Although the weather has been up and down, we are praying that sunny days are on the way on a more consistent basis, we deserve it! What better way to embrace these warmer days is to dine outdoors and treat your family and friends to a delicious BBQ. We just love BBQ chicken and even grilled pineapple is a fav with our team.
So how does one do BBQ cooking correctly? We know how tantalising tasty barbecue food is, so our seasonal team have have put together top expert tips on how to prepare the perfect BBQ this Summer.
1. Pick the BBQ & Accessories that suit you
Most important on the road to creating your BBQ signature dishes is to pick the right BBQ. If you are a convenience lover, then a gas BBQ is for you. However, if you love that charcoaly, smokey taste from your food, then you should go for a traditional coal or charcoal barbecue.
Although buying a more expensive BBQ, in the beginning, will cost you more in the short term, it will pay for itself as it should last longer once maintained correctly. We recommend investing in all the right BBQ tools and utensils too, so you can’t use the excuse a good chef never blames their tools!
2. Use your fuel correctly
Depending on which BBQ you pick, you need to fuel it the right way to ensure those taste buds are tantalised with your finished BBQ meal.
- Less is more, don’t pile on the charcoal, it could lead to your food burning.
- It is recommended that one layer of charcoal will provide you with a couple of hours of cooking
- For gas BBQ’s, once the grill is hot, turn down the gas and use the lid to maintain the temperature
- If you are feeling adventurous, BBQ smoking chips can further enhance the taste and flavours of your cooked food
3. Temperature must be right
Many people make the mistake of BBQ cooking at the wrong temperature, which can lead to either burned or undercooked food. Always have your approx cooking times in front of you or in your head before you start.
- Novice cookers should invest in a thermometer to ensure the temperature is set at the right temperature
- Use a gas lighter or firelighter for charcoal BBQs
- Never cook when BBQ is the hottest as your food could be raw on the inside and charred on the outside
- A quick rule of thumb is if you can place your hand around 12-13cm from the grill for 5 seconds approx, the temperature should be ok to start sizzling
- Gas barbecues are far simpler to control the temperature, so turn down and close the lid to save money on fuel
4. Your meat should be at room temperature
You should never cook your meat on your BBQ straight from the fridge, always allow around 30 minutes to get to room temperature. By doing so, it should cook more evenly and is less likely to burn on the grill.
5. Marinade overnight for extra flavour
If you have the time, try and marinate your meats and veggies before cooking, preferably overnight. This will have them oozing with extra flavours, but remember to shake off any excess marinade before you pop it on the grill to avoid burning. So whether it's barbecue chicken, pork ribs, beef, or veggies, marinading can be a real game-changer.
6. Test, Taste & Rest your meat
It’s crucial that you test, taste and rest your BBQ meat before serving it to your guests. After all, food poisoning from poorly cooked food is the last thing you want to do. To avoid, always cut into meats to ensure they are cooked in the middle, taste them too and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to your hungry guests.
7. Prep accompaniments and tasty sides
We all associate burgers, steaks, chicken, pulled pork, kebabs, sausages and every meat in between, but to wrap it all up, your BBQ will need some tasty sides to go with it. What about adding barbecue sauces, salads, tasty veg, Baked potatoes, bread and anything else you can think of to make sure your guests leave full. Don’t forget that tasty dessert too, as it wouldn’t be a party without one to finish the outdoor dining experience off.
8. Unpredictable Irish weather needs a plan B
Our weather forecasts cannot be relied upon, so always have a plan B in case of rain at the last minute. This could take the form of a pop-up gazebo to put over your BBQ and the guests can eat indoors or if enough space under a shelter or patio if you have one. No one likes cancelling these things when they may have been looking forward to them all week, so if you can have outdoor seating under cover from the elements, push on.
9. Don’t forget the clean-up
It’s the least favourite part of cooking outdoors, but BBQ clean-up is so important. Never clean the BBQ when it’s hot. See our Useful Guide To Cleaning & Maintaining your BBQ. Remember a well-looked-after BBQ will last longer, giving you more value for money.
10. Enjoy the outdoor dining experience
Yes, it’s vital that you follow the above tips for preparing the perfect BBQ, but it's CRUCIAL that you don’t get stressed or caught up with the whole preparation. Never forget to sit back and enjoy this outdoor dining experience, with our weather, you never truly know when you might get to have another one, so make the most out of it!
FAQs
Q: What is the ideal temperature for grilling meat?
A: The ideal temperature for grilling meat varies depending on the type of meat and your desired level of doneness. For example, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while steaks can be cooked to a range of temperatures, from 125°F (51°C) for rare to 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
Q: How can I prevent flare-ups on my gas or charcoal grill?
A: To prevent flare-ups, trim excess fat from your meat and avoid using excessively oily marinades. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to extinguish any unexpected flare-ups.
Q: Can I grill fruits and desserts?
A: Absolutely! Grilling fruits, such as pineapple, peaches, or watermelon, can add a delicious smoky flavor to your meal. You can also grill desserts like s'mores or grilled fruit skewers for a unique and tasty treat.
Q: How can I add more flavour to my grilled vegetables?
A: You can enhance the flavor of your grilled vegetables by marinating them in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices before grilling. Alternatively, try using a flavored cooking spray or seasoned salt for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Preparing the perfect BBQ doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these top tips, you'll be well on your way to impressing your guests and savoring a mouthwatering, unforgettable cookout experience. From choosing the right grill to seasoning your meat and cooking your food to perfection, every step counts. So, fire up that grill and enjoy the delicious flavors of a perfectly prepared BBQ. Happy grilling!
