Basics of Charcoal Grilling
 

Charcoal grilling can be a lot of fun and provide a host of tasty
foods for a wide range of occasions, including major holidays.
Unfortunately, each year many people are injured or become ill by not
following the proper basics of charcoal grilling. Charcoal grilling
need not be difficult, but there are a few basic steps that should be
taken into consideration in order to ensure that food turns out tasty
as well as safe to eat. In addition, there are some basics of charcoal
grilling safety steps that should be considered in order to prevent
accidents and injuries.
One of the first basic steps when you are grilling with charcoal is to
make sure that you arrange the charcoal on the grill in a pyramid
shape. The pyramid shape will allow air to flow properly, providing
the ventilation that is critical for coals to burn properly. Simply
spread the coals out will not provide good ventilation.
Another of the basic principles of charcoal grilling, which many
people overlook, is that the coals should be started at least 20
minutes before starting to cook. Do not wait to start the coals at the
same time as when you put the food on to start cooking.
Other important basics of charcoal grilling include making sure that
you use lighter fluid to soak the coals. Use approximately half of a
cup and then wait a minute or so for the lighter fluid to soak into
the coals. Next, light the coals with a match.
NEVER, ever, use anything like gasoline or kerosene to start your
charcoal fire. This can cause an explosion and result in serious
injury. Every year, people who ignore this basic rule are seriously
injured.
Be sure that you have a reliable meat thermometer nearby When you are
grilling food. You should check the temperature of the meat as it
cooks and never serve meat that is done under the minimum temperature
guidelines for the type of meat that you are cooking. Eating meat that
is not cooked well enough can lead to serious illness.
Keep in mind that an outdoor grill should only be used outside. You
should never use an outdoor grill inside or any place where there is
not proper ventilation. This can result in serious illness and injury
and potentially lead to death.
When the proper steps for charcoal grilling are followed, the result
can be delicious and moist food that will win rave reviews without
running the risk of illness or injury.

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