“6 Tactics That Will Help You Master The Art Of The BBQ This Summer” is a collaborative post. Please see the disclosure page for more information.
When the sun is out, there is n othing more pleasant than sitting in the garden sipping on a chilled drink and cooking up some delicious eats on the BBQ! However, BBQing isn’t like cooking with the oven indoors. In fact, it requires an entirely different mindset to get right. Luckily, you can start learn to master the art of the BBQ with the information in this post below. Read on to find out more.
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BBQ equipment matters
Now, I’m not talking about aprons with humorous messages and comedic meat brands here, although they can add a lot of fun to your grilling. What really matters is the BBQ itself, and the means above all else you need to try and avoid those little disposable ones that come in silver trays!
Instead, it’s well worth investing in a proper grill set up, preferably one with a lid because this will allow you to much better cook meat all the way through. The reason being that closing the cover catches the steam and intensifies the heat.
Of course, you can choose to use a BBQ that runs on charcoal or gas. However, don’t think that if you pick the latter, you will miss out on the great smoky BBQ taste. The reason being is you can get infused wood chips that will recreate this even if you are using a gas model. This type of BBQ will heat up quicker and is much easier to control, making it a more popular option.
Infused wood chips are a great way of getting that smokey taste even with a gas BBQ.
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What to cook
While equipment is essential, what you choose to cook on your BBQ is also pretty crucial too. Now, most people think of BBQ as being meat-based, and in my book, there is nothing wrong with this. In fact, throwing a BBQ is a perfect excuse to get hold of some delicious and good value chuck eye steak and make your own burgers. You can even choose to stuff them with cheese too, which makes them really decedent.
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Sausages are another good bet to cook on the BBQ, particularly German style wurst or cheese and jalapeno ones. You can even have a go at making your own for the occasion with the advice in the video below.
Steak is always a winner as well, and many people choose to grill oily fish like salmon or mackerel too. Although, when it comes to grilling fish using a special cage is recommended as it does have a tendency to stick to the grill and so can end up not looking as appetizing.
It is worth remembering, however, that not everyone eats meat or fish these days. Luckily, you can absolutely do vegetarian and even vegan BBQ dishes too. Just remember to cook them separately to any meat or animal products. Grilled vegetable side dishes such as corn on the cob, and kebabs can be a great meal as well, and even desserts like the one you can read about here can be a fun way to eat your BBQ feast.
Preparation
One of the most critical aspects of BBQing is that the food is cooked all the way through and safe for consumption. Unfortunately, there are still folks out there that think throwing things like a chicken with bones in, or sausages straight onto the grill is a good idea.
However, it’s always better to steam or boil these items first and then finish them off on the BBQ to get that crispy texture and smokey taste. In fact, if you wouldn’t eat meat rare at home like you would a steak, or burgers then it best to pre-cook before you add it to the grill. After all, you want your guests to leave with a full stomach, not upset stomachs!
Seasonings & Sauces
What’s a good steak or pork chop without seasonings and sauces? It might as well be cooking in the microwave. There is a myriad of seasoning choices available for BBQing. Number one comes to mind is well, BBQ sauce! Slather this on meat or veggies with a brush and then put this on the grill. Add dry rub or garlic salt or pepper or whatever you taste buds love. The sky is the limit to what you can add to your favorite grilling item.
How to grill
Now, you may baulk at the idea of being told how to grill, but there are a few simple rules you can follow that can save you a lot of time, and money because you won’t have to waste food. One is not to leave the grill unattended, as things can go from seemingly raw to well done is a very short space of time.
Additionally, it’s essential to rotate any food that you cook on a grill, so it gets an even heat and is cooked all the way through.
Finally, if you are in any doubt as to whether the food you are about to serve is cooked, using a meat or food thermometer can be a brilliant idea. They aren’t expensive either, and if it means a perfect steak each and every time isn’t your reputation as the BBQ master worth such a small investment?
Sides
While it is tempting to put all of your time and focus on to the meat and other mains that is being grilled, side dishes matter as well. In fact, a BBQ is an excellent excuse for making some delicious summer salads such as the recipes you will find here.
Many people like to provide bread products at a BBQ as well. Therefore a simple way to up your game in this department is to trade the traditional soft white burger and hot dog rolls for brioche or even ciabatta.
BBQ after care
The thing about having a good ol’ grill up is that if you have done it right, everyone leaves with full bellies. Of course, this is great for your guests, but it can also make it very easy to not attend to the vital BBQ aftercare that needs doing. After all, if you leave your grill dirty, it not only makes it harder work to set up for the next time but it can encourage mold and pests as well.
Also, be sure that you scrape down your grill while you leave it to cool. Then once it’s completely cool (the next day will do) use a BBQ cleaning solution to get off any remnants and help protect the surface. Something that will ensure it’s ready to go for the next time you want to show off your BBQ mastery.
Lastly, after a big day of BBQing, enjoy sitting back and eating the feast you just created!
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