BBQ

Everyone loves a good burger on the grill, but the average cookout can get a little stale once you’re a few weeks into summer. If you love spending time outdoors but you’re tired of the same old, same old, there are still some ways you can introduce something new.

Elevating your backyard grill area can add a whole new dimension to your cookouts, and when the atmosphere is right, you’ll want to invite guests over every night to partake in the festivities.

Not sure where to start? Here are four easy ideas you can implement before summer rolls around.

Ambience

First of all, you’ve got to set the mood. This includes incorporating some nice lighting and even some music for a fun and relaxed vibe. For outdoor hosting, lanterns and twinkle lights are almost always a great option because they provide enough light and add some romance to the mood without being overly glaring.

Another amazing option to consider is a boma pit or an outdoor fireplace. These can make even the colder months a good time to be on your porch. However, make sure that you have access to replacement outdoor fireplace parts in case you end up needing them.

Cozy Seating

If you’re not comfortable, you’re going to want to head straight back inside for the couch. To avoid this, invest in some cozy and comfy outdoor seating for when you’re hosting a dinner party or even just lounging around enjoying the breeze.

Even with a smaller outdoor space, there is plenty you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Think about your needs and how you’d most like to use the space. This will help you decide between an outdoor dining set, patio sofas, or something entirely unique. Throw some stylish cushions into the mix, and voila!

Grilling Stations and Outdoor Kitchens

Of course, if you’re trying to upgrade your cookout game, the cooking aspect should be pretty close to the top of your priority list. One of the first things you should do in this area is take a long, hard look at your outdoor cooking equipment and assess whether it’s time for an upgrade.

If you really love hosting outdoors, then installing an outdoor kitchen could be a fantastic option for your home, but make sure not to get too caught up in installing a great oven and stovetop, because you still need the chance to improve your grilling skills!

Natural Décor and Greenery

Finally, remember to decorate the space! Putting a little time, effort, and money into making your backyard and porch look inviting will all be worth it once you see how your backyard parties could actually look! Consider using nature itself as a form of décor for your porch. Add some potted plants to the area, fresh flowers to the table, and perhaps even a vertical garden, which can be a great DIY project for you to brag about at your next family dinner.

Summer is only a few months away, and we all know what that means. Hot summer evenings spent outside, pool parties, and dusting off the grill. Summer is best celebrated together, which means that it is the perfect time to invite people over to share a meal or play a game or two in the backyard.

If your grilling skills are a little worse for wear, the idea of cooking for friends and family is probably leaving you feeling a bit hot under the collar yourself. There is no need to be ashamed – after all, grilling is nothing like anything you do in the kitchen ordinarily.

Grilling is an art mastered by fewer people than you would think. This is where this article comes in, below are five simple tips to help you to improve your backyard grilling skills:

• Smoke Your Meat

The best way to smoke meat is by using slow and indirect heat and adding wood smoke to the mix as often as possible.

Try new wood chips to experiment with different flavors. Never expose the meat to direct flames when you are smoking it, the process of smoking must be low and slow. Good things come to those who wait!

• Dry Brine Your Steaks

Dry brining is an exciting new way to prepare your steaks before they go on the grill.

Salt your steaks and leave them uncovered in the fridge to dry overnight. Ensure that your fridge is clean and there is no egg salad lurking around because that will give your steak an odd (and mostly unpleasant) flavor.

Dry brining steak will tenderize it and give it the perfect dry surface to get a divine seared crust – making you the master of all things BBQ.

• Invest In a Better Grill

If your backyard grill is looking like a bear that has recently come out of hibernation, it is time to invest in a new one. Take yours out of storage and give it a thorough inspection, look for signs of rust and erosion – that is the number one indication that you need a new one.

Visit Grilling Co. to find the perfect grill review to help make the summer of 2024 your most memorable one yet! You will also find great grill recipes on there, just as a neat bonus.

•  Direct Heat Method

Cooking with direct heat is by using the hottest part of the grill to add those gorgeous grill lines or achieve the perfect sear. Be careful not to overcook your food with this method, as the higher temperatures can ruin any ingredients.

Keep a close eye on whatever you are cooking using this heat method, and do not be afraid to pull things off if they are getting too charred.

• Indirect Heat Method

Most grills have a separate part that is hot enough to cook on but will not burn your food as quickly because there is no exposure to any open flames below the grate. Use a combination of both direct and indirect cooking to achieve the best results.

If you like, you can experiment with a reverse searing method. That means you can cook your chosen meat to your desired level of doneness before dropping it onto a flaming grill to give it that perfectly seared exterior. All it takes is a bit of practice, and you will be serving grilled food that tastes better than anything you have ever cooked!

Calling all hungry students and aspiring chefs! Are you tired of surviving on microwave meals and takeout? Well, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and become a culinary wizard in your kitchen. 

