A backyard BBQ is a great way to spend time with family and friends in sunny San Diego. If it’s been a while since you’ve barbecued, or if you’re not a seasoned pro, here are a few mistakes to avoid and some helpful tips.
1. Lighting the grill too late.
Unlike a stove, a grill takes about 30 min to reach the right temperature. If you wait until your guests arrive to light the grill, then they might fill up on appetizers before the main dishes are served. Be sure to light up in advance to have a few different types of BBQ ready once guests arrive.
2. Undercooking.
One of the challenges of barbecuing is evenly cooking the meat through and through. The meat might look done on the inside, but if you don’t give it enough time to cook, it may still be raw on the inside. Use a digital thermometer to make sure beef and pork has an internal temperature of at least 145°F before taking the meat off of the grill.
3. Forgetting to prep the day before.
If you don’t wash and chop your vegetables ahead of time and prepare the ingredients for side dishes before beginning barbecuing, then you could end up with your hair on fire (metaphorically speaking) when your guests show up. Take the time to assemble all equipment beforehand and have separate dishes, trays and utensils for handling raw and cooked meat.
4. Skipping the precooking step.
Certain meats, like sausages, should be cooked beforehand to help keep them moist and juicy. One option is to poach them in stock until thoroughly cooked, and then throw them onto the BBQ until golden brown on the outside. Or, you can begin cooking on the grill but finish by baking the meat in the oven.
5. Being lazy with side dishes.
Your side dishes can be the difference between an unforgettable BBQ and an average one. Choose a few side dishes, but make them memorable and exquisite. Consider making this Farro Salad or a Mediterranean Salad to bring your BBQ to life.