Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes the delicious smell of grilled meat. Nothing says summer like the smell of a BBQ wafting through the air.
Nothing compares to waking up on a summer morning and deciding to fire up the BBQ and invite your loved ones over for a night of fun and joy.
However, before you can think about inviting your guests over, you need to be aware of several things to ensure your party is a success.
This post will cover the main ingredients of a wildly successful BBQ night, from getting your gear in order, to creating a range of complimentary condiments.
The BBQ Itself!
No BBQ party night is complete without the actual BBQ! Nevertheless, there are numerous options available when choosing the right one.
You can go for a traditional choice that uses charcoal to cook your meat to perfection or use a gas grill for better control.
However, if you’re looking for a slow and easy cooking experience, you might want to opt for a barbeque smoker. Smoke is a flavor that is not used in many other types of cooking.
When you cook meat in a smoker, you get a smoky flavor that is impossible to replicate in any other kind of cooking process. Smoke gives the meat a rich taste, and it also adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile of your dish.
Grilling Equipment
Grilling equipment is a necessary and often underappreciated part of the BBQ experience. From the grill to the tongs, there are many different types of grilling equipment that you should have on hand to make your BBQ as good as possible.
While it might sound odd, the right tools can make the experience far more effective and hygienic. Some of the main tools you should have on hand and ready to use include:
- Spatula: The unsung hero of the BBQ experience is the humble spatula! It’s best to avoid skimming out on this purchase and something sturdy and built to last.
- Tongs: Alongside the spatula, tongs will enable you to move the meat around and pick it up and check if it has a nice sear.
- Aluminum foil: Foil is excellent stuff. It can keep food warm, or you can wrap it up so it can continue to cook without burning.
- Plenty of gas or charcoal: there is nothing worse than running out of your fuel halfway through the cooking process, so make sure you have plenty on hand.
- Towel: You would be surprised at how much you end up using a towel. There is a reason that pro chefs always have one hanging from their belts when in the kitchen.
Choice Cuts Of Meat
Now onto the piece de resistance of the entire evening, the meat, However, if you want your night to be a success, you should opt for choice cuts that work best for this cooking medium. If you are looking to grill steak, there are several options available to you:
- Tenderloin
- Strip
- Ribeye
- Brisket (perfect for slow smoking)
Whichever cuts and meats you select, you should ensure that you marinate them the day before and leave them in your refrigerator overnight.
Once you take them out, allow time for them to cool down before placing them on the grill. Once they have been cooked to perfection, it is crucial to enable them to rest so that the meat juices can permeate the entire cut making it juicy and delicious.
Some Ice Cold Lubrication!
According to Mark Twain: “Sometimes too much drink is barely enough”! Although you probably want to avoid getting your guests inebriated to the point of no return, no BBQ party is complete without enough lubrication to get the conversation flowing.
Additionally, it is wise to provide a range of soft drinks for the kids and those who don’t consume alcohol and plenty of water.
A Range Of Condiments And Sauces
In order to make delicious BBQ food, you need to have the right ingredients mixed with good seasoning and sauces. You will want to include other items on your table, such as pickles, onions, and lettuce.
Moreover, you should have plenty of mustard and ketchup (the staples), and if you want to go the extra mile, you could create your own condiments. It is so easy to make a simple burger sauce that it is almost criminal to select store-bought options.
Don’t Forget The Side Dishes
Side dishes are often overlooked when it comes to putting together a BBQ menu, but they are an essential part of the meal that should not be forgotten. Side dishes can vary in complexity, but they all serve a purpose.
While some side dishes are meant to be eaten alongside the main dish, others are meant to stand alone. Think salads, snacks, and of course, lots and lots of coleslaw!
Hopefully, this post has provided you with the inspiration to visit your local butcher and pick up some fantastic cuts of meat to throw on the grill.
However, aside from the main dishes, you should prepare a range of condiments and side dishes and have a plentiful supply of drinks to get the party started properly!