How to Throw an Amazing BBQ
In the summertime, a BBQ is a perfect get-together for families, friends, and neighbors! However, throwing a top-notch BBQ can be tricky. It’s very different culturally from other culinary gatherings. Luckily, whether you are a grill master or a rookie, these tips can be used to wow your guests and elevate your food. Throwing an amazing BBQ can be done by thinking outside of the box and using these tips:
1. Get the Grill that’s Right for You
Grills play a huge part in making sure your food tastes amazing. Grills can be made out of different types of materials ranging from stainless steel to ceramic. Different types of grills also use different fuel sources. It is very common these days to cook with gas, but many people still swear up and down that charcoal is king.
Researching the differences between gas and charcoal grills is a great place to start. Gas grills tend to be a lot more expensive due to the mechanics and convenience that they bring to the backyard. However, if you don’t feel like actively regulating the temperature of a charcoal grill while cooking, the price may very well be worth it. Another benefit to gas grills is the warmup time is way faster- usually only 10 minutes. This makes it a great choice for those who are casually grilling or those without a lot of experience warming up a charcoal grill.
Charcoal grills excel in the flavor department, as gas grills won’t be able to produce the same smoky flavor that comes from charcoal. This benefit alone is enough for many grillmasters to only go the charcoal route. No matter which grill you go with, the most important factor is if the grill fits your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.
2. Invest in Maintenance
Keeping your grill clean and working properly is not only a matter of making sure your food tastes great, but also a matter of safety! Not keeping up with cleaning can create a stale, dull flavor that will permeate your food. In order to keep getting that signature smoky flavor from charcoal grills, you’ll need to make sure the bottom is cleaned out and the ashes are emptied periodically. Making sure to invest in quality brushes is a great place to make sure your grill always gets clean. Some of the basic tools that you need are brushes, a scraper, and a scrubber. You can use a scraper to remove ash or dried grease, a brush to lightly exfoliate the surfaces of your grill, and a scrubber for deep stains. Monitoring the temperature and making sure the fluctuations are within a reasonable range is a good way to make sure the integrity is still holding up. Wild fluctuation in temperature can have adverse effects on the texture of the meat, creating “strings” that are very hard to chew.
3. Hire a Professional
Hiring a private chef isn’t just for fine dining! To throw an amazing BBQ, you can hire a private chef or pitmaster to make the experience unforgettable. Often, pitmasters will work on your equipment and grill up some amazing, succulent meats. If you hire a private chef or pitmaster, they will do the grocery shopping and cooking so you can just sit back and enjoy the BBQ with your family and friends. Some professional pitmasters will even clean your grill afterward! The rates of private chefs will depend heavily on the type of BBQ you want to serve, the type of equipment provided by the chef or yourself, the amount of service that you require, and the number of people that you’re serving. While it may seem like a splurge, hiring a private chef is a great way to elevate your BBQ into something memorable for friends and family alike.
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