With warm weather sweeping across the UK, the all-important British BBQ has made a welcome return to gardens up and down the country. In fact, UK Google searches for “best BBQ foods” have surged by over 5,000% in the past 30 days, as households gear up for a summer of outdoor cooking.
But while the grill is perfect for sausages, burgers and skewers, food experts from online butcher, Campbells Meat have revealed that some popular BBQ staples are actually better off cooked elsewhere.
According to the experts, four classic BBQ foods, ribs, steak, fish, and chicken breast, are often mistakenly grilled, leading to disappointing results. Below, they explain why you might want to rethink how you cook them, and offer alternative methods for perfect results every time.
Ribs
Ribs are a staple at many summer BBQs, but according to the experts, grilling them from start to finish isn’t the best approach.
Traditional BBQs can’t maintain the low, consistent temperature that ribs need to become tender and fall-off-the-bone. Instead, cook them in the oven or slow cooker. Then, finish them on the BBQ for a short period of time to help intensify the smoky flavour, without sacrificing tenderness.
Steaks
Steaks on the BBQ might sound like a great idea, but they can easily end up unevenly cooked.
The grill can cause uneven heat distribution, making it harder to achieve that perfect doneness for your taste. For more consistent results, the experts recommend using a cast iron skillet, which allows for even heat and a beautiful crust. Even the air fryer can be a surprisingly effective method for smaller cuts.
But if you’re craving those signature grill marks, the experts suggest finishing your steak on the BBQ. Start by cooking it to your desired doneness in a pan or oven, then place it briefly on the hot BBQ grill to sear the outside and create those classic charred lines.
Fish
Grilling fish can be tricky, particularly with delicate and flaky types like haddock, cod, or sole, which can fall apart or stick to the grill. The high heat from the BBQ’s can often lead to dry fish, causing it to flake apart before it’s ready.
A gentler method, like baking or cooking in the pan, helps retain moisture and flavour. If you do want to cook fish on the BBQ, the experts recommend sticking to firmer options like salmon, and wrapping it in foil to keep the fish together.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is another summer favourite that isn’t always ideal for the BBQ.
The experts suggest that it can often dry out quickly when cooked on the grill, especially if overcooked even slightly. For better results, try baking or air frying first before searing on the BBQ grill to finish. According to the experts, the trick to juicy chicken breast is to marinate it well before cooking over indirect heat. Alternatively, chicken thighs or drumsticks are a better option for grilling on the BBQ.
For more BBQ recipes, visit the Campbells Meat website.
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