Grilling doesn't have to just result in overdone, flavorless chicken, steaks and burgers. We're giving you a license to grill all kinds of flavors this season and throwing in some handy tips along the way.

Time to break out the grill and fire up the fun!

Long Live the

Backyard BBQ

MIKE'S GRILLING TIPS

Make sure your steak is room temperature; this will produce a more evenly cooked piece of meat.

Give your grill plenty of time to preheat.

Big, thick steaks need a lot of seasoning, so be sure to cover them liberally with salt, pepper and any rubs before grilling.

Don’t pierce your meat with a fork. The juices will escape, making the meat drier and less tasty. Use a tong to move and flip your food.

After removing your meat from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes. Always slice against the grain (against the direction that the muscle fibers run). Don't cut into it until you are ready to serve and eat.

Big Mike

Meat Department Manager, Boulder

Stuck in a topping rut? Try jazzing up your burger with these unconventional toppings!

Top it Off!

BBQ SAUCE & BLUE CHEESE

BBQ flavor at its best! Think your favorite basket of BBQ wings meets grilled burger.

PROVOLONE & PASTA SAUCE

Mangia! It's an Italian spin on an old favorite. Toast the bun and add a bit of garlic butter for bonus points!

TAPENADE & FETA

Fans of the salty flavor of a good gyro will love this combo! Best served on a juicy beef patty with a slight char.

PINEAPPLE & TERIYAKI SAUCE

A slice of caramelized, grilled or fresh pineapple adds a nice hit of sweet that offsets salty meat.

Will You Marinade Me?

Marinades are used to flavor meat and help make it more tender. They're typically made with some kind of oil, an acid (such as balsamic vinegar or even beer or yogurt), flavoring (like herbs and garlic, Worcestershire or sriracha sauce), and then salt.

A good BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade too! Need a quick and easy way to make your own marinade? Grab two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast and use the following ingredients:

1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce

1/4 Italian Dressing

2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

3 Cloves Garlic, Pressed

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes – but 4 hours yields better results. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb and it will become more tender. Heads up! Be careful when using sugar-based sauces on the grill as these will burn easily.