The Corkline

When cooking outside this Memorial Day, whether you're grilling, camping, or having a picnic, there are several essential items that can help make your outdoor cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.

Here are 12 must-have tools for cooking outside:

Grill or Cooktop: Depending on your outdoor cooking preferences, a grill or cooktop is often the centerpiece of outdoor cooking. It can be a charcoal grill, gas grill, portable stove, or even an open fire pit.

Tongs: A good pair of long-handled tongs is essential for flipping and maneuvering food on the grill or cooktop. Opt for sturdy tongs with heat-resistant handles.

Spatula: A spatula is useful for flipping delicate foods like salmon. Look for one with a wide, thin, and flexible blade to easily slide under the food.

Grilling Fork: A long-handled grilling fork can be handy for handling larger cuts of meat, such as Copper River King Salmon and can be used for testing the doneness of the salmon. When the salmon easily flakes apart and is slightly opaque in the thickest part, it’s time to remove it from the heat and onto a serving platter.

Grill Brush: To keep your grill grates clean and free from residue, a grill brush with sturdy bristles is essential. Regularly cleaning the grates helps prevent food from sticking and improves cooking performance.

Aluminum Foil: Aluminum foil is versatile and can be used for wrapping foods, creating foil packets, or covering grill grates to prevent food from sticking. It's also handy for easy cleanup.

Grilling Basket: A grilling basket or mesh tray is useful for grilling small or delicate foods like vegetables and fish. It prevents them from falling through the grill grates while allowing for even cooking and easy flipping.

Heat-resistant Gloves: Heat-resistant gloves provide protection when handling hot grills, pots, pans, or campfire cooking. They offer better dexterity and flexibility compared to regular oven mitts.

Thermometer: A reliable food thermometer is crucial for ensuring food safety and doneness. It allows you to accurately measure the internal temperature of salmon which should be around 120 degrees at its thickest part.

Cooler: If you're cooking outdoors for an extended period or need to transport perishable ingredients, a cooler with ice or ice packs helps keep food fresh and prevents spoilage.

Cutting Board and Knifes: Pack a cutting board and several sturdy knives for food preparation tasks, such as portioning salmon, chopping vegetables and slicing bread.

Fire Starters and Lighter: If you're cooking over an open fire or using charcoal, fire starters and a lighter are essential for safely and easily igniting the fire.

These are just some of the essential tools for cooking outside. Depending on your specific cooking needs and preferences, you may also want to consider additional items such as skewers, basting brushes, and portable griddles or pans.

THE STAR OF THE SHOW
Copper River Salmon: Fresh Copper River Salmon is in season NOW! Take your Memorial Day BBQ to the next level by getting your hands on the freshest and best salmon on the market. Visiting our Fish Finder to find your source.

For seasonings, try fresh herbs like dill and thyme, garlic, lemon, butter, and our favorite and simple go-to, salt and pepper. Cedar grilling planks can also add a nice flavor to your salmon and make cleanup a breeze. Lastly, don’t forget the plates, silverware, napkins, and your favorite beverages of choice.