1.Get the right BBQ/ Use the right fuel
Choosing the right BBQ fuel depends on what you will be cooking. Charcoal is best for slower cooking and for the smokey flavour it gives to meat and vegetables. Heat beads with the addition of some hickory chips also do the same trick. Use gas BBQs for quick cooking, but make sure that you season/ marinade your meat/ vegetables well as gas doesn’t impart the flavours that charcoal does. The added bonus of using a gas grill is, you don’t have to worry about the preparation and cleanup of charcoal.
2. Wait for the right moment to cook
Make sure you have everything ready and next to you before you put your food on the grill. This will include your seasonings, tongs, trays/ plates (to place food into once cooked). You don’t want to be running back and forth into the kitchen!
3. Get the temperature bang on
Your grill should be hot enough so that when you put your meat onto the grill, it should make a nice hot searing sound.
4. Get the best tools
Sourcing the best BBQ tools that are right for you is crucial. Steer away from BBQ sets. A decent pair of BBQ tongs and a BBQ spatula are all you really need.
5. Get creative with ingredients and meats- Fish is great on bbq
With the influences of many different cuisines from all over the world, be experimental in your dry spice rubs and marinades for your BBQ and don’t limit yourself to just red meat and chicken. Fish accommodates a vast array of different types of flavourings. The spices and flavourings Indian, Vietnamese, Moroccan and Italian cuisines work beautifully with fish.
6. Make your own burgers
Not only are burgers cost effective, they also feed the masses! Burgers are extremely easy to make. Use simple ingredients such as fresh herbs, garlic, onion, nuts or feta/ goat’s cheese. Mix with either one type of mince meat or a blend of two or three, and you can make the most delicious of burgers patties.
7. Marinades are the way to go
Marinades are the way to go when entertaining. You can flavour bulk lots of meats at once and the flavour the marinade will impart into the meat will be sensational. Marinated meat can be used for a variety of dishes, from tacos, yiros/ gyros, and kebabs or simply served with salad and sides. Making your own marinade from scratch is always the best. You can use Obela Savoury Garlic Hommus to make a delicious chicken kebab marinade! www.obela.com.au/recipes/marinated-chicken-kebabs
8. Get the sides right
Always remember that your sides are there to accentuate your main dish. Create sides that flavoursome and refreshing, making sure that the flavourings coincide with your main.
9. Don’t burn the veggies
Yes, a little bit of charring does accentuate flavour but too much will ruin your dish! Vegetables tend to omit natural sugars when they are on the BBQ, so just watch them carefully when cooking.
10. Keep the guests at bay while you are cooking
I always put together a giant share plate with a mix of artisan cheeses, olives, seasonal fruits, crackers and a selection of dips! I love the Obela hommus range because they come beautifully garnished so look great on the table and are made using fresh and real ingredients.
11. Is there a chutney recipe we can use that could be used with leftovers?
You can make delicious roast vegetable chutney. Add 500g roasted root vegetables to a saucepan along with one tomato that has been peeled and chopped. Add 125g brown sugar and 150ml brown vinegar. Add some sultanas, cinnamon, cumin, chilli and all spice. Simmer over low heat until reduced and thickened. Season with salt. Serve cold with your left over meats.
