Flame-Grilled Perfection: A Guide to Barbecuing and Grilling
When it comes to getting that perfect, smoky flavor and juicy texture, BBQing and grilling have no equal. Whether you’re an experienced “pit master” or new to the game, we have the tips, advice and recipes to help you get the most out of your grilling adventure.
Whether you’re preparing food for friends and family or cooking up a storm for a large event, there’s something to be said for the flavor of food prepared on an open flame. And, for many of us, BBQ and grill cooking is a great way to shake up meal preparation.
This guide will help you learn the basics of BBQ and grilling — from cooking techniques and safety advice, to essential equipment and mouth-watering recipes. So, let’s get started!
Types of BBQ and Grilling
BBQ
The term “BBQ” — a.k.a. “barbecue” — isn’t just a noun; it’s also a verb. Put simply, it’s a style of slow cooking food over indirect heat and smoke. This is done either in an outdoor BBQ and smoker, or an indoor “smoker”.
BBQ is highly popular in the southern United States, where different regions have different takes on the style. Meats such as pork shoulder, brisket, ribs, chickens and sausages are commonly cooked using the BBQ method.
Grilling
Grilling involves cooking food directly over a high heat for a short amount of time. This technique is frequently used for proteins such as beef, pork, fish and poultry, and can also be used for vegetables and other side dishes.
When it comes to grilling, there are two main cooking methods: surface contact (direct heat) grilling, or roasting (indirect heat) grilling. Surface contact grilling uses high heat to quickly sear the outside of the food, and some areas will become charred. Roasting uses indirect heat, which allows for slow cooking, to enhance flavor and texture.
Essential Equipment
Whether you’re new to BBQing or grilling, or a pro in the kitchen, here’s a list of the essential equipment you’ll need to get started:
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Grill or Smoker: If you’re after traditional BBQ, you’ll need an outdoor smoker or BBQ. For grilling, an outdoor charcoal or gas grill provides heat for direct grilling, and indirect grilling with the lid closed.
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Grilling Utensils: You’ll need a sturdy pair of tongs, a spatula and basting brush, a turner, a pair of heat-resistant gloves, a cleaning brush and various thermometers.
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Charcoal/Wood Chips/Lump Wood Charcoal: For BBQing and grilling, you can either cook over lump wood charcoal (which is made from hardwood), or use charcoal briquettes, which have been treated with additives and flames more evenly. For smoking, use soaked wood chips to create the flavor.
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Wood Pellets: Wood pellets are a easier and cleaner way to create smoke and flavor than wood chips or charcoal. All you need is a hopper to pour the pellets in, and a digital thermometer to monitor your cooking temperature.
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Chimneys/Fire Starters: To light your grill, use either a chimney starter or a liquid fire starter. Chimneys starters are metal cylinders that you fill with charcoal, light paper underneath and keep the charcoal lit for about 10 minutes.
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Grill Cover/ Aluminum Foil: After cooking, allow your grill to cool before covering it with either a grill cover or aluminum foil. This will keep your grill clean and help keep weather elements out while it’s not in use.
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Grill Mat/ Grill Grates/ Grill Toppers: A great way to avoid sticking and flare-ups is to invest in a non-stick grill mat, grate or topper. This will help you get the perfect sear without losing your food to a raging flame.
Safety Tips
When cooking on a BBQ or grill, it’s paramount to adhere to safety measures:
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Check Grill Placement: Make sure that the grill is in a safe and level place. Avoid putting it on a grassy/wooden surface. Ensure that it’s far away from walls, fences, overhangs, children, animals and anything that could catch fire.
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Be Prepared: Have a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure that everyone is aware of its location. Wear protective clothing (e.g., apron, gloves) and have your utensils and tools nearby. Also, a first-aid kit can come in handy in case someone cuts themselves.
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Check for Gas Leaks: If you’re using a gas grill, check for gas leaks after connecting the gas lines. Once the grill is on, check for any gas odors or abnormal pluming around the grill.
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Watch for Flares: Flares on a charcoal or gas grill can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on the grill during your cook. If a flare occurs, turn off the grill and close the lid. Spray the area with a mist of water and wait for the flame to subside.
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Cool the Grill: After finishing your cook, allow the grill to cool properly before cleaning and tidying up. Once the grill has cooled down, you can use a steel brush to carefully remove particles and residue.
Easy BBG & Grilling Recipes
Cooking over a hot flame doesn’t have to be complicated — you can take the simplest of ingredients and fireside-cook them up in no time! Here are some easy recipes to get you started:
Burgers
Nothing quite beats the flavor of flame-grilled burgers — they’re a summer classic! To make them, simply combine ground beef with your favorite seasonings, shape into patties and cook on a hot grill. Delicious!
Grilled Cheese
There’s something about a melted, crispy-edged grilled cheese sandwich that’s just so satisfying. Brush olive oil on two slices of bread and fill with cheese, then sandwich them together. Grill them over medium heat, flipping carefully, until golden and crispy.
Grilled Veggies
With almost any vegetable, grilling is a great way to bring out the flavor and make them even tastier. For example, with asparagus, mushrooms or peppers, lightly brush them with oil and seasonings, then cook on a high heat until tender and lightly charred.
BBQ Pork Loin
For pork loin, set up your smoker or BBQ with indirect heat and add chunks of soaked hickory wood to the coal. Place the pork loin in the middle of the grill, away from the direct heat, and cook over a low heat for 2-2.5 hours, basting every hour.
BBQ Chicken
A classic backyard favorite, BBQ chicken can easily be cooked up on an outdoor charcoal or gas grill. Preheat the grill and lightly brush the chicken with oil. Cook breast side up for 10-15 minutes over direct medium heat, and then flip. Move to the indirect side and cook for a further 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Smoked Salmon
If you’re looking to impress, a slow-smoked salmon is the way to go! Rinse and pat your fillet dry, rub generously with salt and place it in a shallow baking dish. Place your smoker over low/medium heat and add soaked wood chips. Smoke the salmon until it registers 140-145 degrees F. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!
Wrapping Up
With the right preparation and equipment, the world of BBQ and grilling can be an enjoyable adventure. And, with practice and patience, you’ll soon master the art of flame-grilled perfection!
So, why not get creative and try out some of the recipes we’ve listed above? Maybe you’ll create that perfect burger or tender smoked salmon.
And don’t forget, if you take all necessary safety measures, you won’t need to worry about setting off any fire alarms. Happy grilling!