Sun’s out, buns out! (Yes, of course we’re referring to hamburger buns! What else would you expect?) Continue reading to learn how to grill like a pro this summer.

June 21 marked the first day of S-U-M-M-E-R, which means it’s officially that time of year when the grill gets maximum usage. In the test kitchen, we’re pretty fired up about it (see what we did there?), so for the next several weeks, HelloFresh will be offering recipes on the menu tagged GREAT TO GRILL which, you guessed it, are perfect for the barbecue.

Here are some tips to keep in your back pocket this season.

Foiled Again

Aluminum foil is an outstanding tool for the grill. For one, it functions as a little pouch to hold small items (like diced potatoes that come alongside our Grilled Sirloin Steak on the Family menu the week of June 30 – July 6). When sealed, it retains heat to speed up cooking while simultaneously preventing dryness. In addition, foil can be used to line grill grates for more delicate proteins, like fish, so that they don’t break apart or fall through when taking them off the grill. In this case, just be sure to brush the foil with oil or nonstick spray.

Read up on how to grill fish in foil (aka “en papillote”) here.

Veg Out

All too often, veggies take a back seat to meat. Truth is, grilling produce is often the easiest way to pack your dish with flavor once the grill has already been lit. Instead of multitasking between the kitchen and the patio, keep yourself in one spot and soak up the sun. Try reimagining your indoor recipes for the outdoors — it’ll help streamline your cooking and will most certainly amp up a dish’s flavor. Our Steak Fajitas on the Grill (on the Classic menu the week of June 30 – July 6) do just that with charred bell pepper and red onion — even the tortillas get grilled!

Pressing Issue

We challenge you to do whatever you can to not turn a metal spatula into a panini maker. (Translation: Do not press the patties!) The constant poking and prodding of burgers releases the delicious juices that make them, well, juicy. And that means you’re compromising flavor. Instead, we recommend buying a proper kitchen thermometer and keeping an eye on the temperature. 

• Rare: 125°F
• Medium-rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium-well: 150°F
• Well-done: 165°F

According to the 2018 State of the Barbecue Industry survey conducted by the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), 63% of consumers plan to grill on July 4. At HelloFresh, we’re betting on burgers. Luckily, we’ve got you covered on that front.

Select from the Greek Diner Burgers (on the Classsic menu the week of July 7 – July 13), Grilled Parmesan Burgers (on the Family menu the week of July 7 – July 13), or Grilled Caprese Burgers (on the Family menu the week of July 21 – July 27).

Fruit Forward

When life hands you lemons, grill them! (This holds true for limes and other citrus, too.) Simply halve them and place cut side down on the grill towards the end of your meal. It only takes 1-2 minutes for a nice char, but the payoff is huge. The heat softens the fruit so it’s easier to juice, and it releases the essential oils in its peel to bring out the best characteristics of citrus. Plus, the char offers a more complex flavor. Give it a go with our upcoming Grilled Lemon Pepper Steak (on the Classic menu the week of July 14 – July 20).

Buttered Up

We think butter makes everything better. And compound butter — basically butter with mix-ins — is next level. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a just-grilled steak, chicken breast, or fish. We like to jazz it up with simple ingredients like sriracha in the Hoisin-Sriracha Grilled Salmon (on the Classic menu the week of July 21 – July 27). Drop it on the fish soon after you’ve taken it off the grill, and it’ll trickle down into the rice to create what we consider the essential summer sauce.

Now that you’ve got dinner covered, turn your attention to dessert with these super simple, no-bake recipes.