Barbecue season! Smoky, grilled meats sizzling away on the grill, a cold brew in hand, and the sun blazing down – what more could you want in the summer? Here at Fine Food Specialist, we are big fans of barbeque and as always, we like to add that gourmet twist. We’ve sourced all the best steaks, burgers, and specialist meats, go explore our fantastic outdoor BBQ dining collection here. For the best summer BBQ recipes check out this blog here and for our top BBQ tip and tricks keep scrolling!
Beginner’s Guide to Barbecue
If you’re new to barbecuing or just want to brush up your skills and pick up some new tips, read on. Avoid these common BBQ mistakes and learn how to barbecue properly with us.
BBQ Prep
Preparation is key with barbecuing and these are some of our suggestions to take into consideration before you even get the grill going.
Marinades are important
If you’re planning on grilling meat or poultry, you might want to marinate beforehand – preferably overnight or at least for a couple of hours before you start cooking to allow the flavours to work their magic. Smoke will add lots of flavour to the meat but having a base layer of flavour will help intensify the overall taste. Remember to save some of the marinade to brush over while cooking to help retain moisture!
Rubs first, sauces last
Dry rubs can be added to meat way in advance to marinate and tenderise but remember to add any sticky glazes and wet sauces last to prevent burning. A common mistake is overdoing the sauces and having the skin burn before the inside is fully cooked. Many sauces contain sugar which will burn quickly.
Allow enough time
Meat should ideally be at room temp before going on the grill. This allows the muscles to relax and cook better, and is especially important to consider for larger cuts of meat. You should also leave enough time to let the meat rest after cooking to seal in the juices before slicing – this will help the meat stay moist.
Setting up the BBQ
You’ve decided whether you want to buy steaks or buy burgers for your ultimate summer BBQ, and now you need to get the grill on. Here are our tips for setting up the BBQ for the best summer barbecue experience.
Choose the right fuel
Cheap charcoal from the corner shop may be convenient, but if you’re keen to get the most out of your BBQ, we’d recommend going for high quality binchotan or wood. Binchotan is a special Japanese coal which can last up to six hours and provide a consistent and even heat. Fruit wood, such as this hand cut grape one, can add sweet and smoky notes of flavour to the meat as you grill. It also tends to have fewer impurities and has a higher sap content than other types of wood. You can also use wood to make your own charcoal, simply cook down and grill over the fresh coals. Top tip: soak in water overnight to create more smoke. If you’re using wooden skewers, you can also soak them beforehand to prevent burning (metal ones can be brushed with neutral oil to prevent sticking)
Know the difference between direct and indirect cooking
Most BBQ pros follow the half-half method which involves placing coal on one side of the barbecue. This trick will give you more control, giving you two temps to switch between. It’s a great way to save on charcoal too! Speaking of temperature, we’d also recommend using a meat thermometer to keep an eye on the heat – plus you don’t want to have to keep opening the grill. A good rule of thumb is pork and beef are usually cooked when the probe reads 65°C and chicken at 70°C.
Give yourself enough time
Make sure to start the BBQ at least half an hour before you need it, you won’t want to add raw meat straight to the flames. Let the flames die down and the embers to turn white – this means that heat is most even and at its peak – before adding the meat.
Keep your tools clean
Use different tongs/plates for raw and cooked meats and try using half an onion or lemon to clean the grill – the acids will help get rid of the charred bits.
Best BBQ Equipment
If you’re serious about BBQ, then you’ll want to invest in the right tools. There’s also the charcoal vs gas grill debate, and while there are pros and cons for both types, we are big fans of the Yakiniku clay grill. Charcoal grills are quite versatile and while they can take a bit longer to get going, they provide a long, consistent heat.
Buy Yakiniku
This method of cooking is quite popular in Japan and the term Yakiniku, which literally translates to grilled meat, spans a whole genre of Japanese cooking. This ceramic clay grill is great for indoor and outdoor cooking and is quite portable too. You can grill almost anything on these handy grills – seafood, beef, and offal are typical in Japanese cuisine, but you can also do pork and vegetables. Use with binchotan coal for the ultimate Japanese BBQ experience!
Charcoal and Firewood
Once you’ve chosen the right grilling equipment, you will need to consider the best and most efficient fuel for barbecuing with. It’s always good to pay that little bit extra for quality and we have some great options for you on our site. Read through to learn more!
Buy Charcoal
Binchotan is type of charcoal typically used in Japanese cooking such as yakitori and yakiniku. Made from white oak trees in Japan and fired in a kiln until carbonised, the product is a shiny, rock-hard charcoal that is greyish white. Binchotan is a great option because it is neutral in flavour and odour (making it ideal for indoor cooking) and lasts for a long time. The charcoal will take a bit longer to light, but once it gets going produces a steady heat that can last for up to six hours. BBQ connoisseurs and yakiniku fans will enjoy using this special charcoal. We also offer briquettes which are more convenient and are quicker to ignite and will still retain their heat for a while.
Firewood
This grape wood is another excellent choice for BBQ pros. Sourced from vineyards, this is also a sustainable option. Great for open-fires and barbecuing, the grape wood will impart a sweet undertone and delicious aroma – the flavour it brings to fish and meat is incredible!
Other useful tools
Tongs are an essential piece of kit
Chimney starter so you can get the BBQ started more efficiently
Heat-proof gloves to keep you safe
Silicone brush for marinades and sauces
BBQ Sides and Recipes from Drogo’s Kitchen
Read our BBQ recipes blog here to find our best BBQ recipes for the summer and bank holidays.
Don’t neglect the sides! Have all the salads and extras prepped beforehand, and any vegetables can also go on the grill. Foil wrapped potatoes or classic corn on the cob – why not if you’ve already got the BBQ going?
Barbecues aren’t just for meat! Fish is great for throwing on the BBQ, go for a whole fish and stuff the cavities with herbs and citrus and wrap up in newspaper or banana leaf for the grill. Seasonal vegetables and even fruits such as pineapple are great for charring on the BBQ too.
We have loads of fantastic recipes for you to get inspiration from over on Drogo’s Kitchen, our recipes hub featuring the latest seasonal offerings.
Explore our site now...
Browse our fantastic BBQ collection for more ideas and take a look at Drogo’s Kitchen for even more recipes and cooking advice. If you try out any of our ingredients or recipes please do tag us on social media! We love to see what you create.
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