There is nothing quite like a barbecue. The smell of the meat cooking, the sound of laughter and conversation, it's simply unbeatable. Barbecues are also an opportunity for men to show off their skills with their grill so they can try to outdo each other in front of all their friends. If you're looking for some great ideas that will impress everyone at your next barbecue then this blog post is just what you need! We will go over the different types of grill and fuel, what type of meat to get and offer some tips on side dishes.
A quick look at the two main types of grill
Depending on the type of barbecue you have, there are some things to consider.
Gas Grills
If you have a gas barbecue then any food will work well. Depending on how many burners you have, you can control the heat and create direct and indirect heat zones on your grill. These let you cook your food at different temperatures depending on what you're cooking, so say for example you were going to cook a juicy steak, you could sear it over the direct heat and then move it over to the indirect heat zone until it reaches your ideal internal temperature without charring or even burning the outside. You'll need a lid on your grill, if you're planning to cook this way.
Of course, you can set up charcoal grills this way too, but gas grills are built for convenience. You simply hook up your propane tank and away you go.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are not as easy to use as gas grills but they bring an added flavor dimension to your cooking. Charcoal offers a smoky grilling experience that gas simply can't provide. They are harder to use than gas grills because they require a little practice and know-how before you get them working just right. You need to learn how to use your vents and airflow grills properly in order for your food not to burn or cook too quickly, but once mastered the flavors are amazing.
A great tip for starting the fire on your charcoal grill is to get yourself a chimney charcoal starter. This is a perfect way to get your coals lit for grilling because the chimney creates powerful airflow which will light up all of your charcoal in around 20 minutes. You then simply pour the charcoal into your grill’s firebox.
The best meats to grill and barbecue
Let's have a look at some of the tastiest and juiciest cuts of meat to grill. BroBasket's Mini BBQ Party basket is the perfect accompaniment to your next barbecue as it is filled with great BBQ flavors including Earl's Gone Wild California Barbecue Sauce, and a Barbecue Essentials Tool Kit and Cedar plank for serving up all your meaty delights. Speaking of which...
Steaks
No matter what cut you get, steaks are perfect for grilling and barbecuing. They can be cooked over direct heat for a nice sear before being moved to the indirect heat zone of your grill. T-bone, ribeye, strip loin are all favorites for grilling and barbecuing.
Steak tips
If you're on a budget or simply want to try something different then steak tips are the way to go. These have been pre-cut into cubes so they cook faster than regular steaks but still retain all the juiciness.
Burgers
Of course, what barbecue would be complete without burgers? Burgers can be cooked on grills and barbecues of all types. They're a great way to show off your grilling skills because they require practice to get right but when you nail a good burger, you've really created something special.
Pork Chops
Another perfect option for grilling is pork chops. There's something so hearty about them and you can get a nice crispy exterior while still keeping the inside juicy.
Lamb Chops
Lamb chops are a bit harder to get right because they're so lean, but grilling them over direct heat allows you to get that nice char before moving it over to the indirect zone for cooking. You want to make sure you render all that fat nicely so it is crispy and delicious.
Chicken
Cooking chicken on grills and barbecues isn't as easy because it's harder to control the internal temperature, but with some practice you'll have your grilled chicken tasting great in no time at all. Just remember to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked properly.
Ribs
Not everyone grills ribs, but if you have all the right equipment then they are perfect for grilling! The key here is low and slow, which is why many grillers buy specialized BBQs and Smokers for this type of cut. You can, however, use your gas or charcoal grill to cook them on low heat so that they slowly tenderize and become more juicy with each passing minute.
Brisket
Another low and slow grilling favorite is brisket. This cut of beef can be quite fatty, which is why it's best cooked over indirect heat on the grill.
Manly side dishes to serve at your next BBQ
It's not just the meat that makes a BBQ special. You also need to think about the side dishes to serve with those juicy cuts.
Coleslaw
Homemade coleslaw is a must for grilling. It's light and refreshing and brings some much-needed crunch to the meal as well as adding an extra element of flavor thanks to all those delicious herbs like dill or parsley that you mix in with it. To make a coleslaw you'll need grated cabbage, grated carrot, mayonnaise and a dash of vinegar.
Potato Salad
But you also need to think about the carbs! Potato salad is another great side for grilling that's very easy to make at home. It needs potatoes boiled in water until they're nice and soft before being mixed up with some chopped pickles, chopped celery and grated onion along with mayonnaise or sour cream.
Baked Beans
Yet another classic side dish for BBQs is baked beans! This one might be a little harder to make yourself but if you can then it's well worth the effort because nothing beats homemade baked beans served up at your next BBQ. You'll need kidney beans, bacon, chopped onion and grated apple as well herbs and spices to taste.
Grilled Veggies
Of course, you can't forget about the veggies either! Some people prefer to grill up a few slices of zucchini or eggplant as well as some bell peppers before grilling their meats because it adds another layer of flavor that's just not possible when grilling plain veggies in the oven.
Grilled Pineapple
And for dessert? Why not grill up some pineapple slices! It's a totally unique take on grilling and works well because grilling it brings out all those delicious juices that make it perfect to serve with ice cream
Conclusion
Having friends and family over for barbecue in the backyard is an incredibly fun way to spend a summer evening. It is, however, also a great way to show off your manly cooking skills. Remember, it is not just about the meat. Your sides are important too, and you should really think about having some nice sauces to hand too and how you’re going to present your food.
We've been through some of the best foods for men to grill and offered some manly grilling tips to ensure that you get your next BBQ started off on the right foot. Go, control the flames and cook your meat, but most of all enjoy it!
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Helpful Chef provides informed and authoritative answers when home cooks need advice on how to proceed. We aim to think of every aspect that could affect our readers' cooking experience and help them become better chefs who can cook better food more efficiently. We want our readers to enjoy their cooking and feel more confident in the kitchen.
