If you have outdoor heating, there is no excuse to put the bbq into storage till Summer. Nothing beats the feeling of treating yourself, family, and friends to a taste of roasted steak and beer as you enjoy the fresh outdoor feeling in your backyard.
The truth is that the majority of us are not barbecuing experts. From burning food to undercooking it, several mistakes make our barbecues far from perfect. Cooking over fire is an elusive skill that will earn you the respect of your friends. Below are some tips and techniques that could help you become an expert at preparing mouth-watering barbeques.
Get the Right Tools
The first step to your transformation from an amateur cook to a seasoned barbecue chef is having the right tools. Ensure that the pair of metal tongs in use has handles that are long enough to prevent any contact with the fire. A temperature probe can come in handy in determining whether the meat is well cooked. If you love your meat flavoured, you can turn a wooden spoon into a herb brush by simply dipping the spoon in a mixture containing the herbs and olive oil. Lastly, you should invest in barbecue gloves to protect your hands from burning as you move the food or arrange the hot coals.
Prepare Well
The level of preparation always has a significant impact on the outcome of any activity. Before any barbeque session, make sure that the meat is just enough for the attendees. You should also chop up the meat into small pieces so that the people can eat as little or as much as they want and avoid wastage. Also, remember to include side dishes and condiments to add spice (literally) to your food.
Marinate!
You must have heard that marinating is best done overnight. Well, in the case of barbeques, marinating is vital. This is because it makes the food tastier and prevents the smoke from overriding the flavours. Ideally, you should save some marinade so that you continually apply it on the meat as it cooks. Ensuring that the food remains moist and the smoke flavour is trapped and caramelised.
Test and Rest the Meat
Unless you cook barbeques every day, it is difficult to tell how well-cooked the meat is by sight. It is recommendable to chop off a small piece to check whether the meat is ready before serving.
Once the meat is cooked, you should rest it for a short while. Resting allows it to reabsorb its juices and become tenderer. The bigger the cut, the more the resting time.
Add Vegetables
While barbeques are mostly about meat, adding vegetables makes for an even tastier experience. For the best result, slice the vegetables into thin pieces and grill them slightly without seasoning.
With these simple tip, you are well on your way to being a bbq King or Queen.
