How to Avoid Common BBQ Mistakes That Ruin Good Meat

Barbecuing should be about juicy, flavorful meat, not dried-out disappointment. Yet many backyard cooks unknowingly make mistakes that sabotage otherwise excellent cuts of meat. A significant misstep is neglecting to preheat and clean the grill. As Elizabeth Karmel explains, “Don’t put food on a cold grill,” because without proper preheating, the meat cooks unevenly and sticks to the grates (source). Grates should also be cleaned before and after use to ensure easy release and consistent heat.

Another frequent error is oiling the grill rather than the food. Karmel puts it: “Oil the food, not the grates!” Oiling the grates can cause flare-ups and sticky residue, whereas oiling the food helps caramelize and prevents sticking while keeping the meat juicy (source).

Understanding heat zones is also crucial. Mistaking direct high heat for situations that require indirect cooking can result in thick cuts being charred on the outside and raw on the inside. Use direct heat for quick-cooking items and indirect heat for longer cooking times. This helps you control doneness and prevent flare-ups. While that handy BBQ sauce may smell tempting early on, applying sugary sauces before the meat is cooked usually results in a burnt glaze and uneven caramelization. Instead, reserve sauces for the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking.

Many people fall into the habit of flipping meat too often or testing doneness by cutting, which releases precious juices. Meat should be flipped only once, halfway through cooking. Checking doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer is far better than slicing into the meat too early. After the cook, resting meat for at least five minutes helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.

Avoid these pitfalls. Skip lighter fluid in favor of a chimney starter, do not crowd the grill, and never walk away once cooking begins. With proper prep, heat control, and patience, your meat will turn out tender, flavorful, and memorable.

Sources
Elizabeth Karmel, 5 Tips to Avoid Common BBQ Mistakes, Central City BBQ
Elizabeth Karmel, Top 9 Grilling Mistakes and How to Fix Them, AP News
Bear Mountain BBQ, The Top BBQ Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Kenji López-Alt, 12 Grilling Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make, Serious Eats