Try something new on the BBQ this summer

Why stick to the same old recipes on the BBQ this summer? Try something new, and you may find yourself adding new favourites to your repertoire.

If you always return to the same old recipes each summer when it comes to barbecuing, you’re missing out. Sure, burgers and steaks and chicken wings can all taste delicious on the BBQ, but there are other foods you can cook and ways to grill that can give you some very delicious results.

Use a cedar plank

What’s one of the simplest ways to impart a smoky flavour to your filet of salmon? Cooking it on a cedar plank placed over the grill. Look for a plank of natural red cedar (make sure it’s natural, meaning untreated with preservatives), and soak it in water for 12 hours or more before you BBQ your fish on it.

“Bake” bread

Don’t heat up your entire kitchen by turning on the oven. If you’ve got a cast iron skillet, put the ingredients for cornbread into it, and bake it right on top of your BBQ. Resist opening your BBQ’s lid often, though, or you’ll release too much heat.

Grill fruits and veggies

Why fuss with making separate salads and sides when you can cook your fresh produce right on the BBQ? You can grill red and green peppers right on the grill, or chop veggies into chunks and skewer them with meat. Just make sure to soak wood skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

And as for dessert, grilled fruit is a yummy and simple option. Fruits that grill well? Peaches and pineapple. Grilling caramelizes the sugar in the fruit, making for a naturally sweet treat.

BBQ en papillote

En papillote is French for “in parchment,” as in cooking food wrapped up in parcels of paper. It’s a healthy way of cooking, as the juice in the food helps to steam cook it on top of your BBQ, and food cooked in its own juices is healthy, moist and flavourful. Given the high temps typically used when barbecuing, it’s recommended to substitute paper for aluminum foil. The key to cooking en papillote is to carefully fold parcels closed a few times to ensure all the juices and ingredients remain inside the parcel.

More on food

BBQ dos and don’ts
5 Grill recipes from top Canadian chefs
Off the grill: Inspired burger recipes