Top 10 Tips for BBQ Beginners

Marcus Bawdon shares his top 10 tips to get you started on the BBQ:

1. Use high quality charcoal. Think of it as an ingredient in itself.

2. If you cook with gas, you can pop a chunk of smoking wood near the gas burners to add a smoky flavour.

3. Use a digital probe thermometer for accuracy and confidence in your cooking.

4. You don’t need to use much charcoal. A small amount of good quality charcoal can go a long way.

5.Set up the grill for two-zone cooking, with charcoal only taking up a third of the grill area.

6. Use a lid. By setting up two-zone cooking and using the barbecue lid, you can turn your barbecue into a smoky oven and cook large bits of meat slowly without burning.

7. Use the best quality meat you can afford. Cheaper quality cuts can work really well on the barbecue.

8. Remember the carry over. Most meat carries on cooking and going up a few degrees when you take it off the barbecue. Allow for this by taking meat off a few degrees before your target temperature.

9. Have fun. BBQ is about trying new recipes, ingredients and techniques. Enjoy it and learn quickly.

10. Keep well hydrated. Always have a cold drink to hand; barbecue is hot work!