This Hack Will Stop Meat From Sticking to Your Grill
Updated: Nov. 24, 2023
Plus, tips for naturally cleaning grill grates and checking propane tank levels!
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and flowers are blooming—summer is nearly upon us! This means that we’re edging into one of the best times of the year: barbecue season. It’s time to stock the cooler and fire up the grill. But do you know how to properly prepare that grill before your guests arrive?
In her recent TikTok, everyone’s favorite grandmother Babs (@brunchwithbabs) showed outdoor cooks everywhere how to clean their grill and make it nonstick. Her hack requires no extra tools or equipment, just two basic vegetables: onions and potatoes. Here’s how you can use these veggies to prep your grill, as well as one more bonus grilling tip for the summertime.
Why Should I Rub an Onion on the Grill?
In Babs’ video on the dos and don’ts of grilling, she asserts that one should never start grilling season with a dirty grill. Additionally, “don’t use a wire brush,” she says.
Fortunately, there are numerous alternative methods to clean a grill, including Babs’ favorite. “Do use an onion,” she explains. “Just heat your grill, then take your onion and scrub away. Instead of eating loose metal bristles, an onion will add a little flavor to your food.” To use the onion hack, start by peeling an onion and cutting off one end to create a flat surface. Then, stick a fork into the onion so that you can hold it and rub the flat-surfaced side onto the grill.
@brunchwithbabs Grilling Do’s and Don’ts 🍔Don’t use an old wire grill brush to clean your grill. 🍔Do use an onion. Heat your grill to a high temperature. Pierce the onion half with a fork and rub the cut-side down along the grill grates. The onion’s juices will release and produce steam to remove the charred bit of debris on the grill grates. 🍔Don’t allow your food to stick to the grill and ruin your dinner. 🍔Do use a half of a potato to create a non-stick surface. Just cut a potato in half and rub the flesh of the potato on the hot grill grates. The starch from the potato creates a non-stick surface so your precious dinner won’t stick! 🍔Don’t let your barbeque be ruined by running out of propane. 🍔Do use my simple propane level check hack to make sure you have enough propane. To check the level of gas in your propane tank, pour a cup of hot water down the side of the propane tank. Now run your hand down the side of the tank. Where the tank goes from feeling hot to cool indicates your propane level. Hot equals empty and cool means it is filled with propane. 🍔 Happy Grilling! XO Babs #grillingseason #grillingtips #grillingtips ♬ original sound – everyone’s grandmother
Does Rubbing a Potato on the Grill Prevent Sticking?
Yes! And here’s why—the starch in the potato makes the grill grates non-stick.
Once Babs cleans the grill, she explains her second grilling don’t: “Don’t let food stick to your grill. It could really ruin your meal.” As an alternative, she suggests: “Do use a potato. Right before grilling, just rub those hot grates with the cut end of a potato. The starch in the potato creates a non-stick surface. Who would’ve thought? The potato saves the meal!”
To try this hack for yourself, simply cut off one side of the potato to create a flat surface, then stick a fork into it, as with the onion.
How Else Should I Prepare my Grill Before Cooking?
Finally, if you have a gas grill, Babs recommends checking your propane levels before you start cooking. To do this, she pours a few cups of hot water onto the side of the metal propane tank. The metal heats up with the water, except for when it is in contact with the propane. Therefore, Babs presses her hand against the side of the tank, moving it downward until she no longer feels the warmth. This reveals the level of propane left.
Grill Recipes You'll Want to Make All Summer
Grilled Chicken Ranch BurgersThis is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I've ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn't disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa
Grilled Lobster TailsI had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri
Grilled GuacamoleIf you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken DrumsticksBottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Blueberry-Cinnamon Campfire BreadA neighboring camper made a bread so tempting, I had to ask for the details. Here’s my version, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee by the campfire. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Grilled Pork with Pear SalsaMy husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Summertime Spaghetti with Grilled MeatballsAfter Hurricane Sandy, we were without power for two weeks. I learned what you can make on a grill, such as these smoky meatballs and tomato sauce. —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Farmers Market Orzo SaladOrzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Check out our other potato salad recipes that are perfect for your summer barbecue.
