Having a barbecue is a great way to have a meal outdoors in a relaxed and informal way. It can be as simple as you wish or made more elaborate for a special occasion. Barbecues are a very versatile way of entertaining and by using some of these top barbecue tips for the perfect outdoor meal, your BBQ should be a great success.
The first tip is your barbecue itself. Whether you have a gas, electric or coal BBQ, picking the right place for it is essential. Avoid windy spots and allow plenty of space around the BBQ. Avoid positioning it near to plants, fences or buildings that may catch fire. Ensure it is on a hard level surface to stop it toppling over.
Always keep children and pets away from the BBQ and have a fire blanket and water close to hand in case of emergencies. Your BBQ needs to be thoroughly cleaned after each use, this will save any nasty surprises next time you come to use it.
There are several tools that are essential for barbecuing, these are mainly long handled to protect your hands from the heat and include tongs, spatula, and knife along with skewers for vegetables or kebabs. All your tools should be ready for you to use on a side table next to you along with any plates and the food to be cooked. This saves you going backwards and forwards for things and leaving the BBQ unattended.
Other very useful BBQ tools include oven mitts, a basting brush for oiling your BBQ foods and a wire brush to keep your grill free from burnt bits. It's important to keep your grill clean when you are cooking as well as after. A spray water bottle is also useful to dampen down any flare ups as this can make the food taste charred.
Always give yourself plenty of time to pre-heat the BBQ. This will depend on the type of BBQ you have, coal BBQs often take longer than gas ones. Check the instruction manual before you start. Food placed on the BBQ before it is hot enough will not cook properly and may cause lots of unwanted smoke.
To keep the meat more succulent and avoid drying or burning, remove it from the fridge an hour before cooking to bring it back to room temperature. Be sure to keep it covered and out of direct sunlight. Add flavor to your meats and fish dishes by using rubs, pastes or marinades. These should be used at least 20 minutes before cooking or marinated up to 24 hours ahead of cooking.
For the perfect outdoor meal keep your BBQ as stress free as possible, do as much of the preparation as possible. Homemade burgers can be made in advance as can salads and kept in the fridge. Make up vegetable or meat kebabs on skewers, place in a dish and cover with foil and place in the fridge.
Although there are many dessert dishes that can be made on the BBQ, to make your BBQ simple have ready made or bought desserts for your guests. Make up your own favorite desserts such as cheesecake the week before and store in the freezer until ready to be used.
Foods can sometimes fall apart on the BBQ such as fish. To avoid added mess cook them or wrap them in foil. This also helps in the cleaning of your BBQ with foods that stick to the grills. Brush the foil with oil before placing the food on it. Add salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon to salmon, fold the corners over to keep the juices in and you have a lovely barbecued salmon dish with no cleaning up.
For small items such as prawns, you can use special cages to put the food in to contain them. These are also handy for sausages and burgers and make it easy to turn them over in one go.
And finally, be prepared the weather can change fast. Have a plan 'B' if it starts to rain. Either think about some sort of cover such as a gazebo or be prepared to move your BBQ inside and cook on your grill or hob. Either way keep it simple is the best way for the perfect BBQ meal.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Top Barbecue Ideas for Your Themed BBQ
Barbecues are a fun way to entertain family and friends for any occasion. But if you want to put on a special BBQ, then a themed BBQ makes the party a very special event. Here I have suggested two top barbecue ideas for your themed BBQ.
One theme that is always a success is a Luau or Hawaiian themed BBQ. This is a very relaxed kind of party especially popular with teenagers. Your first step is your invitations. These could be themed as well in the shape of a pineapple or palm tree. There are many online party supply shops that can help with not only invitations but decorations and accessories such as plates and serviettes etc.
Decorating your BBQ area with lanterns, candles or glowing tiki torches adds to the atmosphere. Sea shells, coconut shells and pineapples placed around the area add to the effect. If you are good at crafts, making your own palm trees from rolls of painted cardboard and shredded paper for the leaves, will set the scene even further. You can also buy inflatable palm trees if you can't make any.
Ask your guests to participate fully by coming in a Hawaiian costume. These include the traditional grass skirt and coconut shells or brightly colored shirts, shorts or dresses. Flip flops are a must. You could even make your own leis out of thread and flower heads to hand out to your guests as a traditional Hawaiian symbol of friendship.
Music is very important in getting the right atmosphere for your party. The Beach Boys and Bob Marley are both associated with Hawaiian parties. For a really authentic sound Bruddah Iz famous for Over The Rainbow songs will get the mood going.
