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Dualit's top tips for a great barbecue!

All too often in the UK our changeable weather, even in the height of summer, can lead to barbecue nightmares. However when we are lucky enough for the rain to stop and the sun to appear, barbeques can be a gastronomic feast of pure joy; seemingly never-ending summer nights stretching into the early hours, mouth-watering smokey aromas wafting through the air and the sizzling sound of barbecued food.

Dualit's top tips for a successful barbecue:

  • When barbecuing meat, check the temperature! To be sure use a meat thermometer; sausages, for example, should be piping hot throughout reaching 70° on the thermometer when inserted into the middle of a sausage.
  • Make sure any meat you are cooking is defrosted BEFORE putting it on the barbecue. Barbecuing frozen meat is a sure fire way of ending up with meat that is burnt on the outside but still raw on the inside.
  • If you have a charcoal barbecue, don't overfill it with coal. Wait for about half an hour after lighting before starting to cook. You don't want flames burning your food. The best barbecues are when the food is cooked slowly, so you need to wait until the initial temperature has cooled a little. It is ready to use when all the charcoal has turned white.
  • Ideally, separate your cooking zone into areas of high, medium and low heat. This is easier to do on a gas barbecue. If you use charcoal, split the barbecue into 3 areas; one with a double layer of charcoal, then a single layer and then an area with no charcoal which can be used for warming.
  • Lightly grease the wire racks; this will stop food sticking and make cleaning up a much easier job.
  • Depending on what you are cooking, place a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary amongst the coals to add flavour. A handful of woodchips would also work well.
  • Wash your hands after handling raw meat and keep meat and fish in the fridge until the barbecue is hot enough to start cooking. Once cooked, we recommend leaving food outside for no longer than two hours.
  • Fed-up of hot dogs? Jazz things up a little by cooking continental sausages such as Merguez or chorizo on skewers mixed with cubes of cheese.
  • Fish and shellfish take on a new level of taste when barbecued. One our favourites are scallops wrapped in pancetta and skewered with a sprig of rosemary - delicious as a starter.
  • Rather than standard shop-bought fare, try making your own burgers. Add ingredients for extra flavour such as red onion, peppers, garlic and bacon, different varieties of cheese, chopped herbs and spices.
  • Barbecues don't have to be all about meat. Kebabs made up with chunks of halloumi, whole mushrooms, peppers and courgettes, or vegetables with Mexican inspired spices.
  • Baked potatoes are a popular accompaniment; they are best cooked wrapped in foil and placed next to the charcoal rather than on top of.
  • Don't forget the drinks!

Safety First!

Keeping a bucket of water or sand near your barbecue, in case of emergencies is a good idea. Have a spray bottle filled with water to hand to dampen down any flare ups. You just never know….

Our barbecue favourites

Here's a selection of our favourite recipes to prepare for a chilled out barbecue!

Spicy Blackened Chicken Burger

Deliciously spicy chicken with a blackened crust served with a zingy lime mayonnaise. This burger...

Herb Crusted Aubergine Burgers

Have a go at our delicious and low-calorie aubergine alternative to an everyday favourite! Made...

Sweetcorn Salsa

Created by Paulene, one of Dualit's in-store demonstrators, this salsa recipe uses curry powder...

Lamb Kofta Balls

Tender lamb meatballs, full of the flavours of the Middle East!

Tomato and Mint Relish

A quick and simple tomato relish that really packs a punch!

Moroccan Salad

With sultanas, apple and orange juice, this Moroccan Salad has a fruity finish and is a great way...

Strawberry Gin Fizz

Start your weekend right with this delicious Strawberry Gin Fizz. If you are a fan of your fruity...

Homemade Beef Burgers with Mint and Parsley

These quarter-pounders taste best when made with organic British beef and fresh herbs. Ideal to...

Salmon Burgers by Maille®

These open-faced salmon burgers combine Maille® Dijon Originale Mustard with fresh dill,...

Curried Chickpea and Couscous Salad

Try this delicious couscous salad with curried chickpeas and an abundance of flavours.

Focaccia Tear & Share

This rustic Tear & Share Focaccia pairs perfectly with green salads and dips, or as a tasty side...

Coleslaw with Apple and Red Onion

A coleslaw salad consists of finely chopped vegetables – a real deterrent when it’s so easily...