Creativity, flavour, and presentation for enjoying at home

Making the perfect BBQ is more than just lighting the grill; it’s an art that combines patience, technique, and of course, a large dose of creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or a BBQ enthusiast, here you’ll find everything you need to know to surprise your guests with an unforgettable culinary experience. From choosing a conventional grill to an electric barbecue that suits your needs. You’ll also learn tricks to control the temperature and discover how to make a barbecue worthy of sharing.

The key to making an ideal BBQ begins long before you light the fire. Here are some key steps to ensure your preparation is a success:

1. Prepare the grill: Whether gas, charcoal, or electric, make sure your grill is clean and ready to use. If you’re using charcoal, let it turn into embers before you start cooking, as this ensures even heat distribution.

2. Check the temperature: Allow the grill to reach the right temperature before placing the food on it. The heat should be medium-high for red meats and lower for more delicate pieces like chicken or vegetables.

3. Prepare the grates: Use the famous trick of rubbing half an onion over the grill to remove residues from previous barbecues. Brush the grates with a bit of oil to prevent the food from sticking.

4. Control the embers: If using charcoal, make sure you have a good distribution of embers. The key is to avoid the heat being too direct, as this could burn the food before it cooks properly.

   If you prefer a more efficient option, gas BBQ’s are ideal, as they offer easier and more even temperature control. You can find different models to suit your needs and cooking style.

The cooking time is crucial when it comes to grilling meat. A thick cut, like a rib-eye steak, takes about 5-7 minutes per side to cook to medium, while thinner pieces, like burgers or chicken, will need less time.

Remember that vegetables require less time than meat, so make sure to put them on the grill when the meat is already cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is correct: for chicken, for example, it should reach 75°C, while for beef, 60°C is ideal for medium.

Grilling vegetables on the BBQ is an excellent way to enhance their natural flavours, giving them a smoky touch that makes them the perfect dish.

1. Choose the right vegetables: Some great options for the grill are peppers, courgettes, aubergines, asparagus, onions, and mushrooms. These ingredients have a good texture and hold up well to direct heat.

2. Cut into uniform pieces: For even cooking, it’s important to cut vegetables into pieces of similar size. Thick slices or large chunks ensure ideal cooking without falling apart too quickly.

3. Marinate before grilling: A little olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper can really enhance the flavour of vegetables. Let them marinate for about 20-30 minutes before putting them on the grill.

4. Use a grill or aluminium foil: If you have small or delicate vegetables, such as tomatoes or corn, you can use an extra grill or wrap them in aluminium foil to prevent them from falling through the grates.

5. Heat control is key: Just like with meats, heat control is essential. Vegetables should be grilled on medium-high heat to get that characteristic smoky flavour without burning.

6. Cooking time: Vegetables can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on thickness and type. Remember to turn them to cook evenly.

Although making a BBQ may seem simple, it’s easy to make common mistakes that can ruin the experience and affect the taste of the food. Here are the most frequent mistakes and why it’s important to avoid them:

Not allowing the grill to reach the ideal temperature: Fire control is essential for a perfect BBQ. One of the most common mistakes is placing the food on the grill before it has reached the right temperature. Poor control of the coals or flame can cause food to cook too quickly or, on the other hand, leave it raw inside.

Turning the meat too often: While it’s tempting, turning the meat constantly can result in a less juicy BBQ. Every time you turn a piece of meat, you lose some of its natural juices, which can make it drier than it should be.

Not using a meat thermometer: Without a thermometer, it’s hard to know if the meat is cooked to perfection. Cooking times can vary depending on the type of meat and the thickness of the cut, so relying only on general times can be risky.

Placing the food too soon on direct heat: It’s important not to rush and place all ingredients directly on the fire. Some cuts of meat, like ribs or chicken, need to cook on indirect heat to avoid burning on the outside while cooking on the inside.

Barbecues can be much more than simple tools for grilling meat. With the right model, such as the smoker barbecue grill Kamado, you can explore a wide range of cooking methods, from low-temperature meats to stews, rice, desserts, and even pizzas. Thanks to its high-quality ceramic construction, this type of grill retains heat and moisture, allowing for more even and slower cooking. Additionally, the ability to precisely regulate the temperature through its two ventilation sources opens the door to countless culinary possibilities.

These charcoal grills are perfect for those who want to experiment with new techniques, like smoking or slow cooking without losing the simplicity and enjoyment of outdoor cooking. Their easy cleaning and versatility make them a comfortable and functional option all year round, adapting to any season so you can keep exploring in the kitchen, no matter the weather.

Making a barbecue can be as creative as cooking in a professional kitchen. If you love experimenting and stepping out of the traditional, here are some innovative BBQ techniques that will allow you to explore new ways of cooking outdoors:

Griddle on the grill: Place a cast-iron griddle on your barbecue and use it to cook eggs, cheeses, fruits, or even buns. Ideal for an outdoor brunch or for more delicate recipes that need a flat surface.

Reverse sear technique: This involves cooking the meat slowly at low temperature (indirect heat) and then finishing it off with a quick sear at high temperature. Perfect for thick steaks and juicy, tender results.

Aromatising with fresh herbs: Place rosemary, thyme, or sage branches directly on the coals or in the smoker tray. The heat will release their essential oils, adding irresistible aromas to your preparations.

Layered cooking: You can take advantage of the barbecue lid to cook different foods at the same time. For example, vegetables on top (gentler heat) and meats below (direct fire), optimising both time and energy.

Mastering the art of BBQ is a process that goes beyond just knowing the cooking techniques. It’s about enjoying the moment, experimenting, and learning. Con estos consejos y un poco de práctica, estarás listo para sorprender a tus invitados con una barbacoa perfecta.

Don’t forget to explore our online store to discover the barbecues that best suit you and the barbecue accessories that will help make every BBQ a success. Now it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice and enjoy a unique experience!