How to Cook With Indirect Heat on an Outdoor BBQ Grill

Cooking with indirect heat is the preferred technique for those who have been using BBQ grills for a long time. Considered the best way to cook, it takes some practice and planning before you can master it, but it offers the best possibilities if you are looking to cook large portions or want to use sauces or marinades.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Metal pan
• Thermometer

1. Pay attention to the type of outdoor grill you have. Charcoal grills are best for cooking with indirect heat, but BBQ gas grills can also work if done properly.

2. Heat your grill thoroughly. If you are using a charcoal BBQ grill, you will need to wait until the coals are red hot. In a gas grill, you will need to turn on all burners for a few minutes, until the whole grill is evenly hot, before turning off one half of the burners and placing your food on that side of the grill.

3. Fill a metal tray or pan with water and place it in the center of the grill, surrounded by coals on each side. The tray will prevent fires and smoke by catching drippings, while ensuring moisture for the meat placed above.

4. Keep the lid of the grill closed as much as possible. You may open the BBQ to baste your food or to turn it not more than once every 20 minutes. The more you open your lid, the longer it will take for the food to cook (plus you run the risk of flare ups and uneven heat).

5. Make sure there are no coals at all under the meat. If you have a very small grill, cooking with indirect heat may prove difficult, as it will be difficult to keep all the coals out from under the food. In that case, you may want to simply remove as much coal as possible and keep the rest on one side.

Tips & Warnings

• When cooking with indirect heat on an outdoor grill, marinate or baste your food several times during the process. This will help you retain the flavor and tenderness despite the longer cooking process.
• If your outdoor gas grill does not have a thermometer, you will need to buy one to cook with the lid partially open. Gas grills tend to heat up too quickly and you will need to keep check of the temperature in order to avoid burning.