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Elevate Your BBQ Game This Weekend with Expert Grilling Tips
As the UK prepares for a potentially sunny weekend, with temperatures expected to climb above 20 degrees Celsius in some regions, many Britons are getting ready to fire up their barbecues. To help you make the most of your outdoor cooking, renowned chef Tom Kerridge shares his expert tips, covering everything from choosing the right charcoal to creating delectable dishes. Unlock the secrets to the perfect outdoor feast and impress your guests with these essential grilling tips.
Choosing The Right Charcoal: The Foundation of a Great BBQ
While affordability might be tempting, Kerridge emphasizes the importance of selecting quality charcoal for an optimal barbecue experience.
- Size Matters: “It’s better to go bigger because they hold the temperature longer,” he advises.
- Long-Term Investment: “Investing in charcoal actually goes a long, long way. It’ll last twice as long as the cheaper stuff.”
- Even Cooking: “It cooks food more evenly, and really good charcoal goes a long way to improving your barbecue.”
Mastering Heat Control for BBQ Perfection
When it comes to the art of cooking on a grill, the Michelin-starred chef highlights the critical role of precise heat management.
- High Heat: Ideal for searing succulent meats and fish.
- Lower Heat: Perfect for gently cooking vegetables.
Achieving Perfect Temperature:
Regulating the heat is straightforward:
- Increase Heat: Close the barbecue lid and keep the air vents open.
- Decrease Heat: Close the air vents.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Burger Bliss
When it comes to burgers, Tom champions the superior flavor of homemade patties over those purchased from supermarkets.
He suggests: “If you can mince the beef yourself, it’s amazing.” Getting hands-on with your meat preparation enhances the overall taste and quality.
Tom Kerridge’s Advanced BBQ Techniques: Beyond the Basics
Take your barbecue skills to the next level with Tom’s expert techniques for truly impressive results.
Maximize Flavor and Texture:
- Lean Mince: Opt for leaner mince instead of fatty mince for the burgers.
- Flavor Infusion: Add seasonings and flavorings to the burgers after shaping them.
The Magic of Slow Cooking:
Consider slow-cooking certain meats, like short ribs, to amplify flavor and tenderness.
“It’s quite good to braise things and slow-cook them in the oven first, in a dry rub or marinate, then leave them to cool and reheat them on the smokiness of the barbecue – the best of both worlds,” he says.
Healthier BBQ Options: Vegetables on the Grill
For those seeking healthier alternatives, Tom emphasizes the deliciousness of grilled vegetables.
“Things like cabbages and brassicas, you cut and keep whole, or very simple things such as asparagus and courgettes, and you get a nice kind of char marking on them,” he explains.
“Take them off, and dress them whilst they’re hot with a good pinch of salt and pepper and maybe some French dressing.”
Tom Kerridge’s Recipe for a Balanced Diet
Tom previously credited his significant weight loss to consuming “proper food” and increasing his physical activity.
He advises: “It all depends on which kind of diet you’re choosing to go on. But what I would always say is eat proper food, not ultra-processed, and eat the highest quality that you can afford.”
- Prioritize Vegetables and Protein
- Cook them Nicely
- Follow a Balanced and Complete Diet Using Proper Produce