Introduction
Grilling is something we all love. It is a must activity during summers. You get to enjoy vacations with your friends and family. Delicious food and great company are all you need! Grilling is easy. Everyone can do it! You don’t have to be a pro to start planning BBQ parties for your friends and family. It is all about keeping a few important points in mind. So, if you indulge in this activity only during summertime, we have some simple ways you can improve your grilling experience. So, before heading out to start the first grill of the season, read these few simple points and follow them for a smooth and successful party!
Tips
Give your grill a premium treatment Since the grill is going to be your best friend this summer, it deserves VIP treatment. Whether you are using a gas, coal or an electric grill, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your grill is clean. Clean every inch of the grill and the rack thoroughly. Over the winter months there is usual some build up of mould but it depends on how much you use your grill and the state you kept it after the last use. Think about investing in the grill. You can buy additional tongs, check the state of your gas etc. Lastly, make sure you oil the grill rack generously before you start grilling.
Keep things simple BBQ and grilling are usually a family affair. It can easily extend to friends as well. So, if you have a lot of mouths to feed, make sure you keep things simple. As much as you would like to add all your favourite BBQ items to the menu, managing the ingredients and cooking the dishes to perfection can get hectic. So, think of burgers, skewered kebabs, some vegetables and a few quick sides. You can get generous on condiments and drinks if you like.
The Condiments could make or mar
Pair your steaks, burgers and vegetables with different condiments, dips and sauces. Depending on your slant, you can add some spicyness to your adventure. Why not try our Spiced BBQ Sauce, or the award winning Naga Chilli Ketchup just to mention a few. These days there are so many to choose from but aim to get a range that crowns the day perfectly. One thing you are sure about us is, we will deliver on taste. Don’t forget to add some rubs for your chicken thighs, wings, pork loins, salmon the list is endless. You also do a very rich and flavoursome range.
Make Stations
You can divide your grill onto a few stations. For instance, if you are cooking steak, burger, and vegetables, make sure you separate the meats from the vegetables so that there is not a contamination. It is necessary to have a good layout, to avoid sicknesses. Also this way, you can multitask and prepare more food items in one go. You can adjust the ingredients according to the situation and demand to keep the food coming without any halt.
Refrain from frequent flipping As much as you want to press the meat, flip it now and then, try not to do that! It will ruin the flavours of your food. The key to handling meat over the grill is letting the heat do the work. If you flip it and press it every now and then, the food will lose its flavour and moisture. Trust me, after all the hard work, you want it nice and juicy. Most people try the aluminium foil technique, it works well, especially when you are cooking food in portions. Also check that no one reacts to aluminium foil.
You can midge-proof your grilling session Depending on where you are grilling this summer, midges could be a pain when outdoors. But not to worry, we teamed up with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) in conjunction with Make-It-Scotch to create Bite Back Marinade using ingredients from a scientific study by Dr Blackwell, a midge expert. When you use the Bite Back marinade, the aroma deters midges and you can enjoy your grills. The taste is delicious and you are in for a cruise this summer and beyond. Scotch beef and lamb are top quality and make for really juicy barbecue and grills.
If you can, invest in a meat thermometer
Meat is always the hero of every BBQ. And because you want your meat to cook to perfection, you need to monitor its internal temperature. Although most people prefer the touch-and-tell technique, not everyone is a pro. So, it’s better to purchase a meat thermometer. This way, you will know exactly when to take the meat off the heat and to cook it according you’re the doneness you require.
Be safe
Even if you are a pro at grilling, you can still face accidents. Make sure you check to confirm the grill is still up to the task so that you avoid disasters. As a precautionary, keep a fire extinguisher close by. It works really well in controlling occasional flare-ups. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, RoSPA, reported that more than 1,800 people visited A&E due to accidents caused by barbecues the last time figures were collected through the Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System (HASS/LASS). So be safe. Also, ensure you don’t have kids running around the grilling area. Keep an eye on them.
Bottomline Anyone can grill delicious steaks, BBQs etc. it is no rocket science. You just have to keep a few simple points in mind. So, the next time you plan and prepare for the BBQ, keep these tips in mind. This way, you will enjoy rich flavours and effortless cooking! Good luck!