Experience the joy of outdoor cooking this summer with our guide to BBQ success.
From campfires to state-of-the-art grills, there is a primal satisfaction in cooking outside over woods and coals, and in communal eating by the glow of embers.
The barbecue has experienced a resurgence in the UK since the lockdowns of 2020 & 2021 sparked new enthusiasm for capturing the holiday-at-home spirit and turning daily cooking into an event.
What was once reserved for charred sausages on disposable barbecues during camping trips has evolved into a multi-million-pound business of meat smokers, kamado grills, and stone-baked pizza ovens.
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned pro, we can help you navigate a summer of outdoor eating and ensure that, weather permitting, your BBQ is not a washout.
The Grill
Barbecues can vary from around £30 to over £3k, but essentially wood burnt to charcoal embers and a metal grill is all you need to get started. Whether you opt for gas fired, coal or wood barbecues is due to personal preference (and time where gas is concerned), but wood is our preferred choice for imparting a wonderful authentic smoky taste.
The Fire
When cooking over wood or coals, timing and temperature are everything. Position your grill about a foot above the fire to allow for easy refuelling, fire management, and the airflow needed to reach the right temperature.
Remember to light your fire about an hour before you are ready to cook and ensure you have enough fuel to maintain a steady burn.
As the fire progresses from flames to glowing coals or log embers, use different heat levels to cook various foods. For example, cook corn on the cob in its husk over open flames, then sear steaks and meats over the consistent heat of white hot coals or wood, adjusting the distance from the fire to control heat intensity.
Utilise the residual heat from burned-down fires for baking potatoes or cooking tougher cuts of meat in cast iron pots or Dutch ovens. Keep an eye on the fire, tending to it regularly to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent drying out.
The Meat
Barbecues are not just for burgers; you can also achieve wonderful slow-cooked meats over a low fire.
To maximise flavour, season generously with a rub or marinade. For dry rubs, coat the meat with spices, herbs, salt, and pepper at least an hour before cooking to allow the flavours to penetrate.
For marinades, baste the meat in a mixture of oil, acid (such as vinegar or citrus juice), and seasonings for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Before cooking, allow the meat to come to room temperature to ensure even cooking throughout and prevent it from becoming tough when it hits the hot grill.
If you need inspiration, explore our summer organic barbecue range, which includes everything from sizzling superstars like our honey and chilli sausages and sticky ginger chicken drumsticks to slow-cooked crowd-pleasers like our garden mint butterflied leg of lamb and BBQ beef brisket, not forgetting our classic organic beef steaks.
The Accompaniments
A good barbecue should have plenty of extras to keep everyone happy. Grilled meat needs a fresh salad to keep it summery, try our beetroot salad recipe for a splash of colour .
Some vegetable sides add variety, and our grilled aubergine with feta recipe makes for a great vegetarian main.
Alongside perennial favourites like ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard, wild garlic pesto makes for a vibrant dressing for meat or keep it classic with a homemade barbecue sauce.
The Extras
While you may not need a comedy apron to be a master barbecuer, there are a few accessories that will make cooking on the grill easier and safer. Invest in a sturdy set of tongs to protect your fingers, a grill brush to scrub between meats, and a meat thermometer to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.
Our Recommendations
For portable cooking, we have really enjoyed cooking on a Kamado Joe ceramic charcoal grill. The classic grill has two tiers for different cooking speeds and a built in thermometer.
For a garden centrepiece, we cannot resist the looks of a Big Green Egg. Their large Big Green Egg is the perfect size for a family grill and it comes in an iconic British racing green.
Enjoy a summer of outdoor eating - we'll keep our fingers crossed for sunshine!
