Mastering The Art Of Bbq Cooking

Cooking on a barbecue is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and create delicious food. There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking on a barbecue to ensure your food is cooked safely and tastes great. Firstly, it is important to prepare your barbecue by cleaning it and coating it with a thin layer of oil to create a non-stick surface. You should also decide whether to use a charcoal or gas barbecue, as they require different set-up procedures and cooking techniques. Charcoal barbecues offer a natural smoky flavour but are more difficult to clean and maintain a constant temperature, whereas gas barbecues are easier to use and control the temperature. When cooking, use direct heat for faster-cooking foods like burgers and hot dogs, and indirect heat for slow-cooking meats like ribs. Always preheat your barbecue for 10-20 minutes before cooking and use a meat thermometer to check that your food is cooked properly. Finally, make sure you have the right tools for cooking on the barbecue, such as tongs, spatulas, and grilling mitts.

How to light a charcoal BBQ

Lighting a charcoal barbecue is a simple process, but it requires some preparation and safety measures. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light a charcoal BBQ:

Step 1: Prepare the Charcoal

Firstly, you need to decide how much charcoal to use. The amount of charcoal will depend on the size of your grill and the desired temperature. For smaller grills, 30 briquettes are usually sufficient, while larger grills may require 50 to 75 briquettes. If you are cooking at moderate heat, a single layer of coals across the bottom will work. For higher temperatures, you will need more charcoal, stacking it 2 to 3 high.

Step 2: Arrange the Charcoal

The charcoal should be arranged in a mound or pyramid shape under the centre of the grill. This helps increase contact between the coals and facilitates fire growth. If you are using a charcoal chimney, fill it with charcoal to the top or just below. For grills without a chimney, you can also arrange the charcoal in a pyramid at the bottom of the grill, allowing the heat to rise and spread.

Step 3: Use Lighter Fluid or Newspaper (Optional)

If you are using lighter fluid, spray it generously over the top of the charcoal pile. Allow it to soak for 3-5 minutes, and then add a little more. Never apply lighter fluid to hot coals or open flames. Alternatively, you can use rolled-up newspaper balls soaked in vegetable oil and placed underneath the charcoal.

Step 4: Light the Charcoal

Use a long match or a long lighter to ignite the charcoal in several spots around the pile. If using newspaper, light the newspaper in several spots. Allow the flames to spread, and keep lighting different spots until you have a steady flame.

Step 5: Wait for the Charcoal to Ash

Let the charcoal burn until it turns greyish-white with a red glow in the centre. This usually takes around 10-30 minutes, depending on the desired temperature. For high heat, wait for 10-15 minutes, and for medium heat, wait for 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Spread the Coals

Once the charcoal is ready, use a metal rake or tongs to spread the coals evenly across the charcoal grate. This helps ensure even heat distribution across the grill.

Step 7: Adjust the Vents and Grill Height

Close the vents and place the food in the centre of the grill. Start with items that take longer to cook, such as chicken. If your barbecue has a hood, you can use it to trap heat and cook the food more quickly and evenly. You can also adjust the grill height if your barbecue doesn't have a hood. Move the grill closer to the charcoal for more heat or away from it to lower the temperature.

Step 8: Clean Up

After you are done cooking, remember to clean your grill thoroughly. Remove any leftover ash and grease, and wipe down the grates with cooking oil. It is important to maintain your grill to ensure it lasts longer and to prevent grease fires.

How to barbecue over gas

Gas grilling is a convenient and fun way to cook outdoors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to barbecue over gas:

Step 1: Set Up and Clean Your Grill

Before you start grilling, ensure your gas grill is set up correctly and clean. If it's a new grill, make sure to give it a good clean before its first use. If you're using a hand-me-down grill, give it a thorough clean, paying special attention to the grill components under the grates, such as the burner tubes. Check your grill's user manual for specific cleaning instructions. It is recommended to clean your grill at least once a year, and preferably twice.