Games can be a fun addition to your Hawaiian BBQ. The traditional limbo is an easy game to set up if you have enough room.. All you need is a pole or cane and two people to hold it. Having a hula competition can be great fun too.
Of course one of the main ingredients at a BBQ is the food. Try to give your BBQ that Hawaiian feel by cooking dishes such as Hawaiian BBQ Chicken. This is a very simple dish that really gives the Hawaiian feel.
Ingredients
* 6 chicken thighs
* 1 cup pineapple juice
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 cloves garlic
* 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
Directions
Marinate the chicken thighs with the rest of the ingredients for 30 minutes. Place them on the grill over medium heat. Grill thighs until juices run clear.
Dessert dishes such as grilled pineapple or bananas with chocolate sauce continue the tropical theme. Drinks that contain fruit such as a punch (with or without alcohol), Pina Coladas and lots of cocktails and cocktail umbrellas to finish the effect.
For a themed Barbecue with a difference a Hollywood stars BBQ party can be elegant, yet relaxed. Start by sending out your invitations asking your guests to either dress as a Hollywood star or come dressed in evening dress and suits. Your invitations can be handmade or professionally made for that glamorous touch. Or you could send an invitation in the form of a ticket to the stars to the Oscars etc.
Decorate your BBQ area with lots of twinkling lights and if possible have a red carpet from your entrance to your BBQ area. Many party supply shops or online suppliers sell accessories for this kind of party, including paper red carpets. You can also buy posters and banners of stars and objects such as Oscars. Having a glitter ball or rotating light all add to the Hollywood effect.
Serve your guests Champagne or sparkling wine on arrival or cocktails. If possible have someone that is good at mixing up cocktails for you. You can buy plastic cocktail glasses and shakers from many stores.
Music is important for the atmosphere, so a good selection of movie themes, especially the Bond films. Or favorites such as Shirley Bassey or songs from The Rat Pack.
Food for your Hollywood themed BBQ should be simple yet elegant. Burgers and hot dogs can be served as miniatures. BBQ salmon and prawns make good dishes. Along with mini BBQ ribs and classic salads. Fresh fruit salads or strawberries and cream are easy but refreshing desserts. For a special dessert, New York
Cheesecake is always popular and can be made ahead of time.
Games to play at your Hollywood BBQ could be guess the star. Each player has the name of a star stuck to their head with a post it note (they do not know who it is). They then have to guess who it is with clues from the other guests. Awards can be given for the best costume in the form of an oscar.
These are just two top ideas for your themed barbecue. You can use a BBQ for any occasion such as a baby shower, heroes party or even a wedding theme. The list is endless, you are only limited by your imagination.
One theme that is always a success is a Luau or Hawaiian themed BBQ. This is a very relaxed kind of party especially popular with teenagers. Your first step is your invitations. These could be themed as well in the shape of a pineapple or palm tree. There are many online party supply shops that can help with not only invitations but decorations and accessories such as plates and serviettes etc.
Decorating your BBQ area with lanterns, candles or glowing tiki torches adds to the atmosphere. Sea shells, coconut shells and pineapples placed around the area add to the effect. If you are good at crafts, making your own palm trees from rolls of painted cardboard and shredded paper for the leaves, will set the scene even further. You can also buy inflatable palm trees if you can't make any.
Ask your guests to participate fully by coming in a Hawaiian costume. These include the traditional grass skirt and coconut shells or brightly colored shirts, shorts or dresses. Flip flops are a must. You could even make your own leis out of thread and flower heads to hand out to your guests as a traditional Hawaiian symbol of friendship.
Music is very important in getting the right atmosphere for your party. The Beach Boys and Bob Marley are both associated with Hawaiian parties. For a really authentic sound Bruddah Iz famous for Over The Rainbow songs will get the mood going.
Games can be a fun addition to your Hawaiian BBQ. The traditional limbo is an easy game to set up if you have enough room.. All you need is a pole or cane and two people to hold it. Having a hula competition can be great fun too.
Of course one of the main ingredients at a BBQ is the food. Try to give your BBQ that Hawaiian feel by cooking dishes such as Hawaiian BBQ Chicken. This is a very simple dish that really gives the Hawaiian feel.
Ingredients
* 6 chicken thighs
* 1 cup pineapple juice
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 cloves garlic
* 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
Directions
Marinate the chicken thighs with the rest of the ingredients for 30 minutes. Place them on the grill over medium heat. Grill thighs until juices run clear.
Dessert dishes such as grilled pineapple or bananas with chocolate sauce continue the tropical theme. Drinks that contain fruit such as a punch (with or without alcohol), Pina Coladas and lots of cocktails and cocktail umbrellas to finish the effect.