This guide shares essential cooking tips tailored to students like you. From quick and easy recipes to budget-friendly hacks, we’ll show you how to create delicious and satisfying meals that won’t break the bank. So put on your apron, grab your spatula, and get ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe even your friends) with your newfound cooking skills. 

Cooking Tips for Students

Use More Food Seasoning

Spice up your culinary adventures with a dash of magic and a sprinkle of flavor wizardry! If your taste buds have been yearning for excitement and your dishes have been missing that “wow” factor, it’s time to unlock the power of food seasoning. Think of it as your secret potion to transform bland ingredients into tantalizing taste sensations. Like a skilled magician, a pinch of the right seasoning can instantly transport your meals from mundane to extraordinary.

Imagine the sizzle of a perfectly seasoned steak, sending savory aromas wafting through the air, tempting your senses to mouthwatering anticipation. Picture a vibrant stir-fry, bursting with the harmonious marriage of aromatic herbs and exotic spices, dancing upon your tongue like a flavorful symphony. With the right blend of seasonings, you hold the key to creating culinary masterpieces that will leave your friends and family in awe.

Store Basic Food Supplies

Having basic food supplies in your kitchen is important to improve your cooking skills. These essential ingredients can be used in various recipes and help you prepare meals more easily. Here’s a list of what should always be at hand:

• Spices and herbs: Having a collection of common spices and herbs like salt, pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and paprika can add flavor to your dishes and make them more enjoyable to eat.

• Cooking oils: Different cooking oils like olive oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are helpful for frying, sautéing, and baking. They provide moisture and enhance the taste of your dishes.

• Staple grains: Stocking staple grains like rice, pasta, and oats gives you a foundation for many meals. These can be the base for stir-fries, pasta dishes, or hearty breakfasts.

• Canned goods: Canned goods such as tomatoes, beans, and tuna are convenient and versatile. They can be used in soups, stews, salads, or toppings for pizzas and sandwiches.

Learn Easy Sauce

Learning easy sauce recipes can significantly enhance your cooking skills by adding depth and flavor to your dishes. Here’s a simple explanation of why learning easy sauce recipes can be helpful:

• Enhance flavor: Sauces can elevate the taste of your dishes by providing a burst of flavor. Depending on the ingredients used, they can be sweet, savory, tangy, or spicy. A well-prepared sauce can transform a plain dish into a delicious and satisfying meal.

• Add versatility: Sauces can be used in various ways and paired with different foods. They can be drizzled over grilled meats, poured onto pasta, used as dips for appetizers, or even as a topping for sandwiches. Learning a few easy sauce recipes expands your options in the kitchen.

• Customize to your liking: Making your sauces allows you to adjust the flavors and ingredients according to your preferences. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a sauce that suits your desired flavor profile.

Get Yourself Good Kitchen Pans

Getting the right kitchen pans is an important step in improving your cooking skills. Here’s a simple explanation of why having the right kitchen pans is beneficial:

• Efficient heat distribution: Good-quality kitchen pans are designed to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. This ensures that your food cooks more uniformly, preventing hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking or burning.

• Non-stick surface: Non-stick pans have a special coating that helps prevent food from sticking to the surface. This makes cooking and cleaning easier, as you’ll need less oil or butter to cook your food, and the pan will be a breeze to clean afterward.

• Versatility: Different types of pans serve various cooking purposes. For example, a skillet or frying pan is great for sautéing vegetables and frying foods, while a saucepan is ideal for making sauces, soups, or boiling pasta. Having a variety of pans allows you to tackle different recipes and cooking techniques.

• Durability: Investing in high-quality kitchen pans means they are built to last. They are made from durable materials that can withstand high heat, resist warping, and maintain their shape over time. This means you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing your pans and can rely on them for years of cooking.

Learn Recipes from Friends and Family

Learning new recipes from your friends and family is a fun and easy way to improve your cooking abilities. Here’s a simple explanation of why learning from your loved ones can be helpful:

• Shared knowledge and experience: Your friends and family members likely have cooking techniques, tips, and recipes they have learned and perfected. By learning from them, you benefit from their shared knowledge and experience in the kitchen. If you want to cook veggie garlic noodles that your aunt used to make when you were a child, let’s say, but don’t remember her contact details, head to Nuwber. Food not only satisfies hunger but also helps reunite with distant loved ones through recipes and family gatherings.

• Familiarity and comfort: Learning from loved ones creates a comfortable and familiar environment. It’s often easier to ask questions, seek clarification, or practice new techniques with people you trust. This relaxed atmosphere can enhance your learning experience and make it more enjoyable.

• Authentic family recipes: Family recipes are often passed down through generations and hold sentimental value. Learning these recipes from your relatives allows you to carry on culinary traditions and connect with your heritage through food.

