Using a barbeque might seem like a very straightforward method of cooking while in fact it’s actually quite complicated and not so easy to master. We love BBQ, not only in summer but all year round, so I’ve decided to put an action plan together for anyone who wants to BBQ like a pro.
Get the right BBQ
You will never be able to achieve the perfect barbeque meal without the proper tool for the job. The gas barbeques might be tempting due to the clean looks and easy cleaning and start up, but please for the love of all things good do get a proper charcoal one… if you are only tempted by a gas BBQ then save yourself the money and just cook your food in your kitchen cooker instead.
Invest in natural charcoal
These days’ as money is tight for most of us, shoppers are tempted even more by those special offers and super saving deals and prices that look cheap but look beyond that… actually read what’s inside the box. Always buy natural charcoal, yes, it will most likely cost you more but at the end of the day you will eat food cooked in its smoke… so make sure those fumes aren’t harmful.
Plan ahead
Like most cooking, BBQing requires preparation too. Yes, you can just pop a slab of meat on it and hope for the best but think how much more delicious it would be if marinated overnight or kept in some dry rub.
Treat it as an art
Art can’t be rushed and neither can BBQing; it’s an art and it needs time. If you only have an hour and fancy a burger you will be better off using your cooker and a heavy bottom frying pan…
Learn cooking times
There is nothing worse than those burnt on the outside and half raw in the middle pieces of meat that often get served up on your plate. It’s essential to know about temperatures but even more importantly knowing how long each type of food needs to cook in order to be just right. I’ve found an excellent BBQ cooking time table over at Recipes4us but if they are a bit too much for you, why not check this short video prepared by My Voucher Codes.
Don’t be afraid of experimenting
Cooking should be fun, so should BBQing. Don’t just blindly follow the recipe, experiment, add some new spices or veggies into a mix. Be adventurous and I am sure the food will reward you.
Maintain your BBQ
I know how things go… you “slave” the entire day on top of a hot BBQ, eat what you prepared and then decide “I’ll clean it tomorrow”… well, resist the urge to do so. In order to maintain the integrity of your BBQ it needs to be cleaned and it’s easiest straight after the cooking is finally finished – use only natural cleaning products or just water if you can get away with it. Never use sharp abrasive brushes on your racks, they will damage or even remove their non-stick coating. Take good care of your BBQ and in return it will take good care of your food and therefor in turn, you.
What do you like to BBQ, what do you use and where do you do it?
Is there anything else you would add into my list?
* This is a collaborative post.
Great tips, I love BBQ food but haven’t done it much so all tips are welcome x
I needed to read this because I have been craving B&Q for all of summer!
xoxo, Candice
http://www.candicenikeia.com
I do love a BBQ. – hoping to do a few more before the end of summer!
We haven’t had many BBQs this year, but are planning one soon.
The cooking times is what often scares me about bbq’s. I would never want to undercook anything so I’m checking out the video for sure!
Learning cooking times is so important. No-one wants under cooked or burnt food!
These are all amazing tips, we just moved into a house with a garden so deffo want to do a BBQ soon!
I love a good BBQ. We have had a BBQ every weekend now for a month now.
I think my Mister does treat it like an Art and is the only ‘cooking’ he ever does x
I do love a good BBQ although I have to admit we are pretty ammature, usually just go for hot dogs and burgers and never check the cooking times we just play it by ear. Probably why I always enjoy other peoples more haha
Yum I love a good BBQ – however I very rarely ever go to one. xx
http://www.annanuttall.com
I’d love to be a better barbequer! These are great ideas. I need to ask my boyfriend to let me do the grilling the next few times.
I find it hard to cook things at the right times to allow things to be ready together as things cook differently on different parts of the BBQ x
I love BBQs we literally haven’t had one this summer – poor show! H x
My partner loves a bbq and cooking it too. We usually have a mix of meat
My hubby has really mastered the art of BBQ’ing. My top tip would be to take things slow and be patient!
Useful tips for anyone who enjous barbeques. We usually invite friends over, and let the man of the family do the meat cooking, he is an Aussie and a real BBQ pro. 😉
Oh gosh I know BBQs seem easy but I’ve fluffed a fair few up haha!! Thank you for the tips I will have to follow them because knowing me I’m not great with a BBQ
I love cooking other things like skewers on the BBQ, don’t eat meat though so I’ve never tried to cook that 🙂 x
I have never BBQ and rarely go to them being a non meat eater but when I did, I use to hate when the meat would be burned.
I love the tip “Treat it as an art”! Very good post 🙂