For a themed Barbecue with a difference a Hollywood stars BBQ party can be elegant, yet relaxed. Start by sending out your invitations asking your guests to either dress as a Hollywood star or come dressed in evening dress and suits. Your invitations can be handmade or professionally made for that glamorous touch. Or you could send an invitation in the form of a ticket to the stars to the Oscars etc.
Decorate your BBQ area with lots of twinkling lights and if possible have a red carpet from your entrance to your BBQ area. Many party supply shops or online suppliers sell accessories for this kind of party, including paper red carpets. You can also buy posters and banners of stars and objects such as Oscars. Having a glitter ball or rotating light all add to the Hollywood effect.
Serve your guests Champagne or sparkling wine on arrival or cocktails. If possible have someone that is good at mixing up cocktails for you. You can buy plastic cocktail glasses and shakers from many stores.
Music is important for the atmosphere, so a good selection of movie themes, especially the Bond films. Or favorites such as Shirley Bassey or songs from The Rat Pack.
Food for your Hollywood themed BBQ should be simple yet elegant. Burgers and hot dogs can be served as miniatures. BBQ salmon and prawns make good dishes. Along with mini BBQ ribs and classic salads. Fresh fruit salads or strawberries and cream are easy but refreshing desserts. For a special dessert, New York
Cheesecake is always popular and can be made ahead of time.
Games to play at your Hollywood BBQ could be guess the star. Each player has the name of a star stuck to their head with a post it note (they do not know who it is). They then have to guess who it is with clues from the other guests. Awards can be given for the best costume in the form of an oscar.
These are just two top ideas for your themed barbecue. You can use a BBQ for any occasion such as a baby shower, heroes party or even a wedding theme. The list is endless, you are only limited by your imagination.
The Tastiest Meat With Our Secret BBQ Rub Recipes
Dry rubs are mixtures of herbs and spices that are rubbed onto the food before cooking. As the name suggests they are not like BBQ sauces, they have no oil or juice to moisten or acids such as lemon juice to tenderize. Dry rubs add the intense flavor to barbecued foods, especially meats, that not only taste good, but smell good too.
Dry rubs are especially good used with fatty cuts of meat. But they can be mixed with a little oil or wine to make a paste to brush on your meat just before cooking. Dry rubs are also good used with basting sauces. The spice-herb coating gives a lovely crispness to the food adding to the texture of the meat and the sauce adds the finger licking quality associated with BBQ food.
Most BBQ rubs are quick and simple to prepare, many made from store cupboard ingredients. BBQ rubs can be made up ahead of time and stored in an air tight container in the fridge until required. Here I have selected a few tasty and versatile BBQ rubs to make the tastiest meat dishes for you, your family and friends.
Cajun Spice Rub:
Ingredients:
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp onion granules
1 tbsp garlic granules
1 tsp dried oregan1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and rub on the food to be barbecued.
Basic Pork Rub.
This classic pork rub is perfect for smoked pork roasts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes about 3/4 cup
Ingredients:
1/3 cup paprika
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 teaspoon white pepper
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together. Rub 1/2 half mixture into meat 12-24 hours before cooking and store covered in the fridge. Apply remaining rub before putting on the BBQ. Makes enough for 5-6 pounds of meat.
Beef Rib Rub.
This rub combines the flavors of sweet and heat. You can adjust the heat by using mild or medium chili powder. This is a perfect rub for great BBQ Beef Ribs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients:
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup mild or medium chili powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl thoroughly. Apply about 2 tablespoons of rub to each side of the rack. Cook on a well prepared BBQ.
Creole BBQ rub.
This rub adds a delicious Creole flavor to the meat and is especially good on chicken.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes about 1 cup
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup salt
3 tablespoons black pepper
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 cup Creole mustard
1/2 cup minced onion
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and rub onto meat straight away or store in an air tight container until needed.
Dry rubs are especially good used with fatty cuts of meat. But they can be mixed with a little oil or wine to make a paste to brush on your meat just before cooking. Dry rubs are also good used with basting sauces. The spice-herb coating gives a lovely crispness to the food adding to the texture of the meat and the sauce adds the finger licking quality associated with BBQ food.
Most BBQ rubs are quick and simple to prepare, many made from store cupboard ingredients. BBQ rubs can be made up ahead of time and stored in an air tight container in the fridge until required. Here I have selected a few tasty and versatile BBQ rubs to make the tastiest meat dishes for you, your family and friends.
Cajun Spice Rub:
Ingredients:
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp onion granules
1 tbsp garlic granules
1 tsp dried oregan1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and rub on the food to be barbecued.