• Practical demonstrations: Watching your relatives prepare a dish and their methods in action can be incredibly helpful, as you can observe the proper techniques, timings, and ingredient combinations.

Conclusion

Following essential cooking tips can make a significant difference for students new to cooking or looking to improve their culinary skills. By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate your way through the kitchen and create delicious meals on a budget and with limited time.

Understanding the importance of meal planning and grocery shopping is key. By planning meals ahead of time and creating shopping lists, you, as a student, can save money, reduce food waste, and ensure you have the necessary ingredients on hand. This also helps in making healthier food choices.

The summer season is here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious barbecue meals in the great outdoors. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving some grilled goodness, a gas BBQ is the perfect tool to help you create mouthwatering dishes with ease. 

Why are BBQ recipes perfect for hot weather? Here are three reasons:

• Outdoor Cooking: When the temperature spikes, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or stove, making your home even hotter. With a barbecue, you can cook outside, keeping your home cool. Plus, nothing beats the unique flavor that comes from grilling.
• Healthy Eating: Grilled food, especially when it involves lean meats, fruits, and vegetables, often ends up being healthier. The high heat of a grill helps to reduce fat content as it drips away from the food, leading to fewer calories consumed.
• Social Experience: BBQs are synonymous with social gatherings. They offer an informal setting where people can relax, enjoy good food, and make lasting memories. Hot weather provides the perfect excuse to host a BBQ party.

Now, let’s get to the main event – the recipes! We’ve curated a list of delectable BBQ recipes from reputable sources to help you create a summer feast that will impress your guests:

1. Smoky Lime-Infused Grilled Chicken Thighs

Prepare your taste buds for an original twist on classic grilled chicken. This recipe harmonizes the tantalizing allure of chipotle peppers with the invigorating tang of lime. Dive into succulent, boneless chicken thighs, expertly marinated and grilled to perfection. For a well-rounded feast, accompany your flavorful main course with a medley of grilled vegetables.

Ingredients

2-2.5 lbs. boneless chicken thighs, with skin intact

Chipotle Lime Marinade

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 finely chopped jalapeño
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Method

Keep the skin on the chicken thighs but remove the bones by creating two slits along the sides of each bone. Rinse the chicken under cold water and gently pat dry using paper towels. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until thoroughly combined. Reserve a portion of the marinade for basting. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours.

Fire up the grill. Brush a small amount of the marinade onto the chicken thighs, and sprinkle garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño on top. Grill the chicken until it achieves a luscious golden brown hue, with delightful charred marks on both sides.

Serve the grilled chipotle lime chicken immediately, accompanied by fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Note: Feel free to adjust the level of chipotle chilli powder to suit your preferred spice intensity.

2. Sizzling Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Elevate your barbecue experience with these tantalizing shrimp tacos. Indulge in the succulent shrimp, marinated in a delightful medley of spices and expertly grilled. Wrap them in warm tortillas alongside creamy avocado, zesty salsa, and a refreshing lime squeeze for an exquisite summer delight.

Ingredients

(for 12 tacos)

• 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp (910 g)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil

Creamy Cilantro Sauce

• 1 cup of sour cream (230 g)
• 3 tablespoons of finely minced fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon of lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice

Slaw

• 1 ½ cups of shredded green cabbage (150 g)
• 1 ½ cups of shredded red cabbage (150 g)
• 1 tablespoon of minced jalapeño

Assembly

• 24 corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Special Equipment

24 bamboo or metal skewers

Method

In a large bowl, season the shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt. Gently toss to combine.

Thread the seasoned shrimp onto 2 skewers, piercing through the top and bottom of each shrimp and sliding them down to the bottom of the skewers. Repeat until all skewers are filled, with approximately 4 shrimp per skewer.

Just before grilling, generously brush each skewer with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Grill over high heat for 3 minutes, then brush the top side with more olive oil, flip, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque. Remove from the grill and carefully slide the shrimp off the skewers.

Prepare the creamy cilantro sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together sour cream, minced cilantro, lime zest, salt, and lime juice.

For the slaw: In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and minced jalapeño. Pour half of the sauce over the cabbage, reserving the remaining half for serving, and toss until well coated.

Assemble the tacos: Add a portion of slaw to each tortilla, followed by the grilled shrimp. Top with creamy cilantro sauce, additional cilantro leaves, and a drizzle of lime juice.

Indulge and savor the delightful flavors of these mouthwatering shrimp tacos.

3. Smoky Grilled Corn Salad

Infuse your barbecue feast with a burst of originality by indulging in this lively corn salad creation. Experience the tantalizing smokiness of grilled corn harmoniously blending with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing. This refreshing and vibrant side dish will flawlessly accompany any grilled meat or fish, elevating your culinary experience.

