Think Like a Chef to Grill Like a Pro

1. Make a Plan

Whether it's at a Michelin-starred restaurant or right in your backyard, every great meal starts with a smart plan. The key to a successful, low-stress cookout is to expend effort strategically by working ahead, saving time for casual cooking and low-lift, high-impact finishing touches.

2. Expedite drinks + apps

Ask any chef, and they'll tell you the secret to happy eaters is to get them drinks and starters quickly. Since you'll be too busy at the grill to mix up cocktails, set up a DIY drinks station so everyone can serve themselves. Or, whip up a batch of frozen cocktails, like Cosmopolitans, Mojitos, and Espresso Martinis, for a fun, summery take on classic cocktails that will raise eyebrows and glasses. Serve drinks with one of our favorite low-lift appetizers, so you can focus your attention on enjoying time outside with your guests, not fiddling with garnishes.

3. Keep it fresh

The secret to great summer cooking is the freshest possible produce. If you hit the farmers market early, you'll find off-duty chefs strolling the stalls, searching for fresh inspiration. Our giant Grilled Vegetable Flatbread with Smoked Almond Muhammara allows for just that kind of spontaneity: Grill any vegetables that grab your attention — chef's choice! — and nestle them into the versatile, smoky spread over warm bread. But take it from us, you can grill just about any vegetable - here's how.

4. Claim your grill space

The grill is the heart of all outdoor cooking. And while everyone may want to hang out where you're grilling, to cook effectively you need your space. Think like a chef, and set up your cooking area for maximum efficiency and economy of movement. Start by setting up your grill in a low-traffic area with convenient kitchen access. Then trick it out to your liking.

Gear Up

Your cookout can be as simple or elaborate as you'd like. If top-notch gear gets you excited about grilling, give these 11 high- and low-tech tools a try. Then, position a small table near the grill to give you a spot to place items pre- and post-grilling; set it up perpendicular to the grill to block off your workspace. Have these items on hand to reduce dashes back to the kitchen:

• Rimmed baking sheets — Keep a stack of clean pans nearby for holding hot-off-the-grill food
• Utensils and caddy so you can corral your tools (grill tongs, spatula, basting brushes) to cut down on clutter.
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil so you can cover items after they come off the grill to hold in heat and discourage bugs.
• Keep a roll of paper towels handy to mop up spills and to keep your outdoor kitchen space tidy.
• Tuck a small trash can under the prep table to dispose of spent citrus, plastic wrap, foil, etc.

5. Grill all the things

Instead of serving one protein, go with a mixed grill to offer a variety of meats seasoned with our sweet and savory Koji-Cola All-Purpose Marinade — it's a low-effort move that will make a big impact at the table. Whether you're serving chicken, steak, salmon, or all of the above, this rice-thickened, soy- and Mexican Coke–spiked marinade tenderizes, adds umami and sweetness, and crisps into a thin, crackly crust on the grill. We have plenty of marinade options, from spiced yogurt to citrus-soy to a sweet-tangy maple-mustard option perfect for grilling chicken.

We love a good sauce to go with our grilled vegetables, fish, and meat. Grilling sauces can be prepped a day or two ahead of time, and kept ready to pout out on the table, so you and your guets can mix and match according to your preferences. Want something light and herby? This Chimichurri goes with just about anything — and can even double as a salad dressing. For a thicker, more robust sauce, Peruvian-style Ají Verde is the answer. Or for a little crunch, try this gremolata-like Carrot and Walnut Salsa.

6. Don't skip dessert

There's a reason most great restaurants have a pastry chef on the team: Dessert is your last chance to leave a big impression. That said, you don't have to sweat over what to make. Summery fruit is always a great option. If you need to cool off, these no-churn ice creams and frozen yogurt come together in minutes and then just need some chilling time in the freezer; put them out with a few bowls of nuts and chopped fruit and chocolate, and let everyone dress their own bowl of frozen goodness. Or if you want to make a big impression, there's no better way than with this jaw-dropping, surprisingly easy meringue- and berry-topped cake. Make it the morning of your grill day, then top it with sour cream–spiked whipped cream and macerated fruit just before serving.