Basic Pork Rub.
This classic pork rub is perfect for smoked pork roasts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes about 3/4 cup
Ingredients:
1/3 cup paprika
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 teaspoon white pepper
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together. Rub 1/2 half mixture into meat 12-24 hours before cooking and store covered in the fridge. Apply remaining rub before putting on the BBQ. Makes enough for 5-6 pounds of meat.
Beef Rib Rub.
This rub combines the flavors of sweet and heat. You can adjust the heat by using mild or medium chili powder. This is a perfect rub for great BBQ Beef Ribs.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients:
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup mild or medium chili powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl thoroughly. Apply about 2 tablespoons of rub to each side of the rack. Cook on a well prepared BBQ.
Creole BBQ rub.
This rub adds a delicious Creole flavor to the meat and is especially good on chicken.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes about 1 cup
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup salt
3 tablespoons black pepper
3 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cayenne
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 cup Creole mustard
1/2 cup minced onion
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and rub onto meat straight away or store in an air tight container until needed.
The Pros and Cons of gas, electric and Charcoal Barbecues
Charcoal fired barbecue grills were the original type of BBQ that people still associate with barbecuing. However BBQs that are heated by either gas or electricity have grown in popularity. These barbecue grills are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes from compact countertop type BBQ grills to bigger free standing grills that can cook enough for an army and prices vary enormously depending on make and size.
The pros and cons of gas, electric and charcoal barbecues depends on the type of BBQ that is suitable for you. If you only have a small area to place your BBQ then which one you choose will be down to what is available in that size.
Probably the most obvious benefits of using a gas or electric grill is you don't have to light any fires or clean up any ash after wards. Also, there is less time to wait for pre-heating the grill or griddle than a charcoal grill.
Gas grills are very simple to use and are very convenient because they can be ready at a moments notice. Many gas bbqs take as little as 15 minutes to heat up. Volcanic rock is usually spread out below the grill, resembling charcoal, and is heated by gas burners to give the food an authentic barbecue flavor.When meat juices drip on the hot lava rock briquettes, the meat is flavored by the smoke that rises and penetrates the food.
Some larger gas grills offer rotisserie cooking which adds another dimension to a bbq. Most gas grills have cooking surfaces that are normally half open grill for direct open flame cooking and the other half a griddle.
Electric bbqs have the same advantages as the gas bbqs but with two added advantages. Many of them can be used indoors if the weather is not suitable for an outdoor bbq. They are also not reliant on the refilling of gas bottles that can be heavy and sometimes awkward to attach and store beside the grill. Electric barbecue grills are a lot more convenient than gas grills, they are also trouble-free to work with and maintain.
Electric barbecues are also much safer to use and there is less chance of creating a fire hazard because there is no naked flame. Outdoor electric bbqs typically roll on wheels like a trolley, other units are installed on a permanent pedestal and need to be fixed to a permanent power source.
Many people feel that the food does taste better when grilled on a charcoal bbq, but one of the disadvantages is that it can be difficult to get the charcoal started. But for those who prefer to use charcoal they have the option of enhancing the flavor of the food by using hickory chips or mesquite chips when they grill to give a really great bbq flavor and smell.
Charcoal bbqs come in many different sizes and one of the advantages of a charcoal bbq is that it is very portable. This makes it easier to store or move. They are often cheaper than gas or electric bbqs. Small disposable bbqs can be bought or bucket or table top sized bbqs that can be taken on a picnic or to the beach.
So when it comes to the pros and cons of gas, electric or charcoal barbecues it really does depend on your budget, space and personal preference to the way you want your barbecue food cooked. Which ever type you choose having a barbecue with family and friends always makes for a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
The pros and cons of gas, electric and charcoal barbecues depends on the type of BBQ that is suitable for you. If you only have a small area to place your BBQ then which one you choose will be down to what is available in that size.
Probably the most obvious benefits of using a gas or electric grill is you don't have to light any fires or clean up any ash after wards. Also, there is less time to wait for pre-heating the grill or griddle than a charcoal grill.
Gas grills are very simple to use and are very convenient because they can be ready at a moments notice. Many gas bbqs take as little as 15 minutes to heat up. Volcanic rock is usually spread out below the grill, resembling charcoal, and is heated by gas burners to give the food an authentic barbecue flavor.When meat juices drip on the hot lava rock briquettes, the meat is flavored by the smoke that rises and penetrates the food.
Some larger gas grills offer rotisserie cooking which adds another dimension to a bbq. Most gas grills have cooking surfaces that are normally half open grill for direct open flame cooking and the other half a griddle.
