BBQ Guide: Tips to barbeque for beginners

If you’re a fan of barbecued foods, why not try making restaurant-worthy dishes at home by setting up your own barbecue system? All you need is the basic barbecue machine (which comes in all sorts of different sizes), some fuel to heat it up, and some tongs and brushes.

So don your mittens and get grilling! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or an evening party with friends, give your party theme a unique twist by setting up a backyard barbecue. And with these 15 essential tips, enjoy grilling for the first time ever.

1. Equipment

Whether you use a classic barbeque or an electric one is up to you. You can select the size of the grill based on your needs. Plus, they are very easy to set-up in your backyard or garden so that you can start grilling meats immediately. Trust us, it’s worth it!

2. Smoking/Fuel

The most common fuel used for smoking meat is wood, as it gives the dish a unique flavor. While cooking meat, it absorbs the smoke which gives it a distinct taste. Some people also use charcoal to achieve this purpose.

If you’re looking to give your food a smoky flavor, then using charcoal is your best bet. To light either the charcoal or wood, simply use a matchstick.

Use tongs to occasionally move them around – this will help regulate the temperature. Although gas can be used as well, charcoal and wood are still considered traditional methods of smoking meats .

3. Meat

First, let the barbeque heat up for a bit. You can cook any kind of meat on it, from chicken and pork to fish and steak. It’ll take around 12 minutes to cook steak or pork on medium heat, 10 minutes for fish and 25-30  minutes for chicken.

4. Marinades

Different types of marinades are used while the meat is barbecuing, commonly involving vinegar, oils, and lemon with herbs.

5. Rubs

Although it’s not required, most people choose to rub their meat with spices or other flavoring agents before barbequing. This allows the flavors to seep into the meat while it cooks. Some of the more popular options include salt, sugar, mustard sauce, vinegar and tomato.

6. Tools

Choosing the ideal tools will make your barbequing experience much smoother. If you’re a first-time user, always wear mittens.

Have a basting brush to spread any sauces or marinades on the meat. Use long-handled tongs and spatulas to flip the meat over so it cooks evenly on all sides.

7. Sauces

A barbeque sauce can enhance the flavors of your meat dish by adding a spicy or smoky taste. Once the meat is cooked, simply add some sauce to it before serving.

8. Temperature

To ensure your meat are cooked thoroughly and without burning, it’s crucial to maintain grill temperature. Check the temperature occasionally, using tongs to rearrange coals or wood as needed for more even cooking.

9. Sides

Moreover, don’t forget the side dishes! For example, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables or potato salad served along with your barbecued meat would be perfect.

10. Safety

Use caution while grilling as open flames and hot equipment is involved. Keep children and pets away at all times, even if you’re just leaving for a minute. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.

11. Cleaning

Once you’re done cooking, give the grill time to cool down. Then, clean it with water and dish soap. Be sure to scrub any leftover food or oil off, then dry it before putting it away.

12. Storage

To keep your barbecue in pristine condition, store it in a dry area and cover it with a tarp or cloth whenever you’re not using it. This will protect it from rusting, as well as rain and debris.

13. Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in airtight containers, and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by placing them on the grill until they are hot inside.

14. Timing

Plan your barbeque event in advance to ensure that everything comes together smoothly. Allow the meat time to marinate, and give yourself enough time to set-up and clean-up before and after cooking.

15. Enjoy

Most importantly, have fun with your barbeque! Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. Don’t be afraid to try something new, that’s half the excitement of grilling outdoors!

The most important thing to remember while barbecuing is to have patience and make it healthy. Don’t rush the cooking process, as it could result in under or burnt meat. Happy grilling