In the wake of the pandemic that has swept around the world, social distancing is the best way to make sure we stay healthy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t fire up our grill and have a safe bbq in our backyard with our families, or even by ourselves.
If you’re fairly new to the grilling world, never fear. Using your grill is extremely easy and grilling food always makes it taste better. If you’re unsure of where to start, here are a few essential recipes that will make you a grilling pro in no time!
Burgers
Ah burgers….the quintessential breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Making the perfect burger pattie is rather easy. You can make them from scratch or buy them pre-formed. But no matter where you get them from, they always taste a thousand times better when grilled. There’s something about a charcoal-cooked and mildly smoked burger pattie that beats any stovetop recipe. If you’re willing to try a walk on the wild side, just fold a square of cheddar cheese into the patty before slapping it on the grill for some gooey goodness.
Chicken
Chicken is another meat that can take on interesting flavour profiles depending on how it’s cooked. And grilling just so happens to act like a mysterious magic wand that makes your chicken taste even better than you ever thought possible. For an easy grilled chicken flavour, marinate your meat with a mixture of paprika, lemon, garlic, oregano, coriander, salt and olive oil with pepper to taste. Bam! Easy Portuguese grilled chicken.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is unusual in that it tastes absolutely bland when raw but like something totally different when cooked. Grilled cauliflower is an unusual food to have in your repertoire that will be a definite crowd pleaser and will ensure your vegetarian friends don’t have to go hungry at your barbecues. Try tossing it with salt and parmesan beforehand!
Ribs
A good rib recipe is like a treasure that keeps increasing in value. Some ribs recipes have been passed down through generations in some families and are kept like a closely guarded secret. Ribs are best made on the grill and are fairly easy to make. The less time spent coddling it while cooking, the better!
Sausages
While grilling sausages is an essential know-how for any grill-owner, this can be surprisingly tricky depending on the sausages you use. Start your sausages on the heat, but off to the side and place it directly on the flame for a few minutes to give it that distinctive grilled flavour.
Fish
Admit it, meat gets boring after a while. Luckily for us, the meat of the sea a.k.a fish tastes just as good or, in some cases, even better. And like the other foods on this list, its taste is greatly improved when grilled. You can use any marinade for grilled fish, from simple salt, pepper and lemons to elaborate rubs involving blended herbs and spices.
Tofu
Most people are surprised to find out that you can do more to tofu than just boiling it. You don’t have to be vegan to appreciate the firm yet creamy taste of tofu with the delicious smokey aftertaste from the grill. Use extra-firm tofu, weigh it down to drain and marinate like you would with meat. Then grill on each side for five to ten minutes, max.
Corn
No barbecue is complete without the corn, and luckily this sweet side is easy to make. Just brush it lightly with oil, or nothing at all and slap it on the grill for a few minutes! Afterwards, eat it as is or cover it with whatever toppings your heart desires.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are cheap, easy to make and a big crowd-pleaser. They taste best when covered with a slightly sweet marinade after the initial searing. Pork chops do have one weakness though; they don’t taste great when they’re overcooked, which can happen easily. Keep a close eye on them while they’re cooking to avoid ruining tonight’s dinner!
Peaches
Grilled peaches are a well-kept secret by many grillmasters. Grilling some firm peaches for your barbecue means there’s no need for you to put in any extra effort for dessert. Simply slice them in two, remove the stones and grill them on each side for about 2 minutes. For extra flavour, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on the flesh so it can caramelize beautifully. Then serve with some ice cream or just pop them in your mouth right there. Yum!
Don’t forget – grilling is a fun experience where you can experiment, creating your own unique recipes. While it’s always smart to learn how to cook the basics, don’t feel like you always have to stick to a recipe! Let grilling be your creative outlet, you never know what you’ll cook up.
If you have any questions about your existing grill or are in need of a new one, please give us a call at The Fireplace Center. We believe there is a perfect barbecue for everyone and are passionate about helping people find theirs! Contact us anytime to begin your journey for the perfect grilling experience.
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