Electric bbqs have the same advantages as the gas bbqs but with two added advantages. Many of them can be used indoors if the weather is not suitable for an outdoor bbq. They are also not reliant on the refilling of gas bottles that can be heavy and sometimes awkward to attach and store beside the grill. Electric barbecue grills are a lot more convenient than gas grills, they are also trouble-free to work with and maintain.
Electric barbecues are also much safer to use and there is less chance of creating a fire hazard because there is no naked flame. Outdoor electric bbqs typically roll on wheels like a trolley, other units are installed on a permanent pedestal and need to be fixed to a permanent power source.
Many people feel that the food does taste better when grilled on a charcoal bbq, but one of the disadvantages is that it can be difficult to get the charcoal started. But for those who prefer to use charcoal they have the option of enhancing the flavor of the food by using hickory chips or mesquite chips when they grill to give a really great bbq flavor and smell.
Charcoal bbqs come in many different sizes and one of the advantages of a charcoal bbq is that it is very portable. This makes it easier to store or move. They are often cheaper than gas or electric bbqs. Small disposable bbqs can be bought or bucket or table top sized bbqs that can be taken on a picnic or to the beach.
So when it comes to the pros and cons of gas, electric or charcoal barbecues it really does depend on your budget, space and personal preference to the way you want your barbecue food cooked. Which ever type you choose having a barbecue with family and friends always makes for a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
The Best barbecue Chicken recipe - Safely Barbecue Your Chicken To perfection
Barbecues are a relaxed and fun way to have a meal, either with just your family or with friends. They can be used to celebrate most occasions or just to have a picnic on the beach. For this reason, the last thing you want to do is make your family or guests ill from food poisoning because of your cooking.
The most likely source of food poisoning at a barbecue is from chicken. One of the favorites at a bbq is chicken drumsticks or chicken breasts. Because these are thick and the heat from a barbecue cooks fast, quite often the center of the chicken is not cooked through, leading to bacteria not being killed, resulting in food poisoning.
However, there are ways that you can still have your favorite barbecue chicken recipe safely and cooked to perfection. To do this a few simple steps need to be taken before you even start to cook the food.
Firstly, when shopping, buy cold food like meat and poultry last, before checkout. Separate raw meat and poultry from other food in your shopping basket to guard against cross-contamination. This can happen when raw meat or poultry juices drip on other foods. Put packages of raw meat and poultry into plastic bags.
Always take your produce straight home and not leave it in a warm car. Once home place your chicken straight in the fridge. If it is not to be used for 1-2 days store in the freezer.
If your chicken has been frozen completely thaw meat and poultry before grilling so it cooks more evenly. Use the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing or thaw sealed packages in cold water.
If marinating your chicken marinate it covered in the refrigerator, not on the work top. Chicken can be marinated in the fridge for up to two days, but no longer. If some of the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before putting the chicken in it. However, if the marinade used on raw meat or poultry is to be reused, make sure to let it come to a boil first to destroy any harmful bacteria.
Your chicken should be kept chilled until just before needed. Chicken is best cooked on the bbq in small fairly thin pieces to ensure that it gets cooked thoroughly. Chicken fillet kebabs are an ideal dish for this. Food cooked on the bbq can often brown on the outside, but not cook on the inside. Using a food thermometer will show you if it has reached a sufficient internal temperature. After it has been cooked, keep it hot until served. Any chicken that is left out for more than an hour should be discarded.
One of the best and very simple barbecue chicken recipes that can be cooked safely is American BBQ chicken kebabs.
Ingredients: Serves 4
* 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
* 1 courgette, cut into chunks
* 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
* 1 tbs olive oil
* 1-2 tbs Barbecue Seasoning
Method
Place the chicken and vegetables in a bowl and coat evenly with the oil and Barbecue Seasoning. Thread onto 4 skewers or kebab sticks, alternating the chicken and vegetables.Place on the barbecue for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked throughout.
Serve the kebabs on a bed of mixed leaf salad.
If using wooden skewers remember to soak them for at least an hour to stop them from burning.
As well as making sure you follow safety tips when cooking chicken it is important to keep your barbecue clean at all times. Cleaning your bbq straight after cooking and using a cover to protect your bbq will help to keep it a hygienic place to cook.
The most likely source of food poisoning at a barbecue is from chicken. One of the favorites at a bbq is chicken drumsticks or chicken breasts. Because these are thick and the heat from a barbecue cooks fast, quite often the center of the chicken is not cooked through, leading to bacteria not being killed, resulting in food poisoning.
However, there are ways that you can still have your favorite barbecue chicken recipe safely and cooked to perfection. To do this a few simple steps need to be taken before you even start to cook the food.
