How to BBQ

When Summer is here, there’s no better way to cook and grill than on the barbecue. If you’re looking for a BBQ Sauce Recipe or just want to know how to BBQ in general, then check out my guide.

This guide on how to BBQ covers the following areas:

• Marinating
• BBQ Sauce Recipe
• Pre-prep
• Lighting the BBQ
• Cooking

Marinating

If you want to impress your guests, marinating your meat at least 2 hours before cooking (or over night) is a real crowd pleaser! There are plenty of marinades available off the shelf, or, it’s easy to make your own by mixing together these basics:

• Wine or Beer
• Herbs (Rosemary/Thyme)
• Garlic
• Salt & Pepper
• Tinned Tomatoes

Use enough to just cover the meat and remember, DO NOT mix beef with chicken.

BBQ Sauce Recipe

You can make a great BBQ Sauce Recipe using Tomatoes, Oil, Onions, Garlic and Chilli Powder as the basic ingredients. If you want a real kick, add some Tobasco/Worcester Sauce.

Simple blend together the Onions and Garlic (almost into a pulp) then add a teaspoon of Chilli Powder and a Tin of Chopped Tomatoes to the blender (with a little oil also). Whizz it all up into a paste, then you have an easy BBQ Sauce.

Pre-Prep

Ensure all your salads and condiments are prepared. You will need to cook any chicken (that has not been butterflied) beforehand. Cook the chicken in either the oven or microwave according to instructions on the packet. Then, cook the chicken on the BBQ Grill as soon as it has been pre-cooked.

If you’re cooking Chicken Breasts, simply butterfly each piece (split downwards) and there is no need to pre-cook.

Lighting the BBQ

If you have a Gas BBQ, this is pretty straight forward. However, for those with a Charcoal BBQ, follow these steps:

Firstly, make sure the charcoal is dry. Then add firelighters (if using) to the middle of the BBQ and pile on the charcoal to make a mound. Add fire lighters sparingly within the mound, or, if you're using lighting fluid, squirt this around the charcoal. Light the charcoal and let it burn. Once the charcoal is 30% white, spread it and leave for 10-15 minutes, then, you're ready to cook.

Cooking

Ensure all meats are defrosted beforehand, however, thin beef burgers can be cooked from frozen. Keep meats separate up until they’re put on the BBQ. Turn meats regularly and cook until the meat is piping hot. Cut into the meat to check there is absolutely no pink (especially with chicken) and that the juices run clear. Then, the meat is ready to eat!

And for some great BBQ Recipes, check out my Homemade Burgers Recipe – complete with cooking video.

Image courtesy of Mircea