Barbecue is one of the most popular foods in Singapore, and everywhere you go, there seems to be an endless choice of grilled offerings, such as Korean barbecue or gogi-gui, the local char sieu, and of course, American-style barbecue. But as people are spending more time indoors this year, a growing number of families and individuals have chosen to invest in a portable grill to make their own version of barbecue in the comforts of their own home. Last year, Singapore saw the start of the electric grill trend, as this type of cooking method has been linked to better nutrition. Indeed, having a barbecue in your backyard is the perfect excuse to get some fresh air and eat delicious and healthy food while bonding with your family. To have a fun time and indulge in scrumptious grilled eats, here’s a quick guide to planning a barbecue party for the weekend.
Prepare your barbecue area
Your backyard is the perfect place to set up your barbecue area. If you’re using a coal griller or a flat top grill, there should be three feet of space around the griddle, and anything that could potentially catch fire shouldn’t be within that circle of space to prevent backyard fires and burns. If you don’t have a backyard, you can use an electric griller and set it up in the dining room or balcony. Place the grill on a sturdy table covered with a non-porous table cloth for easy clean up, since you’re bound to splash marinade or oils on it at some point while grilling. Make sure to check all your grilling equipment at least a few days before the party, and clean everything thoroughly to get rid of residue and bacteria.
Marinate all the meat the night before the party
Marinating the meat overnight results in a more flavorful barbecue, so do your grocery shopping at least two days before, then do prep work one day before the party. For Korean-style barbecue, pick thin cuts of pork belly and paper-thin slices of lean beef so they’ll cook in no time at all. Mix together some oyster sauce, sugar and sesame oil, and then marinate all the meats in this mixture. Cover the top with cling wrap, and store in the refrigerator. For char siew, choose thick-cut pork belly that has an equal layer of fat and meat; then marinate in oyster sauce, nam yue or fermented red bean curd, honey, soy sauce, five spice powder, and ground white pepper. Leave it in the fridge overnight.
Don’t forget the sides and drinks
Side dishes enhance the flavor of grilled meats, so have some corn on the cob, fresh lettuce, kimchi, coleslaw, sliced tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a pasta dish to serve your loved ones on your weekend barbecue. Consider preparing some bread or buns, as some people prefer to eat grilled meat with bread. Don’t forget the rice – it’s a must for a truly filling meal. As for drinks, serve lemonade, soda, and a few alcoholic drinks if you want, such as light beer, soju, or cocktails such as mojitos or margaritas.
Having a weekend barbecue allows you to bond with your loved ones at home while enjoying yummy grilled treats. Try these tips to plan your very own barbecue party, and enjoy making and feasting on your favorite barbecue recipes.