Step 2: Check Your Gas Source

Most gas grills use propane, supplied by small portable tanks. Ensure your propane tank has enough fuel before you start grilling. You can check this by opening the propane tank valve or the natural gas valve. If you're using propane, thread the regulator onto the valve at the top of your tank, making sure it's aligned properly and not over-tightened. It's a good idea to have a second tank on hand as a backup. Alternatively, your grill may be connected directly to the natural gas supply of your house.

Step 3: Light the Grill

Make sure your grill is outside in a well-ventilated area before lighting it. Most modern gas grills have an igniter button. To light the grill, press and hold the igniter button while slowly turning on the burner control knob closest to it. You should see a row of small bluish flames. Once the first burner is lit, you can light the other burners and adjust their heat. If your grill doesn't have an igniter or it's not working, you can use a lighter wand or long matches.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Turn all burners to maximum heat and close the lid. Wait for the grill to reach a temperature of around 400°F, which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, reduce the burner settings to medium heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Grill Grates

Use a wire brush to clean the grill grates and remove any burnt-on bits from previous grilling sessions. This is important to prevent off-flavors and food sticking to the grill. After cleaning, rub a small amount of oil on the grates to provide added non-stick protection. Use a neutral cooking oil, such as canola oil, and apply it with a folded towel and a pair of long-handled tongs.

Step 6: Place Food on the Grill

Choose foods that are easy to cook for your first grilling session. Burgers or steaks are excellent choices, as they are forgiving and hard to mess up. Place your food on the grill, leaving at least an inch of space around each piece. Let the food cook for several minutes at medium heat until the underside is nicely browned before flipping. Use tongs or a spatula to gently lift one piece to check if it's ready to be flipped.

Step 7: Manage the Cooking Process

Keep an eye on your food and manage the cooking process by swapping slower-cooking pieces with faster-cooking ones. Flip the meat a couple of times during cooking and press it with your spatula to test its firmness. Raw meat is soft, while fully cooked meat is moderately firm. Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure about the doneness of your meat.

Step 8: Turn Off the Grill

When you're finished grilling, turn off all the burners and give the grill grates a quick clean. Close the valve on the propane tank by turning it clockwise until it stops. Wait for the grill to cool down completely, then cover it with a waterproof grill cover to protect it from the elements.

How to cook steak on a BBQ

Preparation

Before you start cooking, there are a few things you should do to prepare your steak and BBQ for cooking. Firstly, pat the steak dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly. You should also preheat your BBQ grill or flatplate to a medium-high heat.

Oil and seasoning

Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the BBQ. This is better than brushing the BBQ, as it prevents the oil from burning. Excess oil can create smoke and cause flare-ups. Wait until just before cooking to season your steak with salt and pepper, as seasoning too early can dry the meat out.

Cooking

Place the steak on the BBQ and cook until done to your liking. A good BBQ should give a sizzle as the steak hits the hot surface. Only turn the steak once during cooking, as turning it more can make the meat tough. If you are using a gas BBQ, you can close the hood to help the steak cook through. If you are using charcoal, you can create two cooking zones – a hotter one for charring and searing, and a cooler one for more gentle cooking.

Resting

After cooking, transfer the steak to a plate and cover with foil. Set aside for 5 minutes to rest. This allows the meat to relax and the juices to distribute evenly, making the steak succulent and tender.

Checking for doneness

The time it takes to cook a steak depends on its thickness and how well you like it cooked. A good way to check if a steak is done is to press the centre with the back of your tongs – if it is medium, the meat will spring back. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a steak cooked medium-rare, the temperature should be 130-135°F; for medium, 135-145°F; and for medium-well, 145-155°F.

Top tips

• Use long-handled tongs to turn your steak and keep your hands away from the heat.
• Only turn your steak once during cooking, or the juices will escape and make the meat tough.
• Don't overcrowd the BBQ, as this can reduce the heat and prevent the steaks from cooking evenly.
• Clean your BBQ while it is still warm, using a stiff wire brush or scraper.

