Why the barbecue is your best friend in summer
Putting your barbecue to good use over the summer is our labour-saving solution for relaxed evenings and less washing up. Read our guide to find out how.
Summer is holiday time and there’s a slower, more relaxed pace to family life – no morning rush to school, soccer practice or piano lessons. Unfortunately, the daily household jobs don’t go on holiday – hello overflowing laundry basket – and you probably still need to cook at least one meal a day for your hungry bunch. Here is where things can get a little easier – enter the barbecue.
With our evenings warmer and lighter right now in Tasmania it’s great to get outdoors for dinner. Cooking outside means no cooking smells or splattered stove to clean up and better still, no pots and pans to wash up. Sure, you have to clean the barbecue but if you do it right away, effort is minimised. If you’re lucky your other half or responsible teenager will oversee the barbecue while you get on with other things – making the salad, or…having a cold glass of wine.
It's also quick and healthy – barbecue your protein of choice and your vegetables, add a salad and you have a perfectly balanced meal.
Preparing your barbecue for the season
No shame here – if your barbecue hasn’t been used (or cleaned) since last year follow this guide for getting it summer-ready, and make sure you have the right gear.
Next, pick your protein. The possibilities are almost endless.
Fish
Fish is brilliant on the barbecue. Try these ideas to change things up:
Burgers
Make your own burgers using well-priced mince from our Hill Street Butcher range. Don’t overthink things here, literally mince, seasoned with salt and pepper, is all that’s needed. If you want super-easy, throw on some Salamanca Burgers by the Wursthaus. For those who prefer a vegetable-based burger, these lentil veggie burgers are a winner.
Meat
Everyone has their favourite meat cut for the barbecue – T-bone, porterhouse, eye fillet, or the good old lamb chop. Lift your lamb chop game and make these Dukkah Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint and Pomegranate Salad. To mix it up think beyond the usual cuts and make your own skewers. Try these Beef Skewers with Oyster Chilli Sauce or these succulent Pork Kebabs, they’re delicious with the addition of pineapple and capsicum.
Marinate!
The secret weapon of expert barbecuers is marinating their meat. There are a multitude of ready-made dry rubs or marinades available, or you can make your own. Again, don’t overthink it – a simple marinade of lemon, olive oil, garlic and oregano is great on chicken, lamb, or pork. For steaks, combine olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, a dash of soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Or try this best ever barbecue sauce. Marinating time is ideally 1-3 hours but even half an hour makes a difference to flavour and texture.
Vegetables
The trick here is to dry grill your veggies. Slice them thinly, ideally on a mandolin, and chargrill them lightly on both sides so you have a nice grilled flavour and light grill stripes. Take them off the grill and toss them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you like, add some baby mozzarella and a handful of basil leaves. You can even grill peach or nectarine halves and add them to a leafy green salad like this one.
You can also barbecue a cos lettuce – yes, really! And corn is great on the barbecue – try this Mexican Corn on the Cob.
Haloumi
Haloumi is made for grilling. These Spicy Halloumi Skewers with Chilli make a great entrée. Grilled halloumi is a great addition to a summer salad like this Watermelon, Halloumi and Mint Salad.
You can even make dessert on the barbie!
What could be simpler or more delicious than Barbecue Bananas or
Honey Grilled Peaches? Add a nice big scoop of vanilla ice cream and life couldn’t be better!
