From when your BBQ is ready to the perfect seasoning
How can you tell when a barbecue is ready for cooking?
It depends on the weather, the charcoal you’re using and whether you forgot to light it, but most people would say between 30 and 45 minutes. You want it to glow red, but then wait until the coals are covered in a fine, white ash.
What is the perfect temperature for a BBQ?
Every part of your grill will have different temperatures. The more you use your barbecue, the more you’ll know where your hot spots and cool spots are. A rule of thumb: hold your hand about 12cm over the heat and count the seconds that you can comfortably leave it there.
1–2 seconds: high
3–4 seconds: medium
5–6 seconds: low
Gas or charcoal?
It’s your choice. Personally, I like a real smoky, charcoal fire. It’s like anything else you just need to develop technique. Find out the hot zones and the cool zones on your barbecue.
What do you think about woodchips?
A handful of woodchips can be good. There’s apple, hickory, plum wood. You could just throw some dried herbs on such as rosemary or thyme depending on the dish.
What’s the point of a kettle lid on a barbecue?
They’re good for roasting. Close the lid and it keeps all the heat inside just like an oven.
How can you tell when a steak is ready?
The simplest of tips. If you like your steak medium, when the blood starts to appear on the surface, it’s medium. Some people say you can tell by touching it but some steaks are soft and some are quite firm – so you can’t tell with your hand.
