Tips for a terrific backyard barbecue

The prep

While the grill is considered the backbone of any barbecue — and there are so many to choose from whether charcoal, gas, or pellet ones — the tools are just as important. Invest in a good quality set that includes the basics like a spatula, tongs, a basting brush, tweezer (for delicate pieces of meat or veggies), a fork, and skewers. Don’t forget a pair of heat resistant gloves, aluminum foil and gas or charcoal, depending on your grill, are all essential too. Once you have these things, you are ready to begin.

Fire up!

To ensure the meal is a success, light up the barbecue in advance so it gets to the right temperature, as that reduces the risk of serving undercooked food.

The food and beverages

While most people prefer red meat when it comes to grilling, chicken, seafood and vegetables are just as delicious when barbecued. A sure-fire way to get fabulous flavours is a good marinade. Other than contributing to the overall taste, the marination process, which can range from 30 minutes for seafood to few hours for poultry and overnight for meats, promises tender and juicer meat. Do keep in mind though that grilling marinated food right out of the fridge could result in the outside being burned and the inside raw, so you need to bring it to room temperature before you begin. If you’re cooking chicken, start with a good sear and always use a thermometer as it can be difficult to tell if it is cooked by just looking at it. With meats, once done, allow it to rest so save it from drying out and loss of flavour.

As a rule of thumb: the bigger the cut, the longer the wait. Luckily vegetables require limited manipulation. A little olive oil and lots of salt and pepper does the trick. No meal is complete without sides and the same goes for a barbecue. A coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob are some of the classics you could add to your menu along with the usual condiments. There couldn’t be a more fitting end than s’mores, but if you’d like to take the less indulgent route, a scoop of ice cream paired with grilled bananas or fruit skewers maybe? Lastly, beverages shouldn’t be boring, so fill the dispenser with a refreshing punch or serve up glasses of flavoured lemonade.

The ambience

While the focus is the food, you want to make the most of the season too. Lay out a picnic mat or dress up the outdoor table and add a string of fairy lights if you intend to barbecue in the evening. For entertainment, you could always count on board games or a pack of cards. The idea is to get the entire family involved.