Top BBQ Tips: Whatever the Weather

In need of some summer BBQ ideas to get your cooking session off the ground? We all like to picture ourselves as barbecue connoisseurs, but too often BBQ attempts don’t exactly go to plan. From meat that’s chargrilled and burnt on the outside but not cooked on the inside, to chicken that’s frighteningly pink - there are lots of things to be avoided. But don’t fret, with a few insider BBQ tips, and a bit of practice, you will be impressing your friends by hosting the best BBQ in town in no time. 

Barbecuing is like mastering an art, you have to learn the basic tips for a BBQ, and then perfect your skills as you go along. If you want to put on a get together that doesn’t go up in flames and produces Insta-worthy foodie pics, then you’ll need to be prepared. So get yourself a decent pair of BBQ tongs and make the most of the summer sunshine… what’s left of it.

Stock up on the right BBQ tools 

Before you get carried away with countless BBQ party ideas, first things first. If you want to look the part (and be able to cook with ease) you'll need the right tools. The last thing you want when you’re trying to look like an uber cool outdoor chef is to flip a burger off the side of the barbecue or keep losing sausages to the flames. Trying to turn sausages with a fork is not a good look, either. 

Avoid burning yourself and make cooking as hassle-free as possible by buying the standard tools such as a pair of BBQ tongs, a temperature probe to check the meat is cooked, a herb brush, gloves, metal skewers and maybe even a colourful apron - just so everyone knows you’re the chef.

Buy high welfare meat 

You’ll enjoy your meat more if you know it’s high welfare, and it’s always good to know where ingredients come from. Did you know all our own brand chicken is reared on British soil and comes from farms that exceed the quality assured standards set under the red tractor scheme?

There’s an app for that 

When it comes to cool BBQ ideas, apps are the way forward. If you want to be super-efficient and get cooking tips on the go, download a BBQ app to give you a helping hand. Your guests will be none-the-wiser if you use a smartphone app like Grill Time, Meat Temps or Grill It – while you’ll be getting all the tips and help you need in the palm of your hand.

Marinade 

No one likes bland meat, not when you can infuse it with a tasty marinade. Marinating meat doesn’t just add flavour, it also makes the meat more tender. Win win! But this doesn’t always mean people like it hot, either. Catering for your guests’ tastes is important – which is why BBQ food ideas need variation. Doing a few different flavours is always a good idea so that there’s a wing, drumstick or thigh for everyone – whether their tastes are hot, mild, sweet or sour!

Rest that meat

While getting it while it’s hot might seem a little difficult to resist, patience is key. Letting the meat rest for a couple of minutes once it has been taken off the grill to cool slightly will let the juices soak right in, perfect for letting that flavour develop just a little more. 

Got all the barbecue tips you need and ready to get going? Just pop down to your local convenience store to stock up on ingredients or get some menu ideas and you’re good to go. Happy Barbecuing!