December 7th, 2020
It’s summertime, and you know what that means! Sun, swimming and most importantly, a good Aussie BBQ. So throw some snags on the barbie, invite the mates over and show your skill on the grill.
But, before you go out and clear the shops of sirloin steak, make sure you know the fundamentals of operating a good barbeque. Being on the tongs is a right of passage, so if you serve up a plate of burnt steaks, it’s fair to say your mates and family may mock you.
Follow these tips and prove that you’re a master griller and have your friends asking when the next BBQ is!
The Right BBQ
If you promised your family and friends a feed, make sure you have the right tools for the job. If you think a rusty, old, BBQ will cut it, think again! Sledging from your friends is likely if you wheel out the grill that hasn’t seen the light of day since last Christmas.
You don’t need to go out and buy a brand new barbeque, but make sure you give it a good clean to cut through all the rust and residue that has built up on it (we’ve dedicated a whole section on getting this up to scratch below). If you do need to pick up a barbeque, consider if you want a handy gas-powered one or a charcoal grill.
A charcoal grill will add some great smoky flavours to your meats, while a gas grill is much easier to control and lets you change the heat at the flip of a switch. Both are great options, so weigh up what’s right for your price range and how often you’ll be using it.
Clean It First Though!
A BBQ should be cleaned before and after every use. This stops the buildup of rust and wipes off any burnt residue from the meats that may have gotten stuck between uses. A clean grill will not only cook better food, but help stop the chance of food contamination.
You can also use our INOX MX3FG food-grade lubricant spray to safely clean the outside of your grill, without the use of harmful chemicals. This will protect your BBQ from the elements and keep it looking better for longer.
It’s worth doing this for a brand new grill too. It makes wipes away any nasties that may have gotten onto it during storage.
Marinate Your Meat
Elevate your BBQ to ‘above-average’ by marinating your meats. Unless you’re cooking quality cuts like rib eye or T-bone (that don’t need anything more than salt), marinated meats add much more flavour to what you’re cooking.
There are so many new flavours to experiment with – a good marinade can make your meats, unlike anything your friends have cooked up. Don’t follow your mate Robbo’s advice – tipping beer on the grill doesn’t count as a good marinade.
Here are some examples to try that will wow your guests!
Don’t Scorch It!
No one likes a burnt steak! If they say otherwise, they’ve never had a properly cooked steak before, and it’s your job to educate them.
If you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, don’t scorch the meat. Instead, either turn the gas down a bit or wait for the coals to simmer down before tossing the first steaks on. Cooking with too much fire is a sure way to overcook the outside and keep the inside raw.
You’ll also want to know what temperature is right for your meat. Holding your hand at a safe distance of about 10-15cm over the grill is a good way to figure out the temperature. How long you can hold your hand there until it becomes uncomfortable is a good indicator of if it’s the right heat for cooking.
But here’s a general rule of thumb (you know, just in case):
- 0 Seconds – Too hot, lower the heat!
- 2 Seconds – High heat
- 3-5 Seconds – Medium heat
- 6 Seconds – Low Heat
Trust your instincts and make sure you do this carefully to avoid injury.
Know What Your Guests Like
You’re not a restaurant; we know that. Keeping up with everyone’s dietary requirements and preferences is a tall task, but making sure everyone feels included is important, so ask around to hear how everyone likes their meat. If you have some vegetarian friends, find some meat substitutes, so they’re not left just eating the salad.
There are plenty of good vegetarian options that may even tickle the fancy of your meat-loving friends. Tofu can grill up nicely on the BBQ, and there are heaps of plant-based snags and patties to plate up.
If you need some ideas, check out this list for inspiration.
Pick What You’re Cooking
Snags, steak and onions are a tried and true Aussie combination, but expand your repertoire and throw some new items into the mix.
Fish marries perfectly with the smoky flavours of BBQ cooking. Smoked salmon is a great dish, and combines nicely with lime, oil, garlic and parsley marinate. Other fish like Barramundi, Trout, Red Emperor or Bream are other Australian classics.
Ribs are always a hit, and so are lamb chops or chicken wings, but maybe try some unusual meats, like kangaroo steaks. Keep the fan favourites, but throw a curveball every once and awhile.
Don’t Ignore Your Fruit & Veggies
BBQs instantly make people think of meat, but veggies can be just as delicious when they’re cooked on the grill.
Don’t be scared off by the idea of fruit with your BBQ either. Grilled peaches add a sweet twist to a garden salad and offer a unique smokey taste or add some mango and chilli salsa for a unique Australian flavour.
Don’t Focus Too Hard
When you want to impress a crowd, it’s easy to get caught up in your work. At the end of the day, barbequing is about socialising and spending time with the people you care about. Try not to focus on the grill every second. Look around, have a chat and take in the moment because even if the food isn’t perfect, your mates will appreciate the effort.
At INOX, we’re a proudly Australian company. Our team loves a good barbeque so we’re happy that we can help keep the barbie looking good after each use with our food-grade oils and lubricants. Our lubricants have an endless list of uses. To learn more about our range, click here or use our store locator to find INOX products near you today!