Firstly, when shopping, buy cold food like meat and poultry last, before checkout. Separate raw meat and poultry from other food in your shopping basket to guard against cross-contamination. This can happen when raw meat or poultry juices drip on other foods. Put packages of raw meat and poultry into plastic bags.
Always take your produce straight home and not leave it in a warm car. Once home place your chicken straight in the fridge. If it is not to be used for 1-2 days store in the freezer.
If your chicken has been frozen completely thaw meat and poultry before grilling so it cooks more evenly. Use the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing or thaw sealed packages in cold water.
If marinating your chicken marinate it covered in the refrigerator, not on the work top. Chicken can be marinated in the fridge for up to two days, but no longer. If some of the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before putting the chicken in it. However, if the marinade used on raw meat or poultry is to be reused, make sure to let it come to a boil first to destroy any harmful bacteria.
Your chicken should be kept chilled until just before needed. Chicken is best cooked on the bbq in small fairly thin pieces to ensure that it gets cooked thoroughly. Chicken fillet kebabs are an ideal dish for this. Food cooked on the bbq can often brown on the outside, but not cook on the inside. Using a food thermometer will show you if it has reached a sufficient internal temperature. After it has been cooked, keep it hot until served. Any chicken that is left out for more than an hour should be discarded.
One of the best and very simple barbecue chicken recipes that can be cooked safely is American BBQ chicken kebabs.
Ingredients: Serves 4
* 450 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
* 1 courgette, cut into chunks
* 1 red pepper, cut into chunks
* 1 tbs olive oil
* 1-2 tbs Barbecue Seasoning
Method
Place the chicken and vegetables in a bowl and coat evenly with the oil and Barbecue Seasoning. Thread onto 4 skewers or kebab sticks, alternating the chicken and vegetables.Place on the barbecue for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked throughout.
Serve the kebabs on a bed of mixed leaf salad.
If using wooden skewers remember to soak them for at least an hour to stop them from burning.
As well as making sure you follow safety tips when cooking chicken it is important to keep your barbecue clean at all times. Cleaning your bbq straight after cooking and using a cover to protect your bbq will help to keep it a hygienic place to cook.
Mama D's Family Favorite Barbecue Sauce Recipes
Barbecue Sauces come in many flavors, styles and types. Most everyone is familiar with the thick, sweet sauces that can be bought ready to use. However there are so many more delicious types of BBQ sauce that are easy to make and can go with many other foods other than just ribs. Here I have suggested a few of the most versatile and popular BBQ sauces to ensure your BBQ is a success.
Simple Barbeque Sauce.
This is a very easy to make sauce and great for BBQ beginners. Brush this on chicken breasts or fillets or pork ribs for that great BBQ flavor.
Ingredients;
½ cup of tomato ketchup
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1 tbsp of cider vinegar
2 tsp of soy sauce
2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
Method;
Combine all of the above ingredients together in a bowl and mix well.
Brush some of the sauce onto the ribs or chicken towards the end of cooking reserving some to be used as a dip.
Mango Grilling Glaze.
This is a sweet glaze with a little heat and is perfect for brushing on chicken, pork, or fish. Add it towards the end of grilling and it will cook right into the meat.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Makes about 1 3/4 cups
Ingredients:
1 cup mango juice
1/4 cup apricot preserves/jam
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Preparation:
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until thick. Stir frequently to stop it burning.
Classic BBQ Rib Sauce:
This is a popular recipe and one that your family and friends will recognise instantly as the essence of a BBQ.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
2 cups ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water
3 cloves garlic crushed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
fresh ground pepper to taste
Preparation:
Blend onion and water into a puree. Heat a medium sauce pan over a medium heat. Add olive oil. When oil is warm, stir in onion puree. Simmer until slightly browned. Add all the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Baste over ribs.
Honey BBQ Sauce: Makes about one cup.
Chicken can sometimes become a little dry on the barbecue. This sauce ensures it stays moist and tender. Always make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked through before serving.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and let stand for 1 hour before using. Baste broiled or grilled chicken and continue to cook for a minute or two. Makes about 1 cup.
Grilled Fish BBQ Sauce/marinade.
This is a great sauce to use with any type of fish you wish to barbecue such as salmon or swordfish.
Ingredients:
4 tbsp. soy sauce
4 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tbsp. fish sauce (available by the bottle at all Asian/Chinese food stores)
2 tbsp. brown sugar
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper or dried crushed chili
Method:
Stir all marinade/sauce ingredients together until sugar dissolves.
