Feeling the Heat – How to Boost Your Barbecuing Skills

The sun is shining in a blue cloudless sky. Kids run back and for, or push each other on that old yellow-and-green swing set that sprouts from the lawn of every family home and one point or another. The adults are all one or two drinks in, and the conversation is flowing smoothly. And one man stands at the old gas barbeque, burning steaks and rissoles, over- or under-cooking sausages, and sauteeing onions in bacon grease and a splash of his beer.

We are all familiar with this scene, and it repeats itself across the country. Why not consider, however, how to get the best out of the one part of the day that is, more often than not, sub-par. Improving the food would truly put the cherry on the cake, wouldn’t it?

Get Yourself Some Gadgets

The new technologies available today really do open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Why not ditch the old soot-encrusted, barely food safe four-burner in favor of something with a little more flair? An Infrared Grill will not only cook more evenly and faster but is also super easy to clean and maintain, removing that burnt, black layer that clings to the edges of ‘traditional’ barbeque fare.

Less technologically impressive, but no less useful, are pots and pans. Though not usually used, why not branch out a little. An oven-safe, cast iron pot will enable you to create stews and soups alongside your grilling meat and vegetables. If you place in a rack and a little water, you can even make a roast.

Plan Ahead

Yes, sometimes these things are a little unexpected. But with a day or two’s notice, you can turn the usually bland meat-and-veg into an incredibly tasty, satisfying experience. Mix lime juice, coriander, tobasco, and cumin together and marinade your steaks overnight, and you’ll have juicy, spiced steaks to show off with.

Pre-preparing foods like stuffed mushrooms (macadamia, sundried tomato, coriander, and chopped stems works wonderfully), salad dressings, and handmade rissoles or burgers can really add a certain flare that would otherwise be missing.

Augment Your Food

If you really want to make your barbeque feast stand head-and-shoulders above the rest, think about what you’re going to serve alongside anything you cook. It sounds like a lot of wasted effort, but it can really complete the meal.

Look at fresh foods; a salad made fresh will work alongside the earthiness of barbequed food, and mirroring the herbs or spices that you used in your marinade will create a wonderful pairing for everyone to enjoy. Garlic and herb bread is also good, or any kind of crisp bread served with good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Lastly, a top-tier meal is not complete without a drink to go with it. If you have the time, and a little extra in your budget, look at pairing a few wines, ciders, or beers with the food you provide. Stick to the tried and true rules; red wines for red meats, white for fish and chicken. But it can go beyond that if you like. A good Shiraz, for example, will wonderfully enhance any spiciness in your food. If you’re unsure, just look at the label and pair the flavor profile of the wine along with the ingredients used in the meal. Simple!

Keeping these things in mind, and using a little imagination, it can be really simple to turn your barbeque into an event to remember. Whether it’s for friends and relatives, or just you and your immediate family, good food makes any experience that much more special.