Ingredients

Farm-fresh corn on the cob: Revel in the unrivaled taste of seasonal, freshly harvested corn. In case you can’t procure fresh corn, frozen and thawed kernels will serve as an equally delightful substitute.

• Crimson onion
• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Fragrant basil
• Creamy feta cheese
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Zesty lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

Grilling the corn: Begin by gently brushing the corn on the cob with a touch of olive oil. Grill the corn over medium heat until it transforms into a luscious caramelized golden hue, typically taking around 10-15 minutes. Once grilled to perfection, remove the corn from the heat and allow it to cool.

Salad assembly: Take the grilled corn and hold it upright. With a sharp knife, gracefully slice off the kernels from the cob. To simplify this process, place a glass or cup inside a generously sized bowl and position the corn on top of the glass. This ingenious technique allows the kernels to fall effortlessly into the bowl. 

Combine the corn kernels with the tomatoes, onion, basil, and feta cheese, ensuring a harmonious fusion of flavors. Gently toss the ingredients together, allowing them to mingle and form a delightful medley. 

Drizzle a modest amount of olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, coating it with a tangy sheen. Finally, season to taste with a sprinkle of salt and a hint of freshly ground pepper.

Serving and savoring: Once prepared, this tantalizing creation is ready to be savored. Present it proudly as a vibrant and refreshing side dish, complementing your grilled meat or fish with its colorful allure. Allow yourself to be transported by the captivating flavors and textures of this sizzling grilled corn delight.

4. Grilled Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Indulge in the delectable experience of tender pork chops coated in a harmonious blend of sweet honey and tangy mustard, perfectly caramelized on the grill. This mouthwatering dish is bound to leave your taste buds craving more.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1/2 cup of pure honey
• 1/4 cup of whole grain mustard (with seeds for added texture)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 4 bone-in pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick and weighing 8-10 ounces each (Alternatively, boneless chops can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly)

Method

In a saucepan, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, ensuring no white specks remain. Add the honey, mustard, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar to the mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the glaze over medium heat, continuing to whisk until it reduces slightly, for about 5 minutes. Divide the glaze in half, reserving one portion for serving and the other half for basting the pork chops.

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle the salt and pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the chops.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates. Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the center reaches the desired level of doneness. Avoid overcooking to ensure the chops remain juicy.

Using the reserved glaze for basting, brush the chops on both sides and grill for an additional minute per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize and enhance the flavors.

Serve the grilled pork chops with the remaining reserved glaze, drizzling it over the cooked chops for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy these succulent grilled honey mustard pork chops, guaranteed to have your guests clamoring for seconds.

5. Grilled Veggie Delights: A Burst of Summer Flavors

Experience the essence of summer with our delectable creation: Grilled Veggie Delights. These succulent skewers feature a medley of zucchini, red onion, and vibrant bell peppers, tantalizingly grilled to perfection. Each bite is enhanced by a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar and a delicate brush of a fresh garlic herb sauce. Get ready to savor the taste of summer!

Ingredients

• Red onion
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green)
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar

For the basting sauce, gather these ingredients

• Garlic
• Fresh herbs
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Method

Begin by ensuring that your vegetable pieces are as uniform as possible in size and shape. Although achieving absolute precision might be challenging, strive to chop them evenly for consistent cooking.

Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes. This step prevents them from burning during grilling.

To assemble the skewers, place a piece of red onion at each end. Then, alternate between the different vegetables, leaving a small gap between each piece. The natural curves of the onion and bell pepper will help create space, ensuring the vegetables don’t lay flat on top of one another. In the case of skewers containing only zucchini, remember to provide some breathing room between each zucchini round to allow for proper air and heat circulation.

Consider the cooking times of the vegetables and group together those with similar requirements on the same skewer. For instance, avoid combining cherry tomatoes with red onion on a single skewer, as they have different cooking times. Otherwise, you might end up with either undercooked onions and succulent tomatoes or overly cooked tomatoes and perfectly tender onions.

Embrace the slight browning and char that occurs around the edges of the vegetables during grilling. These charred bits add a delightful smoky flavor to the skewers.

However, exercise caution not to let the charring overpower the overall dish. Maintain a careful watch to achieve the ideal balance between char and tenderness.

Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors as the smoky aroma of the grilled vegetables mingles with the tang of balsamic vinegar and the herb-infused garlic sauce. Grilled Veggie Delights are perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish. Enjoy the vibrant colors and tastes of the season with this simple yet exquisite recipe.

With these mouthwatering BBQ recipes, your summer cookouts are sure to be a hit. Remember to fire up your gas BBQ and enjoy the convenience and precision it offers. So gather your friends and family, embrace the sizzling heat, and indulge in the delicious flavors of summer. Happy grilling!