Place fish fillets in a flat-bottomed bowl and pour half the sauce over. Turn the fillets in the sauce. (Reserve the rest of the sauce for later.)
Allow fish to marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours in advance (just cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use). Cook on the BBQ and warm up the remaining sauce to use as a dip.
Simple Barbeque Sauce.
This is a very easy to make sauce and great for BBQ beginners. Brush this on chicken breasts or fillets or pork ribs for that great BBQ flavor.
Ingredients;
½ cup of tomato ketchup
1/3 cup of brown sugar
1 tbsp of cider vinegar
2 tsp of soy sauce
2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
Method;
Combine all of the above ingredients together in a bowl and mix well.
Brush some of the sauce onto the ribs or chicken towards the end of cooking reserving some to be used as a dip.
Mango Grilling Glaze.
This is a sweet glaze with a little heat and is perfect for brushing on chicken, pork, or fish. Add it towards the end of grilling and it will cook right into the meat.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Makes about 1 3/4 cups
Ingredients:
1 cup mango juice
1/4 cup apricot preserves/jam
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Preparation:
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until thick. Stir frequently to stop it burning.
Classic BBQ Rib Sauce:
This is a popular recipe and one that your family and friends will recognise instantly as the essence of a BBQ.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes about 2 1/2 cups
Ingredients:
2 cups ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water
3 cloves garlic crushed
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
fresh ground pepper to taste
Preparation:
Blend onion and water into a puree. Heat a medium sauce pan over a medium heat. Add olive oil. When oil is warm, stir in onion puree. Simmer until slightly browned. Add all the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Baste over ribs.
Honey BBQ Sauce: Makes about one cup.
Chicken can sometimes become a little dry on the barbecue. This sauce ensures it stays moist and tender. Always make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked through before serving.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and let stand for 1 hour before using. Baste broiled or grilled chicken and continue to cook for a minute or two. Makes about 1 cup.
Grilled Fish BBQ Sauce/marinade.
This is a great sauce to use with any type of fish you wish to barbecue such as salmon or swordfish.
Ingredients:
4 tbsp. soy sauce
4 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tbsp. fish sauce (available by the bottle at all Asian/Chinese food stores)
2 tbsp. brown sugar
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper or dried crushed chili
Method:
Stir all marinade/sauce ingredients together until sugar dissolves.
Place fish fillets in a flat-bottomed bowl and pour half the sauce over. Turn the fillets in the sauce. (Reserve the rest of the sauce for later.)
Allow fish to marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours in advance (just cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use). Cook on the BBQ and warm up the remaining sauce to use as a dip.
How To Plan the Perfect Barbecue Menu
Barbecues are a fun way to entertain family and friends. Getting out the barbecue is a sign that summer is here.What better way to entertain in a relaxed and informal way than eating out doors with a barbecue.
Although barbecues are meant to be a relaxed affair, if you are planning a barbecue for a particular event such as a birthday, then you want to make it special. So to plan the perfect BBQ menu ,a little more thought and preparation are needed to ensure your BBQ goes well.
Before you start on the menu selection for your barbecue there are several things you need to check you have before the day. To plan the perfect BBQ menu it is best to start with a list of your preparations well in advance. Check that your barbecue is in good working order and that you have sufficient gas, coals, BBQ tools such as skewers, tongs, brushes etc.
At least one week before the party, check the long range weather forecast. If good weather is in doubt then either make sure you can adapt your BBQ to be held inside or put up some sort of covers for your guests, borrowing these from friends if necessary.
Next make sure you have all the plates, glasses, cutlery etc that you will need for your guests. Always allow a few extra serving plates to put the cooked food onto. If you choose paper or plastic tableware, buy this well in advance to avoid a panic on the day.
The perfect BBQ menu need not be a complicated affair but one that is carefully planned and caters to everyone's taste. For this reason you should check with your guests first if they have any special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or nut allergies. BBQs are very simple to plan around a variety of different dietary needs, but being prepared is vital.
When planning the perfect BBQ menu it is a good idea to have a good selection of meat. This can be in the form of favorites such as burgers, sausages, steak, chops or mixed kebabs. If you want to have an alternative to meat, fish cooks very well on the barbecue. Whole Salmon cooked in foil or king prawns on skewers served with sweet chili sauce make a special BBQ dish.
It's important to have plenty of vegetable dishes at your barbecue not only for the non-meat eaters, but to add variety to the meat dishes. Mushrooms, tomatoes, sweet corn, onions and peppers threaded onto wooden skewers and basted with oil add flavor and aroma. Remember that if using wooden skewers, soak in cold water for at least an hour before putting on the BBQ to stop them burning.
