(Photo: Sashertootie)

Ready to throw some shrimp on the barbie? Here’s a look at Web resources for backyard grilling and barbecuing.

The difference between grilling and BBQ
First, a look at terms. Grilling is a cooking method that uses direct heat while barbecue is generally a slow-cooking method. You can only grill on a grill, while you can barbecue in a smoker, a grill or a pit.

The Barbecue Preparation Guide expands on this definition:

• Barbecuing refers to foods that are cooked with a long, slow process using indirect, low-heat generated by smoldering logs or wood chips that smoke-cook the food.
• The fuel and heat source are separate from the cooking chamber, but the cooking chamber contains enough heat to properly cook the food over a long period of time.
• The cooking chamber fills with smoke, giving the food its characteristic smoked flavor, which varies depending on the type of wood that is used for the fuel.
• The best temperature for barbecuing is between 200°F and 300°F. If the temperature rises above 300°F, it is considered grilling.

Gas or charcoal?
For some, nothing less than propane will do. Others proclaim charcoal as the medium of choice. Here’s a look at the controversy.

• Grilling 101: Charcoal vs. Gas: The face off.
• Gas versus Charcoal for Dummies.
• The Grate Debate – Charcoal vs. Gas from Steven Raichlen, author of The Barbecue Bible.
• Charcoal Grilling 101: These folks have already made up their minds.
• The Fine Art of Charcoal Grilling: From Kingsford, the charcoal maker.

Among charcoal enthusiasts, there’s also a lump charcoal camp and a charcoal briquette camp. Briquettes are produced by crushing charcoal and mixing in additives, such as nitrates, clays and starches. Some say the additives impart their own flavors to foods. Briquettes are valued for their uniform size and stable burn. Lump charcoal is carbonized wood with no additives.

Safety
After all, you are playing with fire. And food requires special handling when cooking outdoors.

• Gas grilling safety from the National Fire Protection Association.
• Safety tips from the Insurance Information Institute.
• Propane grilling safety.
• Picnic and Grilling Safety.
• Barbecue and Food Safety from the US Department of Agriculture.
• Grillin’ and Chillin’ Food safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control.

BBQ and grilling links
How-tos, recipes and menus.

Barbecue’n On the Internet: A veritable encyclopedia of tutorials, techniques, tips and recipes. Covers everything from cuts of meat to internal temperatures and from smokers to spices.

The National Barbecue Association offers tips for barbecuing with a grill.

Grilling magazine: Available by paid subscription, the free website does offer recipes and links.

The BBQ Report: A blog with recipes, product reviews, and tips.

Barbecue, Grilling & Smoking Recipes: A Yahoo! Directory.

The Food Network offers a range of grilling info:

• Recipes.
• Buying Guide–They really do recommend propane, for convenience.
• Direct heat grilling
• Grilling with indirect heat.
• Setting up a grill.

(Photo: Nictalopen)

Outdoor grilling: The basics, plus sections on recipes, marinades, safety and flavor secrets.

About.com’s BBQ and Grill Guide.

Grilling recipes: Offers 1,200 of “the best all-time favorite grilling recipes.”

Weber: The grill maker offers a a buyer’s guide, recipes and a section on grill care.

Barbecue & Grilling: From the Culinary Cafe, features BBQ and grilling recipes with sections on:

• Bastes, Sops and Mops
• Marinades
• Burgers
• Dry Rubs
• Sauces
• Wet Rubs

Whole Foods Grilling Guide: Features recipes for everything from marinades to desserts, plus tips and guides.

Grilling Basics: A comprehensive look at grilling from Better Homes and Gardens with cooking charts, a glossary and tips. Check out the mag’s grilling recipes, too.

Healthy Grilling Recipes: From Eating Well magazine.

Food & Wine grilling guide: Tips, techniques, recipes and a glossary are just the beginning. There are grilling tips from famous chefs: menus for various occasions, such as Father’s Day; product guides for grills and smokers; and a section on choosing wine.

Grilling with beer: What more do you need to know?

Slashfood: Posts from the grilling category run the gamut from recipes to cookbook and product reviews.

Grilling holidays and celebrations: From Epicurious.com, this page offers video how-tos, a grilling primer, equipment tips as well as a state-by-state guide to finding the best BBQ.

Grilling Guide: Tips, basics and recipes.

Summer Grilling Guide: From Global Gourmet, this site features menus, recipes and cookbook recommendations.

Grilling Tips: Covers cleaning, tools and safety.

(Photo: Augapfel)

Shopping
Father’s Day just happens to occur during peak grilling season. And grilling just happens to be the number one cooking method of your average man.

• Grilling gear: Gadgets and grills.
• Summer grilling: Books from Amazon.com.
• Grilling accessories: Gear from Amazon.com.
• Top 10 charcoal grills for 2008.
• Gas grill buying guide.
• Consumer Reports Gas Grills.