How To Get Nice Grill Marks

Many professional cooks will tell you that one of the most important aspects of a dish is the presentation. As humans, we tend to judge things by appearance, so you should definitely take this into consideration when you are grilling.

To enhance your grill marks, you only need three items:

1. Canola Oil
2. Paper Towel
3. Tongs (To hold the paper towel)

First, get the grate hot. Scrape it using a grill scraper. Next, put some canola oil in a small bowl. I keep a cheap brand around for this, as it won't affect flavor. Canola oil seems to work best because it is nice and thick, much thicker than vegetable oil. Using your tongs, dip the paper towel in the oil. Run the saturated paper towel over the grate. Try not to let oil drip on the coals. You aren't trying to put the fire out.

Add the oil right before you put the food on. Do not scrape the grill after cooking. The left over oil will help protect your grate from rusting while it is not in use.

Alternatively, an easier method is to use spray cooking oil. Spray the grate while removed from the grill.

That's all there is too it. The oil will give a stronger definition to the grill marks on your food.

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