5 Tips on How to Grill Like a Pro on a Rainy Day

If you love barbecuing in your backyard, chances are you’ve experienced grilling in the rain. Unless it’s very heavy (too heavy to stop), there are several things you can do to continue cooking what’s on your grill. Better yet, you can come prepared, especially if you’re anticipating rain but still need to fire up your grill anyway!

Here are some tips on how you can grill like a pro on a rainy day:

find refuge

The best thing you can do is create a permanently covered grill station so you can keep cooking, whatever the weather. But if this isn’t possible, there are workarounds you can try. Investing in a BBQ awning or retractable awning for your porch or patio is a great way to go.

But if you need a quick fix, a large umbrella or tarp should do the trick. A full 5 gallon bucket or water or sand are good anchors.

precook your food

If you’ve planned a barbecue session on a day when you’re expecting some rain, it’s a good idea to pre-cook your meal in your kitchen. For example, you can use the reverse broil method if you plan to grill some burgers or steaks, just brown them over low heat in an oven and finish cooking on the grill. This means less time in the rain for you!

wrap your vegetables

If you are about to roast different types of vegetables, wrap them all together in aluminum foil and create a bundle. Grill them together instead of separately to cut down on time in the rain.

Create a windbreaker

When you’re grilling in the rain, the biggest enemy you’ll have is the wind. Your umbrella, tarpaulin or canopy won’t do you any good, so you’ll have to improvise a windbreak. Install a sheet of plywood or something similar to create a “wall”.

Make sure it’s secure and doesn’t fall on anyone or your grill!

Control the temperature of your grill

The rain will lower the temperature of your grill so you must take control so that it does not affect the food. If you are using a charcoal grill, you may need to add more to keep it warm. If you are using a gas grill, expect the burners to burst. If this happens, turn the gas off, open the lid to let the gas escape for a few minutes before turning it back on.

Follow these 5 effective tips for grilling in the rain!