Barbecuing is as much an art as it is a science, and sometimes the best tips are the ones that sound a little out there. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these quirky BBQ hacks will add some fun and flavour to your next cookout. Here are 10 of the craziest, silliest, and weirdest BBQ tips from around the Internet.
1. Ice cube in burger patty
One of the simplest yet most effective tricks is placing an ice cube in the center of your burger patty before grilling. As the ice melts, it keeps the burger moist and juicy, preventing it from drying out. This tip comes from Master Chef judge Graham Elliot and is a healthier alternative to adding butter. I have not tried this, mostly because using a Big Green Egg, the meat rarely dries out. Plus I would probably choose butter ha ha.
2. Clean grill with a raw onion
Cleaning the grill can be a chore after grilling. A natural and effective method is to use half a raw onion. Stick it on a fork and rub it over the hot grill grates. The onion’s acidity helps lift grease and grime while leaving a subtle flavour for your next BBQ. I can confirm this works like a charm.
3. Egg cartons to light charcoal
If you’re out of lighter fluid, try using an empty cardboard egg carton filled with charcoal briquettes. Light the carton, and it will ignite the charcoal quickly without any chemicals. I use an egg carton whenever possible and fill the little cups with lump charcoal. The cardboard that these cartons are made from our perfect.
4. Doritos as kindling
Running low on charcoal? Use Doritos as kindling. Their combination of hydrocarbons and fats makes them highly flammable, perfect for starting your grill in a pinch. Thanks to Mary Haynes Howell for this one. I have never tried and I also don’t know if I could waste tasty Doritos like that.
5. Grill on lemon slices
For delicate foods like fish, place them on lemon slices while grilling. This prevents sticking and adds a refreshing citrus flavour.
6. Rosemary skewers
This one seems very skilled and I don’t think I would have the patience. But, let’s share it anyway. Instead of wooden skewers, use rosemary twigs for grilling. It not only makes your meats look great but also infuses your food with a delightful herbaceous aroma. Has anyone successfully done this?
7. Muffin tin condiment holder
Delish says to organize your condiments by using a muffin tin at your BBQ station. While this will keep everything neat and easily accessible for guests, it also feels like something we only started doing when Instagram came to be. The containers that the condiments are in already are just fine for me. I just find some hacks actually complicate things.
8. Chopsticks instead of tongs
If you find yourself without tongs, chopsticks can be an excellent substitute according to Food Hacks. They offer precision control for flipping smaller items on the grill. Personally, I don’t care if I was a chopsticks expert, I am not using them anywhere near a fire. Especially since I tend to wear gloves. I don’t recommend this “hack” and would say, get yourself some tongs.
9. Spritz with apple juice
Keep your meats moist by spritzing them with apple juice during cooking. This adds sweetness and helps maintain tenderness throughout the grilling process. I find you can never have enough spray bottles.
10. Ketchup for order tracking
When grilling for a crowd, use ketchup to mark burger doneness (e.g., rare, medium) on the inside of the bun to ensure everyone gets their preferred level of doneness.
What are your BBQ hacks?
These unusual BBQ tips might sound strange at first, but they can bring new flavours and fun to your grilling experience. Whether you’re using Doritos to start your fire or rosemary twigs as skewers, these hacks prove that creativity in barbecuing knows no bounds. So next time you fire up the grill, try one of these tips and surprise your guests with your innovative cooking techniques.
Happy grilling!
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