Summer Garden Fish TacosI like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Dad’s Cola BurgersBefore you hand out the drinks, save a little soda to make these delectable burgers. Cola—used in the meat mixture and brushed on during cooking—really sparks the flavor and takes this favorite to a whole new level. —Emily Nelson, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Cookout Caramel S'moresEasy delectable treats make a playful finish to an informal meal. Toasting the marshmallows extends our after-dinner time together, giving us something fun to do as a family. —Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois
Santa Maria Roast BeefA simple dry rub is enough to turn roast beef into a real crowd-pleaser. The slightly spicy meat is scrumptious piled on top of fresh crusty bread. —Allison Ector, Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Spicy Corn KabobsCorn on the cob becomes a tangy delight when grilled, dotted with sour cream and cheese, and zinged with a splash of lime. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime ButterThis grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Grilled Pork Noodle SaladThe only complex thing about this easy salad is the flavor! With smoky barbecued pork and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, this is a comforting and tasty home-cooked meal. —Rosalyn Nguyen, Astoria, New York
Grilled Green BeansI cook almost everything outdoors, including grilled green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Blackout Peach Bread PuddingI bake several times a week so my kids have homemade desserts. We lost power in a storm, so I used the grill to invent “blackout” pudding. —Augustina Zaccardi, Eastchester, New York
Bacon-Wrapped AsparagusMy husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed BurgersTired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Honey-Glazed Chicken KabobsThis is my husband’s favorite "special day" meal. I serve it with rice pilaf, salad and grilled garlic bread. —Tracey Miller, Aiken, South Carolina
Pot of S'moresMom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Jim's Secret Family Recipe RibsFor more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado
Buttery Grilled ShrimpThis grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladThe grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard SauceThis simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Steak with Chipotle-Lime ChimichurriSteak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Best Italian Sausage SandwichesNeed a different type of Italian dinner? This rich tomato sauce simmers all afternoon in the slow cooker, ready to top freshly grilled Italian sausages. It's a fantastic combination with lots of crowd appeal! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pina Colada Pork Chops with Tropical Fruit SalsaThese zesty chops with kiwi, banana and avocado salsa are a one-way ticket to the tropics. The grilled pork and fruit make a perfect pair. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Mexican Hot DogsMy stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio
Grilled Sausages with Summer VegetablesAfter 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar on the table. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Lime and Sesame Grilled EggplantWhen I lived in Greece, I fell in love with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Tarragon AsparagusI grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitOne summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladThis hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Grilled Pears with Mascarpone CheeseFor a light dessert after a big barbecue, we stuff pears with mascarpone cheese and gingersnap cookies. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet touch. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Cilantro Lime ShrimpA quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
Bacon Cheeseburgers with Fry SauceIn Utah, fry sauce is a beloved condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I added honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Banana Butter Pecan KabobsDesserts with bananas remind me of Grandma. She and my mom taught me to cook. I rarely measure. For this dish, I set out pecans and butterscotch with kabobs so everyone can customize. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Grilled Fig and Honey PizzaI had figs I needed to use up, so I made a batch of dough, tossed the figs on the grill and created a scrumptious dessert pizza. —Aaron Reynolds, Fox River Grove, Illinois
Flat Iron Steak SaladMy steak salad with avocado and radishes is a big plate of summer deliciousness. I sometimes add dried cranberries and cherry tomatoes, but you can customize it to suit your tastes. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersThe inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese CrostiniAt our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Tomato-Herb Grilled TilapiaThis super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pina Colada Grilled PineappleDuring a cookout with friends, I forgot about dessert. I had a fresh pineapple and coconut, so I improvised. Now I grill pineapple at every cookout. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupGet ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Lime-Rosemary Shrimp SkewersI had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California
Grilled Watermelon GazpachoThis is the perfect starter for a summer dinner or a lunch meal. It's cool and tangy with a whole lot of great grilled flavor. If you like a little more spice, just add more jalapenos. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Grilled Caprese QuesadillasHere's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Grilled Banana Brownie SundaesMy niece Amanda Jean and I have a lot of fun in the kitchen creating different dishes. One of us will start with a recipe idea and it just grows from there—and so does the mess. In this case, the happy result was our Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Parsley and ChivesWe use seasonings like adobo, Sazon, fresh parsley and minced chives when we grill potatoes. We have even smoked the potatoes in our portable smoker before grilling. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Originally Published: May 24, 2023
