Grilling season is in full swing. We can almost smell the steak, fresh off the grill! Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned pro, it never hurts to brush up on your skills. Follow these five tips to make sure you’re on your “A Game” this summer.

1. Find the right temperature: Preheat your grill 15 to 25 minutes before you start cooking to make sure it reaches the right temperature (and to kill any bacteria). Your grill should be 400-450°F for high, 350-400°F for medium-high, 300-350°F for medium and 250-300°F for low heat. A properly heated grill sears foods on contact, keeps the insides moist, and helps prevent sticking.
2. Use tools: It’s easier to remove debris when the grill is hot, so after preheating, use a long-handled wire grill brush on your grill rack to clean off charred debris from prior meals. Scrape again immediately after use. Also, the best way to know if protein is fully cooked is to check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
3. Remember safety: Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, utensils and platters for raw and cooked foods. Remember to refrigerate foods while marinating; and never baste with the marinating liquid. (Make extra marinade just for basting or boil your marinating liquid first.)
4. Use oil: Reduce sticking by oiling your hot grill rack with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel: hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)
5. Use a grill basket: Use a grill basket for foods that might fall through the grill rack, or are too cumbersome to turn over one by one (vegetables, fish, tofu, fruits, etc.).

Do you have any tips to add?