How to Grill Like a Pro

Follow our top grilling tips for steaks, burgers and pork chops that will look and taste like they were grilled by the pros.

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Tip 1: How To Tell If Your Grill Is Hot

Before you put any shrimp on the barbie, it's important to make sure your grill is at the right temperature. Here’s how to tell when it’s ready: Hold your hand about five inches above the grill and count how many seconds you can hold it there comfortably.

5-6 seconds: Your grill is at low heat.

3-4 seconds: Your grill is medium heat.

1 second: Your grill is at high heat and you’re ready to grill.

Tip 2: How to Tell If Your Steak is Done

Try this easy hand test for a perfectly cooked steak. Begin by touching the base of your thumb with your other hand's pointer finger. That’s what raw steak feels like when you press down on it.

For Rare Meat

Now press your pointer finger to your thumb and touch the base of your thumb again. This is the texture you're looking for if you like your steak rare.

For Medium-Rare and Medium-Well Steaks

Your middle finger to your thumb is what a medium-rare steak feels like and your ring finger to your thumb is what a medium-well steak feels like.

For Well-Done Steaks

If you prefer a well-done steak, touch your pinky finger to your thumb as a reference.

Tip 3: How to Get Perfect Grill Marks

Ever wonder how to get those picture-perfect grill marks you see on TV and in restaurants? Well, wonder no more!

Grill at 10 and then 2

For the grill marks, imagine the face of a clock superimposed on your grill. Begin by placing your steaks facing 10 o'clock. After a few minutes, flip them to 2 o'clock.

Just one flip will do it

In order to maintain that clean crosshatch design, don't push the steaks around after the initial flip on either side. A clean "10 and 2" sear on the meat is key.