Cooking dinner on a barbeque is a lot of fun, and can be a much more relaxed way to feed your family and friends while enjoying the outdoors. We’re always getting tips on how to do a proper barbeque, but it can all be a little confusing sometimes. There are three key things to keep in mind when cooking dinner on a barbeque.

1. Utilise every part of your barbeque

It doesn’t matter if you have a standard barbeque with just a grill, or a top of the range one with all the bells and whistles such as hotplates, covered roasting pans and more. Different foods require different cooking times and methods. Try to learn these and use all the features of your barbeque! For example, some people prefer to start off fattier meats like chops on the hotplate before transferring to the grill to finish. Those who want those fragrant char lines on their vegetables will cook them on the grill, not the flat hotplate. If you feel like it’s time to get a new barbeque, visit stores like Barbeques Galore that have a large range to choose from that will suit your culinary needs.

2. Get the temperature right

Cooking cold or semi-frozen meat can substantially prolong the amount of time it takes for the heat from the barbeque to reach the centre of the piece of meat. By this stage, the outer surface may have already been charred, which is not pleasant or healthy to eat. While it’s important for raw meat to be properly chilled and preserved for food safety reasons, try and remove it from the freezer or fridge just in time for it to have thawed to room temperature to ensure it cooks properly. Also keep in mind the importance of preheating the grill in order to ensure a nice layer of caramelisation on your food, as well as that unmistakable smoky BBQ flavour.

3. Sometimes thinner meat is better

Cooking more thinly portioned pieces of meat is an effective way to get a feel for the power and cooking time of your barbeque. It’s also a great way to prepare meals more quickly as your barbeque will need less heat and time to cook through to the middle of your meat. You won’t have the problem of the meat being overcooked on the outside, yet raw on the inside. Consider using a tenderiser to flatten out pieces of meat to create more surface area for delicious seasoning or marinating. Whatever size of meat you’re using, always rest it before cooking. This will ensure that it retains moisture while avoiding that unsightly liquid oozing all over the plate.

Cooking dinner on the barbeque can be a really fun and easy thing to do, once you’ve mastered it. All barbeques are different, just as ovens and microwaves are also different. Experiment with a range of meats and vegetables, as well as all-time favourites like sausages and steak. Most of all, get acquainted with the capabilities of your barbeque! Before you know it, every dinner will be a success.