4 Tips and Tricks for Outdoor Cooking Any Time of the Year
Outdoor cooking doesn’t have to end with its peak season in the summer. You can cook outdoors all year long with the right tips for cooking and grilling.
Many homeowners winterize their grills and other backyard cooking equipment and don’t touch them again until the spring. However, no matter what time of the year it is, you can still cook amazing dishes outdoors on your equipment.
If you want to brush up on your grilling skills this winter, learn more about some essential tips for outdoor cooking at any time of the year.
Account for Cooking Times
Cooking times can vary wildly depending on your recipe and the outdoor conditions present when you start cooking.
For example, cooking on the grill during cold weather can be challenging because it takes longer for your grill to heat up. Even maintaining your grill’s internal temperature can be difficult in the cold.
The outdoor temperature, weather conditions, and even things like your altitude all factor into your cooking times. When you’re dealing with the cold, allow for longer cooking times to achieve the result you want.
You should always check the meat and other foods with a thermometer to ensure items reach a safe temperature.
Utilize Cast Iron Cooking Tools
When cooking outdoors in the winter, whether you’re using a grill, pizza oven, or cooking over a fire, try utilizing cast iron utensils.
Cast iron utensils are excellent for grilling meats and hearty vegetables because they build heat quickly and maintain this heat.
For example, if you’re cooking steaks on the grill, consider using cast iron cooking grates. If you’re cooking over a fire or in an outdoor oven, use a cast iron pan to transfer heat to your ingredients more efficiently.
Cover Your Cooking Equipment
When you bundle up and go out to use your outdoor kitchen or grill during the winter, there’s a good chance you’ll have to remove a pile of snow.
Clearing this snow makes preheating your grill and oven or starting a fire in your fire pit take even longer. One way to make warming up your equipment in the winter more efficient is to keep it covered and insulated.
You can easily find covers that will fit your grill or outdoor kitchen through the manufacturer’s website.
Professional covers like these will keep the snow off your equipment and insulate tools against the cold. These covers also make a great gift idea for family and friends who love to cook outdoors.
Choose Efficient Recipes
Finally, when you’re dealing with the cold and the elements, you don’t want to stand by the grill for hours. For days when the weather won’t cooperate, choose an efficient recipe with a speedy cooking time.
For example, quick foods such as small vegetables, shrimp skewers, and hot dogs are easy to cook on the grill.
These foods will be on and off your cooking sheet in no time, which minimizes your time outdoors.
Cooking outside is the best way to get some fresh air while preparing a meal for your family. Remember these essential tips for cooking outdoors at any time of the year as you venture out this winter to cook for the holidays.
Recipes to Try:
- Easy Grilled Recipes: The Best Mushroom Swiss Burger
- Simple and Easy to Make Honey Lamb Kabobs
- Easy to Make Tailgate Food Ideas: Mustard Burger Sliders
Stacey is a Southern girl with a taste for travel, thriving on the discovery of the world through food. After spending many years traveling and living overseas, she’s now back home in her beloved deep south enjoying life with her three little ones and loving the adventure. She’s a food stylist and food photographer, as well as, the creative behind Little Figgy Food, where she loves to inspire others to try new flavors and foodie techniques.
