Ready for a good grilling: Barbecue time

READY FOR

GRILLING

STORY: THOM MONAGHAN

As summer fast approaches, it’s time to fire up the barbecue and enjoy those lovely warm days outdoors.

If you already have a barbecue, there are some great accessories that can be purchased to help up your barbecuing game. And for those who are in the market, there are some great options available that can help take your cooking to another level.

Shepparton’s Barbeques Galore manager Jason Bathman said investing in a barbecue could really make a big difference.

“A good barbecue will really help you cook the most delicious food, and for those who already have a great barbecue, there are some great accessories available to help keep your food tasting great,” Jason said.

“The more you spend on a barbecue, the better the quality and the better the cooking experience you are going to get.

“Not everyone is able to afford an expensive barbecue, but thankfully, there are some quality affordable ones available on the market.

“The Zeigler and Brown portable barbecues and the Weber Q are great options that won’t break the bank.

“If you’re looking at splashing some cash though, the Zeigler and Brown Turbo series is a really great option.”

Some of the best accessories available are silicone hotplate mats, which get the same result you’d get from a hotplate or grill, while saving yourself from the dreaded clean-up.

“Instead of washing the whole barbecue, you can just wash the silicone mat,” Jason said.

“No flavour is imparted from the mat, and you can still brown a sausage or fry an egg on it.”

A grill mat is also available for those keen on using the grill.

BARBECUE VEGETABLE MEDLEY

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp garlic, minced • ½ tbsp salt • ½ tbsp cracked black pepper • 1 red capsicum, de-seeded and cut into 2cm strips • 1 yellow capsicum, de-seeded and cut into 2cm strips • 1 purple onion, cut into 2cm pieces • 1 whole zucchini, cut into 2cm cubes • 225g of mushrooms • 1 sprig of fresh thyme, chopped

METHOD:

1.Combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper in a medium-size bowl. 2.Add all chopped vegetables to bowl with olive oil mixture and toss until evenly coated. 3.Add to barbecue hotplate. 4.Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. 5.Rest and cover with aluminium foil for five minutes before serving. Source: charbroil.com.au

HONEY SOY CHICKEN MARINADE

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup soy sauce, all purpose or light • ⅔ cup honey (or maple syrup) • ⅓ cup cider vinegar (or rice vinegar) • ¼ cup Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry • 1 tbsp sesame oil, toasted • 1½ tbsp garlic, finely minced METHOD:

1.Mix all ingredients into a large bowl. 2.Pour over chicken, and marinate for 24 to 48 hours (minimum 3 hours) 3.Place chicken on hot grill. Cook for 2 mins then flip. Cook for 2 mins. Flip and brush with marinade every minute after for a total of 10 mins, or until chicken is cooked. 4.Rest and cover loosely with aluminium foil for five minutes before serving. Source: www.recipetineats.com