Grilling is a staple of summer in America. But as common as it is, most of us wouldn’t claim to be pros. Some of us even feel downright insecure about our abilities. Will the steak stick to the grates? Will the chicken burn before it cooks through? And what if we can’t get those gorgeous grill marks?

As someone who had a “grilling complex” for a long time, I can sympathize. But I’m also here to say that if I can master it, you can too. Follow my golden rules of grilling and you’ll be hosting your next backyard cookout with confidence.

1. Prep Your Grills Grates For Success

Before you even think about putting food on the grill, make sure it’s in good working order. Clean the grates, using a long grill brush to scrape off any charred bits or debris. This will be easiest to accomplish when the grill is already hot, as the heat makes it easier to remove any charred debris. Once the grates are scrubbed clean, make sure to oil them well. A paper towel dipped in oil works great for this. The goal is to lightly grease the grates but not to over-oil them to the point that the oil will drip into the flames and cause flare-ups.

delish!