There’s something primal about barbecuing. Imagine a bunch of cavemen standing around a fire pit: “Man like meat medium rare!” one remarks, pointing to the woolly mammoth roasting on a spit.
Then as now, the social aspects of barbecuing can deliver significant health benefits, but these days, guy-pleasing grilled dishes extend beyond red meat to include salmon with roasted veggies & peanut sauce and grilled chicken with potatoes and corn on the cob.
As well as being the founder of Chefs for Oceans, Chef Ned Bell is extremely handy around the grill. Using the right equipment, he says, is essential for top-notch BBQ. Anything less, he adds, is prehistoric! Here are six of his go-to tools:
1. Spatula
More robust and heat-resistant than their kitchen counterparts, BBQ spatulas are ideal for flipping salmon steaks or turkey burgers that have a tendency to stick to the grill.
2. Tongs
Essential for transporting just about anything to and from the grill, flipping foods that don’t fall apart, and stirring whatever is cooking in a BBQ basket (which just misses out on making this list).
3. Knife
Whether you’re slicing flank steak right on the grill or checking the progress of plump chicken breasts, a sharp blade can’t be overlooked.
4. Meat thermometer
Then again, why deface a perfect chicken breast when you can insert a thermometer to know if it’s properly cooked?
5. Fork
Just the thing for steadying food on the grill, moving it around, and sneaking a sample bite on the down low.
6. Brush
Simply pouring glazes and sauces onto food is so T-Rex. Evolution gave us the brush, so use it to ensure an even coating of deliciousness.
Is there a BBQ tool you just can’t grill without? Tell other guys about it in the comments below!
Photo credit: Carnivore Style
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