There are many recipes for BBQ sauces and rubs to add flavor and tenderize your meat. Most of these are very simple and just mixed in a bowl and rubbed or brushed onto the food or used as marinades. Most of these can be made up in advance to save you time on the day. BBQ rubs can be made several days ahead of your BBQ and stored in an air tight container in the fridge.
Salads are a must at a BBQ, these are not so easy to make up ahead of time, but you can have all your ingredients ready and washed or prepared in advance. Salads that are rice or pasta based can be cooked earlier in the day, cooled and stored in the fridge, adding the rest of the ingredients just before the BBQ.
While there are many dessert dishes you can make on the BBQ such as grilled bananas or pineapple, if you don't want to have the stress of yet another dish to cook on the BBQ, then making or buying desserts and having them ready to bring out for your guests is the perfect answer. Big bowls of strawberries and cream or fresh fruit salad make refreshing desserts. Or making your own favorite deserts that can be made and frozen the week before will save a lot of stress.
And finally drinks. A selection of beers and wine go well at a BBQ. For those who want something a little more refined, sparkling wines or Pimms make the BBQ perfect. Make sure you have plenty of soft drinks and ice. If room in the ice box is limited, fill buckets or cool boxes with ice to keep drinks cool and store out of the sun. And one last handy tip, have some dustbin bags handy so that at the end of your BBQ clearing up can be shared.
Although barbecues are meant to be a relaxed affair, if you are planning a barbecue for a particular event such as a birthday, then you want to make it special. So to plan the perfect BBQ menu ,a little more thought and preparation are needed to ensure your BBQ goes well.
Before you start on the menu selection for your barbecue there are several things you need to check you have before the day. To plan the perfect BBQ menu it is best to start with a list of your preparations well in advance. Check that your barbecue is in good working order and that you have sufficient gas, coals, BBQ tools such as skewers, tongs, brushes etc.
At least one week before the party, check the long range weather forecast. If good weather is in doubt then either make sure you can adapt your BBQ to be held inside or put up some sort of covers for your guests, borrowing these from friends if necessary.
Next make sure you have all the plates, glasses, cutlery etc that you will need for your guests. Always allow a few extra serving plates to put the cooked food onto. If you choose paper or plastic tableware, buy this well in advance to avoid a panic on the day.
The perfect BBQ menu need not be a complicated affair but one that is carefully planned and caters to everyone's taste. For this reason you should check with your guests first if they have any special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or nut allergies. BBQs are very simple to plan around a variety of different dietary needs, but being prepared is vital.
When planning the perfect BBQ menu it is a good idea to have a good selection of meat. This can be in the form of favorites such as burgers, sausages, steak, chops or mixed kebabs. If you want to have an alternative to meat, fish cooks very well on the barbecue. Whole Salmon cooked in foil or king prawns on skewers served with sweet chili sauce make a special BBQ dish.
It's important to have plenty of vegetable dishes at your barbecue not only for the non-meat eaters, but to add variety to the meat dishes. Mushrooms, tomatoes, sweet corn, onions and peppers threaded onto wooden skewers and basted with oil add flavor and aroma. Remember that if using wooden skewers, soak in cold water for at least an hour before putting on the BBQ to stop them burning.
There are many recipes for BBQ sauces and rubs to add flavor and tenderize your meat. Most of these are very simple and just mixed in a bowl and rubbed or brushed onto the food or used as marinades. Most of these can be made up in advance to save you time on the day. BBQ rubs can be made several days ahead of your BBQ and stored in an air tight container in the fridge.
Salads are a must at a BBQ, these are not so easy to make up ahead of time, but you can have all your ingredients ready and washed or prepared in advance. Salads that are rice or pasta based can be cooked earlier in the day, cooled and stored in the fridge, adding the rest of the ingredients just before the BBQ.
While there are many dessert dishes you can make on the BBQ such as grilled bananas or pineapple, if you don't want to have the stress of yet another dish to cook on the BBQ, then making or buying desserts and having them ready to bring out for your guests is the perfect answer. Big bowls of strawberries and cream or fresh fruit salad make refreshing desserts. Or making your own favorite deserts that can be made and frozen the week before will save a lot of stress.
And finally drinks. A selection of beers and wine go well at a BBQ. For those who want something a little more refined, sparkling wines or Pimms make the BBQ perfect. Make sure you have plenty of soft drinks and ice. If room in the ice box is limited, fill buckets or cool boxes with ice to keep drinks cool and store out of the sun. And one last handy tip, have some dustbin bags handy so that at the end of your BBQ clearing up can be shared.
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