Summer is in full swing, and if you haven't used your grill yet this summer, now is the perfect time to change that! Whether you're grilling red meat, poultry, fish, shrimp, or anything else, you need to do it the right way.

Our real estate agents can't cover absolutely everything that you need to know when grilling, but here are some simple tips that will get you started:

• Start by Cleaning the Grill
  Cleaning the grill grate itself between meals is paramount. Scrub it down before you even turn it on.
  
  
• Don't Cook Cold Meat
  Have you ever seen someone take a cold piece of meat straight from the fridge and immediately throw it on the grill? Let the meat sit out for approximately 30 minutes so that it can be brought to room temperature. This will allow the meat to be cooked more quickly and evenly.
  
  
• Use a Meat Thermometer 
  Many people never use a meat thermometer when they cook, which can be dangerous. This is especially true with poultry and fish. Steaks are a lot more forgiving because red meat is denser, so the bacteria won't penetrate the interior. In this case, the temperature is all about how the person wants their meat, such as rare, medium, medium rare, etc. Using a meat thermometer is always a good idea.
  
  
• Double Check the Propane
  Always check the level of your fuel and prepare accordingly.
  
  
• Undercook the Meat
  Hold on. Did we say that you should undercook the meat? That's insane! Or is it? Actually, meat continues to cook after you've taken it off the grill, going up an average of five degrees after a few minutes. While this might not be a big deal with chicken, it could mean the difference between the perfect medium rare steak and one that's just a bit too done.
  
  
• Purchase Local Produce
  Chances are, your grilled meat will need several different types of vegetables. This is especially true if you're cooking up some hamburgers or will be serving a salad to go with your steak. Either way, we'd recommend you skip the big grocery store chains and find a local produce store or farmer's market for the best-tasting vegetables.
  
  
• Cook Meat Low and Slow
  Some thicker cuts of meat will sear nicely at a high temperature but then overcook before the middle is even warm. Prevent this by using a high temperature for the sear and then turning the temperature down to medium or even lower. This can become somewhat of an art form, but it will help prevent over-charing the outside.
  
  
• Let the Meat Rest a Bit
  Too often, people take the meat off the grill and immediately put it on a burger or on a plate. This is a big mistake. Meat loses juices as it cooks. If you let your meats rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting them up, they'll reabsorb the juices they lost from cooking. This simply makes for a better meal.

Follow these tips, and you'll be a grill master in no time. But until then, contact us to find the perfect home with a big backyard for grilling. Our team can help you search Belleville homes for sale and other available properties.