Nothing beats the sizzle and smoky aroma of a proper barbecue on a sunny day. Whether you're hosting a casual garden party or an upscale outdoor dinner, the right BBQ menu can make all the difference.
From budget-friendly classics that everyone loves to gourmet options that'll impress even the fussiest foodies, here's my handpicked selection of 12 BBQ stars that'll take your grilling game from simple to spectacular.
1. Classic Beef Burgers
The humble beef burger remains the undisputed king of the barbecue world. A properly made patty needs just a few ingredients – good quality mince with at least 20% fat, a pinch of salt, and perhaps a dash of black pepper.
The secret lies in handling the meat minimally and never pressing down while cooking – that's how you keep all those lovely juices inside! Serve in a lightly toasted brioche bun with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and your favourite sauce.
For an extra touch, try adding a slice of mature cheddar or blue cheese that melts gorgeously over the hot patty.
2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are the budget-friendly BBQ hero that never disappoints. Marinating them overnight works wonders – try a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for spectacular results.
The key to perfect drumsticks is indirect cooking. Start them over direct heat to get that lovely charred exterior, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through without burning. A meat thermometer should read 75°C when inserted into the thickest part.
Brush with your favourite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, caramelised finish that'll have everyone licking their fingers!
3. Grilled Corn On The Cob
Sweet, charred corn on the cob brings sunshine to any barbecue spread. Leave the husks on but peel them back to remove the silky threads, then fold the husks back over the corn and soak in water for 10 minutes before grilling.
This steaming method keeps the kernels juicy while the outer layers get that beautiful charred flavour. For a Mexican twist, try making elotes – slather your grilled corn with mayo, roll in crumbled feta or cotija cheese, sprinkle with chilli powder and finish with a squeeze of lime.
Dead simple but absolutely bursting with flavour, grilled corn pairs brilliantly with practically everything else on your BBQ menu.
4. Veggie Skewers
Colourful veggie skewers aren't just for the vegetarians – they're the perfect way to brighten up any BBQ spread. Chunk up a rainbow of bell peppers, red onions, courgettes, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms for a gorgeous display.
The trick to perfect veggie skewers is cutting everything roughly the same size so they cook evenly. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic and dried herbs transforms ordinary vegetables into something special.
For extra flavour, try adding halloumi cheese between the vegetables – it doesn't melt away like other cheeses and develops a wonderfully crispy exterior while staying soft inside.
5. Grilled Sausages
Sausages might seem like the simplest option for a BBQ, but there's an art to cooking them perfectly. The cardinal rule: never prick your bangers! Contrary to popular belief, this just lets all the flavourful juices escape.
Cook them slowly over medium heat, turning frequently until evenly browned all over. For an extra flavour boost, try soaking wooden skewers in cider or beer before threading your sausages onto them – the liquid will steam through as they cook.
Elevate your sausage game by serving with homemade onion relish or a quick apple slaw instead of the usual ketchup – your guests will definitely notice the difference!
6. BBQ Ribs
Proper BBQ ribs require patience but reward you with melt-in-the-mouth meat that falls off the bone. The secret to restaurant-quality ribs at home is the 3-2-1 method: smoke for 3 hours, wrap in foil with a splash of apple juice for 2 hours, then unwrap and cook for a final hour while basting with sauce.
A dry rub applied the night before cooking works magic – brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne creates the perfect balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. Don't have a smoker? No worries!
Slow-cook in the oven first, then finish on the BBQ for that authentic charred flavour and sticky glaze.
7. Prawn Skewers With Garlic Butter
Prawn skewers deliver luxury without much fuss – perfect for impressing guests while keeping your stress levels down. Large, shell-on prawns work best as they're less likely to dry out and the shells add fantastic flavour.
Thread them onto metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden ones, leaving a small gap between each prawn for even cooking. The garlic butter is dead simple but transformative – just melt butter with minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, chopped parsley and a pinch of chilli flakes.
Brush generously before grilling and again immediately after. Two minutes per side is typically all they need – overcooked prawns become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!
8. Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Meaty portobello mushrooms make brilliant burger alternatives that satisfy even dedicated carnivores. Their robust texture and rich, earthy flavour hold up beautifully to grilling and soak up marinades like a dream.
Remove the stems, brush away any dirt and marinate for at least 30 minutes in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic and fresh thyme. Grill gill-side up first for about 5 minutes until juices begin collecting in the cap, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Top with melted goat's cheese or blue cheese, caramelised onions and rocket for a gourmet vegetarian option that might just steal the show from its meaty counterparts!
9. Smoked Brisket
Smoked brisket is the true test of a pitmaster's skill, requiring time, patience and attention to detail. This American BBQ classic transforms a tough cut into something miraculous through low, slow cooking.
The process starts with a good quality brisket with a decent fat cap, trimmed just enough to remove any hard fat. A simple rub of salt and coarse black pepper – known as 'Texas style' – lets the beef and smoke flavour shine through. The magic happens at around 110°C over 10-12 hours.
The finished brisket should have a dark, almost black 'bark' on the outside while remaining incredibly tender and juicy inside. Worth every minute of the wait!
10. Lobster Tail
Grilled lobster tail transforms your backyard BBQ into a fine dining experience. While it might seem intimidating, it's actually quite straightforward to prepare. Start by splitting the tail lengthwise with kitchen shears, then gently lift the meat to rest on top of the shell – this technique, called 'butterflying', creates a gorgeous presentation.
A simple basting mixture of melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic and chopped chives is all you need. Grill flesh-side up for about 5-6 minutes, then flip for just 1-2 minutes to finish.
The meat should be opaque and firm but not rubbery – overcooking is the only real way to go wrong here.
11. Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb chops cook quickly on the barbecue and deliver incredible flavour with minimal effort. French-trimmed cutlets look particularly impressive and provide a built-in handle for easy eating at casual gatherings.
Mediterranean flavours work brilliantly with lamb – try marinating in olive oil, lemon zest, crushed garlic, fresh rosemary and a splash of balsamic vinegar for at least two hours. Cook over high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, which keeps them juicy and tender.
A simple accompaniment of Greek yoghurt mixed with chopped mint, cucumber and a squeeze of lemon makes the perfect cooling dip to complement the rich, slightly gamey meat.
12. Charcoal-Grilled Octopus
Charcoal-grilled octopus might sound like something from a fancy restaurant menu, but it's absolutely doable at home with spectacular results. The secret lies in the preparation – tenderise your octopus first by simmering gently in water with a wine cork (an old Mediterranean trick) for about an hour until tender.
After cooling, marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and oregano. The high heat of charcoal creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Grill for just 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred.
Finish with good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a dish that will genuinely impress your guests.
Comments
No Comments