Fix 10 Common BBQ Mistakes

1. You don’t light the barbecue early enough

It takes about 15-30 minutes to light a barbecue and wait for it to be at the correct temperature.

Don’t wait for your guests to show up to get started, as they’ll be hanging around, filling up on nibbles before the main event.

Light it early, start cooking whenever the desired temperature is reached, and keep the barbecued food warm in a low oven, covered loosely with foil, if necessary.

2. You put the food on once you have fired up the grill

Putting the meat on before the grill has reached the proper temperature will lead to scorched outsides and raw insides.

Aside from steaks or quick-cooking chops, everything else (like sausages and chicken drumsticks) is removed when the inside temperature has been achieved.

3. You don’t cook things for long enough

The meat might look done, but it could still be raw on the inside, so make sure it stays on the grill long enough, otherwise you risk food poisoning.

Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature.

4. You are not precooking when you should

Some things, like sausages, benefit from cooking beforehand to keep them juicy.

Poach them in stock until cooked through, then pop them on the grill until golden.

The other option is to start things on the barbecue, then transfer them to a baking tray and put them in the oven to finish cooking.

5. You are cooking things for too long

Do not char things to oblivion – no one likes a dry burger. Use the tips above to avoid doing this.

6. You are not using the grill to its full potential

Barbecues are not just for meat. Wrap potatoes in foil and put them directly over the fire while everything else cooks. You can also bake fruit in a similar way, or grill it directly on the bars.

7. You are using a disposable bbq

Unless you truly don’t have room to store a barbecue, do not waste your time with disposable barbecues.

They may seem like a cheap convenience, but they do not have much room, they do not have even heat, they do not last very long, and end up being more hassle than help.

You will be better off buying a small, reasonably priced kettle barbecue instead.

8. You are not prepping beforehand

You cannot manage a barbecue while you are chopping things or looking for the tongs.

Get all your sides and salads sorted and in their serving dishes, then cover and chill, if needed.

Assemble all your equipment beforehand. Make sure not to touch cooked food with utensils and dishes that were used for raw meat.

Have separate equipment, trays, and plates to use for putting the cooked food on.

9. You are not seasoning properly

Whether it’ is vegetables or meat, it needs to be seasoned, either with salt and pepper or a spiced rub.

10. And finally, you are not spending any time with your guests

The point of a barbecue is as much about the social occasion as it is about the food.

Do not overstretch yourself by trying to make too much.

One to two meat dishes, a veggie option, a couple of sides, some bread, and some drinks are all you really need.