Michele Shrem
As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, families across the nation gear up for the quintessential summer tradition: the backyard barbecue. But what makes a BBQ truly memorable? Is it the smoky aroma wafting through the air, the sizzle of meat on the grill, or the laughter shared among loved ones? Everyone brings their own unique perspective to the art of summer grilling. Here are a few community members’ thoughts.
Grill Master – David
To perfect the art of grilling, a great BBQ starts with great technique. For the grill master, the key to a successful BBQ lies in the details. In order to enhance flavor and juiciness it is a good idea to marinate meats overnight, and for chicken it can really prevent dryness. Grilling isn’t just about cooking, it’s a passion. The importance of preparation starts with a clean grill. If you don’t take the time to clean it first you may end up with unwanted flavors in your food.
David also advocates for the use of quality tools. Invest in a good set of utensils. Having a sturdy spatula and tongs can make flipping burgers and turning steaks a breeze. The final tip is that patience is key. Don’t rush the process. Let the meat rest before serving to ensure juiciness. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to the right temperature to avoid under or overcooking. Another important step is letting the meat rest. This allows grilled meats to redistribute the juices before serving. This will give you the best results.
You can also experiment with wood chips. Adding soaked wood chips to your grill can infuse a smoky flavor to your dishes. If you focus on these techniques, you will ensure that every bite is flavorful and perfectly cooked.
Healthy Parent – Jennifer
Balancing flavor and nutrition can be a difficult task for a parent. BBQs can be a great answer to being able to enjoy delicious food without compromising on health. You don’t have to sacrifice taste and yet still gain healthy nutritional options by opting for lean meats like chicken breasts or fish. They are lower in fat and can be just as flavorful when grilled properly. You can even have plant-based options including veggie skewers, portobello mushrooms, or plant-based burgers to cater to all dietary preferences.
Another way to offer your family healthy options is to grill fruits, such as peaches or pineapples for a sweet and healthy dessert option. Try to limit high sugar content sauces, and instead use dry rubs or homemade sauces with reduced sugar content to enhance flavor without compromising health.
These choices ensure that the BBQ is both tasty and nourishing for the whole family. Jenny suggests incorporating more vegetables into the BBQ spread. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus not only add color to your plate but are packed with nutrients. Jenny recommends using marinades made from olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to enhance flavor without adding excess calories.
Jenny says, “As a mother of four, I know the challenges of feeding a family. Part of the reason that I love to grill is because it’s quick and easy. Throwing some chicken on the grill while I prepare a salad or side dish makes dinner time less stressful. I find that involving my children in the process can also be important. My kids love to help and making them part of the process makes them more excited about the meal.
“My best tip is to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Marinate meat the night before and chop vegetables in the morning.”
Fun Entertainer: Raymond
I love BBQs because they’re fun and I love the food! I like to make up mini portions like sliders or small skewers. They also happen to be great for young children since they are easy to hold. I like setting up a DIY food station/topping bar for burgers and hot dogs, allowing kids to customize their meals.
You can also set up fun games to play, for example, organize a scavenger hunt or water balloon toss to keep the little ones entertained. Even adults like to play games! Lawn games like cornhole or frisbee can keep guests entertained while the food is being prepared. You can make your own s’mores or fruit popsicles for dessert. I like creating a memorable atmosphere. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. I set the stage for each event based on the type of guests I have invited to the party.
I like to use themed decorations such as a Hawaiian luau, 50s style, or retro 80s. To me, making a music playlist and curating it to the theme is super important, as well as adding both classic hits and current music. I like to add dance music too, since a backyard is a great dance floor.
You can use string lights or lanterns to create a cozy ambiance as the sun sets, and arrange seating areas with cushions and blankets for a relaxed vibe. By focusing on these elements, you can ensure that your guests have a fun and engaging experience.
Eco-Friendly: Berta
Being environmentally conscious at a BBQ is both responsible and rewarding. It’s great to have fun and be kind to the planet at the same time. Use eco-friendly tableware by opting for reusable plates and utensils to reduce waste. Choose sustainable fuel by selecting natural lump charcoal or propane over traditional charcoal for a cleaner burn. You can setup a compost bin for organic waste like vegetable peels, and a recycling station to ensure that recyclables like cans and bottles are properly sorted. These practices help minimize the environmental impact of your BBQ while still enjoying all the fun. It is a great idea to source locally by shopping at farmers’ markets to support local farmers and it also ensures fresher ingredients.
Beginner Griller: Jeff
Even if you are new to the world of grilling, it can be easy and you can start with simple recipes. Burgers and hot dogs are a great simple meal and very easy to grill. If you are a beginner, you should preheat the grill before cooking to make sure everything cooks evenly and does not stick. Also, use a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures your meat is safe to eat -160 F for meat 165 F for poultry.
Hot dogs and thinly made burgers also don’t need too much time on the grill. After you master those items, the sky’s the limit, and you can try anything after that. You may even find that you hardly use your oven inside, because it becomes so much fun to grill.
Dessert Lover: Estee
No BBQ is complete without dessert, and instead of heading to the store to pick up cake and cookies, you can grill up some sweet peaches – add a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and your meal is completed. Another easy idea is to grill pound cake slices. Grill them until they’re slightly crispy, then top with fresh berries or a scoop of pareve ice cream and whipped cream. And we all know that everything tastes better with whipped cream!
Veggie Committed: Laura
Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky, charred flavor that enhances their taste and texture. To prepare, simply toss sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, onions, or asparagus in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices. Place them directly on a preheated grill or in a grill basket, and cook over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side until they develop grill marks and become tender.
Grilled vegetables make a perfect side dish, salad topping, or even a hearty vegetarian main when served over grains or paired with a flavorful sauce.
Helpful Hints
Preparation is key to a smooth BBQ, and organization is key. Follow these steps for your next BBQ to run smoothly and efficiently:
Create a Menu: Plan the dishes ahead of time, considering dietary restrictions and preferences.
Prep Ingredients: Marinate meats and chop vegetables the night before to save time.
Set a Timeline: Establish a cooking schedule to ensure everything is ready at the right time.
Delegate Tasks: Assign roles to family members, from setting the table to grilling.
Safety Tips
Safety First, Fun Always: Keeping safe to prevent accidents is crucial.
Inspect the Grill: Check for gas leaks or damaged parts before use.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Be prepared for any flare-ups.
Maintain Distance: Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Avoid Leaving the Grill Unattended: Always have someone monitoring the grill.
Marinade Ideas
Garlic-Herb Marinade
- Olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper
- Let veggies marinate for 20–30 minutes before grilling
Balsamic Glaze
- Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and crushed black pepper
- Adds a sweet-tangy depth, especially good for mushrooms, onions, and peppers
Spicy Chili-Lime
- Olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne
- Great for corn, zucchini, and carrots
Asian-Inspired Soy-Ginger Marinade
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar
- Perfect for eggplant, peppers, or snap peas
Dry Seasoning Ideas (for quick prep)
Middle Eastern: Hawaage, salt, pepper (This works unreal for lamb.)
Mediterranean: Oregano, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt
BBQ-style: Smoked paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder
Indian-inspired: Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper
Simple & Classic: Sea salt, cracked pepper, and fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil after grilling
I hope you all enjoy these helpful tips for a great summer BBQ! Michele