on 13-08-2020 18:07 - last edited on 13-08-2020 18:16 by LukasB
Hey everyone,
Nothing says summer like a traditional BBQ in the garden with friends and family. Cooking on an open flame is not quite the same as using the stove so to make sure your summer BBQ's go without a hitch we've compiled some handy tips for the perfect BBQ!
Light the BBQ early
A common mistake is not letting your BBQ heat up enough and get the coals going properly. Give the grill time to heat up and make sure about 2/3 of your coals have turned white before adding any food.
Get the temperature right
Controlling the temperature of your BBQ is key as different things cook at different speeds. To create a hot and cool area you can stack the coals to one side of the BBQ so you have a mega-hot side and one with no direct heat.
Soak wooden skewers to avoid burning
Skewers are a staple of any good BBQ but nothing is worse then a charred stick of wood through the middle of your snack. Soak your skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Another tip for metal skewers is to coat them in cooking oil to prevent food sticking to them.
Make sure meat is cooked properly
Cooking over hot coals can quickly char the outside of meat leaving the insides still raw. Avoid this issue by cooking on a lower heat for longer and always check your food is cooked through before serving. Cut into your meat or use a temperature probe to make sure the food is done.
Let it rest
Rest your meat for around 5 minutes after it comes off the grill. This will give the juices time to return to the center of the meat avoiding dryness. Do this on a cooling rack, rather then a place to give room for the air to circulate.
Don't forget the vegetables
Whilst a BBQ brings out the carnivore in all of us don't forget to get some veg on there too! You can roast potatoes in the coals while cooking your meats and add some lovely veg to skewers bringing a bit of balance and colour to your plate.
Use tinfoil for an easy cleanup
Everyone loves eating at a BBQ but you don't get too many volunteers when it comes to clean up time. If you put a few layers of tinfoil at the bottom of your BBQ then you wont have to deal with any burnt on fat and grease at the end of a hard days cooking.
I'm sure you guys have some tips of your own so please do share them in the comments below and happy BBQing!
→ COVID-19 support - Help and support from O2 during the lockdown
→ Access for You: Registration - Find out how to register for our Access for You service.
→ Just joined the community or thinking of registering? Check out this handy starter guide!
→ Have a query about your account? login to My O2 for help
If you'd like to take part, why not register?
13-08-2020 18:12 - edited 13-08-2020 18:15
13-08-2020 18:12 - edited 13-08-2020 18:15
I can recommend a lovely Halloumi on the BBQ for the vegetarians [edited as I cannot spell]
→ COVID-19 support - Help and support from O2 during the lockdown
→ Access for You: Registration - Find out how to register for our Access for You service.
→ Just joined the community or thinking of registering? Check out this handy starter guide!
→ Have a query about your account? login to My O2 for help
If you'd like to take part, why not register?
on 13-08-2020 19:33
on 13-08-2020 19:33
on 13-08-2020 19:36
on 13-08-2020 19:36
Is that bloke at the BBQ? I'll be there
Veritas Numquam Perit
on 13-08-2020 20:50
BBQ chicken on skewers
Cut raw chicken into about 1" to 1.1/2" pieces
Put in a tray with plenty of lemon or lime juice and lots of natural yoghurt to coat the chicken pieces well.
Let 'soak' for a while
Place chicken pieces on skewers and BBQ ... turning every so often
Delicious.