a hot grill.

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flavor Packets

buttered corn

Grilling vegetables in foil packets seals in moisture for tasty, tender sides hot off the grill. Unlike grilling directly on the grates, the vegetables are steaming inside the package so don't expect to see grill marks. Try this technique for corn, small potatoes, or mushrooms.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Elevate Your Buns

0405_EDF_paprikabutter.jpg

A good bun is more than just an edible meat holder. Prepared with love, it will take your burger or dog to the next level. Simply spread that bread with a generous layer of softened butter and lay it on the grill to get browned and a little crispy on the edges before piling on the toppings.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Invest in Quality Tongs

14edf04_e.jpg

An extra-long pair of tongs are (almost) the only grilling tool you need. Not only do they allow you to easily maneuver food over the fire without singeing off your arm hair, but you can use them to lift up hot grates and move around glowing coals to create a perfect two-tier fire.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brine Boil to Save Time

boiling-125-d111938.jpg
Credit: Jason Varney

In the mood for tender grilled ribs or chicken legs but not in the mood to stand over the grill for hours? Instead, speed up the cooking time by boiling the meat in sweet-salty-garlicky brine. Then, just grill for a few minutes to give your food a smoky char. See our step-by-step guide for how to brine boil.

7 of 12

8 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plan for Leftovers

better-burrito-015-d111891.jpg
Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Once the grill is lit, don't waste a bit of that precious smoke and sizzle. Grill some food for tomorrow, too. Nobody will complain about leftovers when they take the form of a grilled chicken burrito bowl for lunch or a dinner of steak quesadillas or salmon Niçoise salad.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grill with a Skillet

fish-053-f-0611mld106657.jpg
Credit: Tara Donne

Cast-iron skillets are perfect for cooking over the fire. They can withstand the flames, they hold and distribute heat beautifully, and a properly seasoned skillet is nonstick, too. This is an ideal way to cook vegetables, especially potatoes, so they don't fall through the grill, as well as delicate items such as fish, like the trout shown here.

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

S'mores, No Campfire Needed

med105744_0710_grill_smors.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Keep the grill hot while you eat dinner, then warm up graham crackers and chocolate and get the marshmallows melty for tasty, smoky s'mores.

10 of 12

11 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Cleaning

xd103796_spr08_alm_foil.jpg

As soon as the last burger comes off the grill, clean those grates while they're still warm. Simply wad up a ball of aluminum foil, grab it with your grilling tongs, and rub it across the grill. The burnt-on food will slide right off.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fire Up Your Mornings

Campfire Fried Eggs with Potato-and-Bacon Hash
Credit: Tara Donne
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The grill isn't just for preparing dinner. Try cooking your breakfast (or brunch) over the flames. Sizzle up a skillet full of potato-and-bacon hash and eggs, or grill some homemade sausage patties alongside some skillet honey cornbread.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jennifer Anderson

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 12
    2 of 12 Grilled Cheese—Literally
    3 of 12 Grill Fish Over Citrus Slices
    4 of 12 Flavor Packets
    5 of 12 Elevate Your Buns
    6 of 12 Invest in Quality Tongs
    7 of 12 Brine Boil to Save Time
    8 of 12 Plan for Leftovers
    9 of 12 Grill with a Skillet
    10 of 12 S'mores, No Campfire Needed
    11 of 12 Easy Cleaning
    12 of 12 Fire Up Your Mornings

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    12 Genius Grilling Tips and Tricks You Never Thought Of
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.