With spring on our doorstep, it’s a great time to gather some friends and family together and have a barbecue.
Choose the right cuts of meat
Did you know there are 14 major cuts of beef, and some restaurants have up to 40 on offer? Some of the work better grilled and barbecued than others.
Ribs are said to be delicious grilled. It’s important to give beef ribs time. If you cook them too quickly, the meat can be tough and won’t fall off the bone. Cook your meat at a medium heat of 120 degrees Celsius for as long as an hour and a half, and no less than 45 minutes. Keep turning them as they cook and if you want to add a bit of flavour with aromatic wood chips.
Other cuts perfect for grilling on your barbecue include beef skirt steak (cook at 180 degrees for four minutes on both side for medium rare), beef lion strip steak and beef loin porterhouse. The two latter cuts are also best cooked at 180 degrees for five to six minutes on each side for medium rare.
When you’re at the supermarket, be on the lookout for these cuts and choose organic, grass-fed beef for a healthier option that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Make some delicious sauces
Marinated beef skirt steak is to die for. A dry rub that has a Mexican twist is made from cumin, chili powder, ancho, chipotle chillies and a hint of cayenne.
A simple steak marinade that some have said is the best in existence consists of 1/3 cup soy cause, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp dried basil, 1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley and 1 tsp pepper. All you have to is blend together for 30 seconds at a high speed, cover your meat and refrigerate for 8 hours.
Include some stunning sides
A fresh salad that’s full of spring produce is a great side for your meat. With baby spinach, toss together chopped roasted walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, tomatoes, avocado and red onion. For the a fruity dressing whisk together 2 tbsp raspberry jam, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup walnut oil and salt and pepper.
Pay attention to the details
When you’re hosting a barbecue you can make it an even more memorable occasion with the details. Make some fruity punch, organise a game of cricket in the back yard, have candles at the ready for when the sun goes down and arrange chairs, blankets and pillows around a bonfire.
