ARTICLE
Your at home BBQ guide
Fire up the barbie with these red hot tips
There’s more to barbecuing than simply tossing a sausage on the grill and leaving it there to cook. Welcome to Barbecuing 101 – your guide to the grill.
Discover how to cook different types of food on the barbie, as well as hot tips to get the best results. So fire it up and let’s get sizzling.
1
Type of BBQ
Whether it be gas or charcoal, choose a barbecue that’s right for you and your home. Charcoal offers a smoky flavour, and a barbecue with a lid allows you to lock in moisture and trap heat. Gas barbecues produce more steam which keeps meat moist. They also produce less smoke and therefore less of a smoky flavour.
2
Fire it up
Ensure you have enough gas, charcoal or wood before cooking. Brush the grill plates on your barbecue with oil before lighting it. Light the barbecue early so you’re ready to cook when your guests arrive – some barbecues can take up to 20 minutes to heat up.
3
The right tools
Long locking tongs and barbecue forks are essential for turning and removing food without burning yourself. For extra protection, wear an oven mitt for items that require frequent turning, such as skewered food and sausages.
4
Raw vs cooked
To avoid cross contamination, keep plates for raw meat separate to those you’re using for cooked meat.
5
Skewers
Skewers are an easy way to cook meat quickly because the skewered meat or veg is cut up into smaller chunks. It’s also a great way to mix and match flavours! Metal skewers are a great reusable option, but be careful when handling them as they can be and hot. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least an hour before using them to prevent burning.
6
Thermometer
Meat might look lovely and charred on the outside, but may still be too raw for your liking on the inside. A digital thermometer tests the internal temperature of meat so you can check whether it’s cooked to your liking. A steak cooked rare will measure at 45?, while a well-done steak will sit at 70? or over.
7
Safety first
Invest in a small fire extinguisher or fire blanket in case of emergencies. Never extinguish oil fires with water as it may splatter and cause burns.