How to Throw the Perfect Backyard Barbecue
The backyard barbecue adopts the laid-back spirit of summer, inviting guests to don their flip-flops, shorts and T-shirts while they enjoy a casual outdoor get-together with family and friends.
That relaxing atmosphere makes the backyard barbecue a staple of many people's summer social calendar. When hosting your next grill-side gathering, consider the following suggestions to ensure it goes off without a hitch.
* Consider charcoal grills for that smoky flavor. Proponents of gas grills and those of charcoal grills will argue until the end of time as to which option is better. In reality, each type of grill has its advantages and disadvantages. While propane grills are generally more convenient, they're also more expensive. And though charcoal grills are less expensive, it does take longer to get food served with a charcoal grill.
However, one advantage many charcoal grill supporters routinely reference is that extra smoky flavor charcoal grills provide. Gas grills have made strides in this area, but for grilling traditionalists, nothing provides more authentic flavor than cooking over charcoal.
* Go over the guest list. Examining the guest list before the party is a good idea. This will ensure you have enough food for everyone and that the menu will meet the various needs of your guests. For instance, vegetarian guests don't have to be restricted to salads. You can just as easily grill fish and even vegetables as you can burgers and hot dogs.
For especially large gatherings, it might be a good idea to go with a propane gas grill. The fires never weaken or die down on a gas grill (so long as the propane tank is full) and heat is more evenly distributed over a gas grill, ensuring there are no dead spots on the grill.
* Don't "stick a fork in it." Using a fork to flip foods on the grill is opening the floodgates for all those delicious juices to escape the food. Instead of using a fork, use tongs to flip steaks, chicken, burgers, and hot dogs. This keeps the flavor in and reduces the chances the meats will dry out while cooking over the flames.
* Defrost foods ahead of time. Cold meat on a grill reduces the grill's temperature and prevents juices from getting seared in. Defrost meats and poultry for at least an hour before they hit the grill.
* Reserve the barbecue sauce for late in the game. Barbecue sauce adds lots of flavor to meats and poultry. However, applying barbecue sauce too early can cause burning. That's because most barbecue sauces contain sugar, which burns when over an open flame. Apply barbecue sauce later, when food is nearly cooked. Also, when choosing a marinade, look for one that does not contain much sugar.