It’s grilling season! Whether you enjoy a nice juicy Porterhouse smothered in bleu cheese, shrimp on the Barbie or a mouth-watering rack of ribs, grilling is a great way to make dinner, but it can get expensive. Check out these 5 scorching hot tips to help you save money:

Grilling Tip #1 – Charcoal or Gas

Charcoal or gas? Choosing a grill that will personally save you money depends a lot on how you plan to use it.

• If you’re only intending to cookout on occasion charcoal is the way to go.
• If you plan on using your grill as an additional kitchen appliance, even grilling during the winter months, go gas. The more you use your grill, the more cost-effective it becomes. Plus, think of all the money you’ll save on utilities.

Grilling Tip #2 – SHHHH

The secret is out! You can save a lot of money with Kabobs. Whether you opt for beef tips, cubed chicken or pork – adding fresh vegetables and fruit to the skewer is a cost cutter. Not only is it a healthy option, the fiber-rich foods will bulk up your meal – so you can use less meat. A good rule of thumb when making a Kabob is 3 to 4 fruits or vegetables on the skewer per piece of meat. Onions, peppers, squash, zucchini and pineapple are just a few examples and most can be purchased at a savings at your local farmers’ market.

Grilling Tip #3 – Cheaper Cuts

Save money grilling this season by tossing drumsticks, beef brisket and perch on your grill over more expensive meats such as salmon, Filet Mignon and tenderloin. Use pricier cuts for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.

And don’t forget grilling staples such as hot dogs, brats and hamburgers – they’re always an economical treat and taste so much better after being cooked on the grill.

Grilling Tip #4 – Whisk It

Spice up your meat and veggies and save money by making your own tasty marinades and rubs . Most take very little time to prepare, often using ingredients, like olive oil, pepper and Dijon mustard, you may already have in your cupboards and fridge. Or if you prefer, you can always marinade your meat with wine or beer – the alcohol will cook out while grilling. Try Beer Can Chicken for an imaginative and delicious twist on marinated meat.

Grilling Tip #5 – S’more Fun

An inexpensive and fun dessert to make over a well lit flame is S’mores. This campfire staple is simple to make and during summer months it’s easy to come across coupons for the ingredients, in your local newspaper or even taped to a store shelf next to the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars.

Whether you’re shopping for charcoal briquettes, fresh veggies or a tasty steak for grilling make sure to use your DuPage Credit Union Visa Debit® Card to be entered automatically into our 12 Months, 12 Prizes giveaway – which could save you even more money by winning an incredible prize like gift cards, a HDTV or even football tickets. Plus, when you select Credit over Debit, you’re protected by Visa’s Zero Liability Policy.

Do you have any tips for saving money grilling? If so, please share below: