You’ve been planning this barbecue get-together for weeks now – and just as your friends start pulling up, the rain starts falling. You couldn’t have anticipated the weather weeks ago, but even though you saw the forecast today, you didn’t want to cancel. But what can you do? Will you have to resort to indoor cooking methods?
As a matter of fact, you don’t. You can still do that grilling in the rain – and here’s a step-by-step how-to just for that purpose, even if you don’t have a grill canopy.
Table of Contents
What You Need for Grilling in the Rain
Before you get started, it’s a good idea to gather all of your supplies together first. It will help save time and cut down on your amount spent fumbling outdoors in bad weather.
To grill in the rain, you’ll need:
- A grill – charcoal grills, wood grills, propane or gas grills – not electric
- An umbrella, grill canopy, awning, or tarp
- Prepared food items for grilling – cut, chop, marinade, etc., everything beforehand!
- Tongs, brushes, forks, knives, as needed for the food you’re preparing
- Charcoal, wood chips, or another energy source for the grill
- Grill lid
- Windshield – could be cardboard, foil attached to cardboard, a large cutting board, or other flat, large object
How to Grill in the Rain
Before we get started on this tutorial, I want to emphasize the importance of not using an electric grill. The corded connection could cause some issues and safety hazards. Instead, use charcoal, propane, or a wood-burning grill to keep things as safe and happy as possible.
Prepare Yourself
After you’ve gathered all your supplies together, be sure to give yourself plenty of time for the grilling to happen. With rain, things will take a little longer, especially if there’s wind blowing. If possible, put up any shelter (canopy, tarp, etc.) before the rain begins to keep the grilling area dry beforehand, as well.
Pre-Cook to Save Time Spent Outdoors
In addition to preparing for extra time, you can – and probably want to – precook a bit of the food to cut down on your time outdoors. By this, I mean put the burgers, steaks, veggies, or other goodies on a pan and keep them in the oven at a low temperature of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit for a while, then finish cooking them with that lovely searing on the grill when you’re ready.
It will save you a lot of time spent in the rain and will make things much faster.
Preheat the Grill
Use the grill undercover to light up the heating source a little earlier than usual while grilling in the heat and sunshine.
Grill as Usual, But with a Wind Shield
Now, you’re ready to grill. Whenever you uncover the grill, though, be sure to use a windshield to prevent the rain from blowing into the grill and covering the coals or the food with water. It will not only prevent slower cooking times but will also help protect you and your home – since the wind tends to kick fire up.
Use a Thermometer Often
Finally, keep an eye on the temperatures in the grill. Use a thermometer often to make sure the heat is high enough and that the meat reaches the required internal temperature to eat safely. The rain can be distracting, so this part of the plan is especially important.
Grilling in the Rain Isn’t All Bad
Even though it doesn’t necessarily sound great, grilling in inclement weather can be an enjoyable experience – and has a few advantages. For one, the humidity from the rain can help keep your food moister. It can also make it cooler for those sensitive to heat, especially with the added temperatures of the grill.
So next time the rain occurs during your barbecue, don’t worry, just be prepared in advance and enjoy yourself!
