The Times Australia
The Times Food and Dining

.

Barbie brilliance: 5 top tips for cooking a mouth watering BBQ

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Well, it’s just about that time of the year in Oz. That time when we say goodbye to wintery meals like soups and stews opting instead for the legendary barbecue with some summer salads!

But, despite what your old man might have told you, there is a big difference between cooking a delicious barbie and something a bit how you going?

Luckily, the big difference lies in a few small tips. You’ve got your world class barbie, you’ve picked up the best BBQ covers for sale, now it’s time to put these handy little tips into effect to cook up an absolutely succulent barbie…

  1. Only cook fresh food

Sure, it might be tempting to pull out those chicken drummies or snags that have been in the freezer since some time around last summer, but those meats have long since lost their top quality freshness.

Sure, you may still be able to cook them, but that doesn’t mean they are going to taste any good. Be sure to pick up fresh meat from the butcher or market the morning of your barbie - it will make a world of difference.

  1. Don’t over do it

A top class barbie doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, some of the world’s best barbecuing nations like Argentina rely on nothing more than quality meat, a bit of salt and a really good flame.

You may want to try to marinate your meat in something wild and out there, but remember that one of the best ways to make a top barbecue is to allow the flavour of the meat to be accentuated by the barbie itself!

What’s more, you don’t want to take away from the meat being the star of the show, so just serve up a couple of little side salads that, along with the meat, make up a mouth watering flavour combination.

  1. Preheat your barbie before cooking

There is nothing worse than throwing meat onto a cold barbie - it just won’t cook the way you want it to! Instead, you have to ensure that your barbie is nice and hot before you go throwing any meat onto it, so turn it on and allow it to preheat with some oil on before going to work (making sure to wipe down the plate after preheating with the oil!).

  1. Manage the heat situation

No one wants to eat meat that is overcooked on the outside and red raw in the middle, and this is where managing the heat comes in handy. All you have to do is turn the heat up high when preheating your barbecue before turning it down a little when actually cooking.

Also, don’t be afraid to cook meat a little off the centre of the grill, as it is generally cooler to the sides and won’t overcook your meat on the outside whilst keeping it raw in the middle.

  1. Bring meat to room temp prior to cooking

When meat is taken from the fridge and put straight on the plate it tends to cook unevenly because it is shocked by the sudden change in temperature. To get a nice, consistent cook, you want to take the meat out and allow it to come to room temperature before you put it on the barbecue.

See, there wasn’t much to it: the Aussie BBQ is a summer staple, but it can be made better by just these few simple tips - enjoy your barbie!

Food & Dining

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Times Magazine

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

The Times Features

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value ...

Smart Ways to Earn Passive Income from Real Estate

Imagine making money without doing much work. You get paid even while you sleep, travel, or do fun things. This is called passive income. Indeed, real estate has great ways to do...