How to prepare food for the BBQ

Preparing food for a BBQ involves more than just choosing what to cook. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your next BBQ:

Choose Your BBQ Style and Equipment:

Before you start, decide on the type of BBQ you want to host. Will it be a casual get-together with friends or a themed event? As for the BBQ style, you can go for charcoal or gas grills, each with its pros and cons. Charcoal grills offer a smoky flavour but require manual lighting and longer preheating times, while gas grills are easier to turn on but might be pricier.

Plan Your Menu:

Select a variety of foods that can be grilled, such as burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, veggie skewers, corn on the cob, and more. Consider dietary requirements and have separate grills for vegetarian, vegan, and meat options.

Prepare Food in Advance:

Get a head start by preparing what you can in the morning or the night before. Chop vegetables, onions, and meats, and store them in the refrigerator. Make salads, but add the dressing just before serving. Glaze and marinate meats ahead of time to infuse flavour. Pre-cut bread for hot dogs and burgers, and get your skewers ready.

Food Safety and Hygiene:

Always handle food with care. Thaw frozen food completely before cooking, and ensure meat is properly defrosted in the refrigerator to prevent cold spots. Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods, and for vegetarian and meat dishes, to avoid cross-contamination. Keep meat in cool bags with ice packs to maintain a safe temperature.

Grill Preparation:

If using a charcoal grill, empty ashes from previous grilling sessions. Preheat both charcoal and gas grills before cooking. For charcoal grills, use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid, as it can affect the taste of your food. Let the charcoal grill heat up for at least 20 minutes until the coals are glowing red with a grey surface for even heat distribution. Gas grills should heat up for at least 10 minutes.

Cleaning and Oiling the Grill:

Use a brass-wire or metal-bristled grill brush to scrape off any charred residue. After heating the grill, it will be easier to remove leftover residue. You can also use a wooden paddle-style scraper to ensure no metal scraps are left behind. Once the grill is clean, grab an oiled paper towel with tongs and wipe it over the bars. Use oils with high smoking temperatures like canola or vegetable oil.

Cooking Techniques:

When cooking meat, avoid flipping constantly. Ideally, flip each piece once during grilling. Don't press down on burgers or chicken with a spatula, as this squeezes out the juices. For charcoal grills, you can add soaked wood chips for extra smoky flavour. For gas grills, soak herbs in water and place them on the grate before adding food.

Resting Meat:

One of the most important steps is to let the meat rest after grilling. Take the meat off the grill just before you think it's ready and let it rest, as it will continue cooking in the residual heat, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to becoming a BBQ master!

How to cook meat perfectly

Preparation

Before you start, make sure your grill is clean and coat it with a thin layer of canola oil to create a non-stick cooking surface. If you're using a charcoal BBQ, light the coals with a flame and flammable material, like lighter fluid, and wait until they have a light grey ash before spreading them around. For a gas BBQ, connect the gas line to the propane tank nozzle and turn the dial to your desired heat setting.

Cooking

If you're cooking meat that requires a long time, like chicken, start with that first. Use direct heat for faster-cooking foods like burgers and hot dogs, and indirect heat for slow-cooking meats like ribs. For charcoal grills, keep the coals on one side and cook on the other. For gas grills, turn the heat down after the food has browned evenly on all sides.

Testing

Use a thermometer to test for doneness. Stick it into the thickest part of the meat, keeping it away from the bone. The internal temperature of poultry should be 165 °F (74 °C), while pork and fish should be 145 °F (63 °C). Beef ranges from 140 °F (60 °C) for rare to 170 °F (77 °C) for well done.

Resting

Remove the meat from the grill once it reaches its ideal temperature and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the proteins to relax and reabsorb the juices, making the meat juicier.

Frequently asked questions