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Your grill isn’t just for weekend or holiday cookouts. It can actually be a great resource for putting together everyday meals. From pre-prepped shortcuts that get your food on the grill faster to batch grilling the week ahead, these tips will help make grilling an any-night-of-the-week go-to.
Grill a Big Batch of Veggies
Most grills offer a surface area large enough to cook up several servings of food at the same time. On your next meal plan preparation day, try grilling up a large batch of vegetables to be set aside in the fridge. Use them throughout the week to quickly put together pasta salads, grain bowls, sandwiches and more without having to cook up vegetables from scratch.
Marinate Meats Ahead
Marinate steak, chicken, pork, or beef the night before you grill or earlier that morning. Besides cutting out a prep step before you cook, a long marinade also helps tenderize the meat and add lots more flavor. Try bottled marinades like an herb and garlic or sesame teriyaki marinade. Remember to wipe off excess marinade before adding meats to the grill to get better char and avoid drips that can cause flare-ups.
Grill in Foil Packets
Heavy-duty foil is your best friend when it comes to quick cooking on the grill. Use it to create a packet for a mix of vegetables and proteins like sliced sausage or seafood. The foil packet will keep smaller foods (like broccoli florets or zucchini rounds) from falling through the grates. It also cooks foods more gently—perfect for quick-cooking shrimp or fish. When you’re done serving, simply toss the foil.
Lean on Big-Flavored Sauces
Having a versatile sauce ready in your fridge can transform grilled meats or vegetables into something special. For a cool, creamy topper, try store-bought tzatziki dip or green goddess dressing. For a sauce that uses lots of fresh herbs, try a quick homemade pesto or chimichurri sauce. If you like a little heat, brush on bottled Buffalo sauce or spoon over a refrigerated salsa. You can also keep an all-purpose sauce on hand to use in all kinds of summer dishes, like our Awesome Sauce.
