We admit that getting into the world of the barbecue might seem like a daunting task at first. This is why we want to share five essential tips for barbecue beginners. With so many different recipes, techniques, personal beliefs, and even grill and pitmasters out there, it can be hard to know how to begin. However, the rewarding feeling of hosting a successful (and tasteful) backyard cookout is worth it.
There are several things we need to consider, and a lot of learning and experience to go through before we can find our barbecue style. Some key aspects to keep in mind when we start our barbecue adventure, though, are choosing the right grill, mastering time and temperature, having the right equipment, choosing the right fuel, and adding flavor to the meat.
For some, getting the right grill is the most important part of a successful barbecue. There are two types of grills you can choose from. There are gas-run grills, and there are charcoal ones. The majority of barbecuers rather use a charcoal one, as it will give your meat that smoky flavor that cannot be achieved by a gas grill. Even when it might take longer to prepare the fire, and the cleaning is no fun either, the results will be worth.
Being able to manage the perfect balance between time and temperature does make a difference. Cooking is a form of art for some, and barbecue beginners should be no exception. Traditional barbecue requires cooking the meat using indirect heat, for a long period of time. Wait for the fire to die down, and for the charcoal to become grey. That way you’ll get the maximum amount of heat, and it will evenly spread around the grill.
Having the right accessories will make cooking and handling easier. As barbecue beginners, you won’t need much, though. The basic barbecue kit should always include a decent pair of long tongs. This way you will have better control when turning meat or vegetables. Besides, you should also consider getting a cleaning grill brush, a set of knives, a decent cooking glove, and a pastry brush for the marinade.
The type of charcoal or wood that we use will impact the flavor of our meat. The most common and practical way to fuel the fire is with charcoal. There are two types of charcoal you can get, briquettes or hardwood lumps. We recommend lump wood charcoal because it is more natural, it lights easier and produces less ash. Briquettes work fine, too, but they contain different additives that can affect your meat flavor.
As a barbecue beginner, you shouldn’t be afraid of trying out different rubs and marinades. They will provide a wide variety of flavors to your meat. It is important to marinate the meat before cooking it, at least for a few hours. This will help you keep your meat juicy, and even add a caramelized texture. Rubs are mixtures of herbs and spices that can be added before you’re cooking or at the same time. Just keep in time that rubs are not recommended when we are quick-grilling. They should be used when we are barbecuing with a low-n-slow fire.
