Is summer finally here?  It is finally time to fire up the BBQ?

We all know (and deep-down love) the famously unpredictable British summer, but it’s unpredictability doesn’t mean you have to abandon your BBQ. With a few tips, tricks, and mouth-watering recipes, you can elevate your outdoor cooking game, come rain or shine.

Preparing for Success

1. The Right Equipment: Investing in a quality BBQ is the first step. Whether you prefer the smoky flavour of a charcoal grill or the convenience of gas, make sure your equipment is up to the task. Accessories such as long-handled tongs, a meat thermometer, and a good-quality wire brush for cleaning are also essential.

2. The Right Recipes: Keep your recipes simple … it’s the Delicious and Real way! And make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go so that you can enjoy it as much as your guests!

3. Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures a consistent cooking temperature and helps to prevent food from sticking to the grates.

Mastering the Basics

1. Marinating and Seasoning: Marinades and rubs are your best friends. They not only enhance the flavour but also tenderise the meat. A simple marinade could be olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, left to soak into chicken or lamb for at least an hour. For rubs, a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar works wonders on pork and beef.

2. Direct vs. Indirect Heat: Understanding the difference between direct and indirect heat is crucial. Direct heat is ideal for smaller, quicker-cooking items like burgers and sausages, while indirect heat is better for larger cuts of meat, such as whole chickens or ribs, which need a longer cooking time without burning.

3. Resting the Meat: Once off the grill, let your meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and tender bite.

4. It’s all about the Sides: For me, a good BBQ has to have a good selection of sides.  Corn on the cobs (cooked on the BBQ); a couple of delicious salads – check this one or this one out if you really want to wow your guests; a coleslaw and a pasta dish.

Weather-ProofingYour BBQ

1. Have a Backup Plan: British weather is notoriously fickle. Keep a gazebo or large umbrella handy to shield your BBQ from unexpected showers. If all else fails, cook it in the oven!

2. Choose the Right Day: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and pick a day that promises at least a few hours of clear skies. Even if it’s not blazing sunshine, a dry day can make all the difference.

Recipes to Wow Your Guests

1. Classic BBQ Chicken:

• Ingredients:
   
  • 4 chicken breasts
   
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
   
  • 60ml  olive oil
   
  • Juice of 2 lemons
   
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
   
  • Salt and pepper to taste
 
• Instructions:
   
  • Mix the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
   
  • Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least one hour.
   
  • Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

2. Smoky BBQ Ribs:

• Ingredients:
   
  • 2 racks of pork ribs
   
  • 120ml BBQ sauce
   
  • 60ml red wine vinegar
   
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
   
  • 1 tsp cumin
   
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
   
  • Salt and pepper to taste
 
• Instructions:
   
  • Preheat your grill for indirect cooking.
   
  • Combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
   
  • Brush the ribs with the sauce and place on the grill away from the direct heat.
   
  • Cover and cook for 3-4 hours, basting with the sauce every hour.

3. Grilled Veggie Skewers:

• Ingredients:
   
  • 2 courgettes, sliced
   
  • 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
   
  • 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks
   
  • 1 red onion, quartered
   
  • Olive oil
   
  • Salt and pepper to taste
   
  • Fresh rosemary, chopped
 
• Instructions:
   
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
   
  • Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
   
  • Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
   
  • Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Conclusion

BBQ season in the UK is a time to celebrate the great outdoors, indulge in delicious food (my members have access to lots of BBQ friendly recipes), and enjoy the company of friends and family. With the right preparation, techniques, and recipes, you can ensure your BBQ is a sizzling success, no matter what the British summer throws your way.

So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let the BBQ season begin!

Have a fab summer!

Claire, Deliciousand Real