Get all fired up with our hacks and tricks to master the grill this summer.

<p>Summer is calling, and the smoky barbecue aroma is filling the air. Are you ready to take on your grill? Don’t work up a sweat; enter barbecue season in complete comfort with our handy how-to guide with tonnes of tips to keep the experience totally stress-free. Whether you’re already a master or an aspiring griller, this is your roadmap to conquering a smooth-sailing summer, including info on how to light a barbecue, essential cooking tools and advice on how to keep that grill sparkling clean. So, grab your tongs, dust off your grill and get ready to transform your back garden into the place to be this summer.</p>
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<h2>HOW TO LIGHT A CHARCOAL BARBECUE</h2>
<p>What type of charcoal is best? Should you cook on indirect or direct heat? If you’re building your own barbecue this summer, it’s all about patience when using charcoal. Lump charcoal lights fast and has a burn time of around an hour, whereas briquettes can burn for up to three hours. Follow our simple four-step method to get your grill going smoothly every time.&nbsp;</p>
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<li>Prepare your barbecue on a stable surface in an open area. Stack coal in a pile at the centre, with balls of newspaper or firelighters in between.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Light the barbecue, allowing the flames to catch the coal.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Wait as flames die down and the coals turn white and glow red in the centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Spread the coal evenly for a direct heat, which is suitable for foods like burgers. Or push coals to one side to create an indirect, low heat, perfect for chicken.</li>
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<h2>MEAT-GRILLING MYTH</h2>
<p>Searing meat helps seal in the juices, right? Let’s set the record straight… In fact, this method results in a loss of moisture, but there are still benefits. It’s essential for creating flavour through caramelisation, which adds to the texture and taste, not to mention the mouthwatering colouring. So, if you’re planning on throwing a couple of steaks onto the grill or you’ve bought a special cut of pork, don’t skip out on searing. Meat can tighten when cooked at high temperatures, so keep a close eye on your barbecue, turning the meat if needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>MUST-HAVE BARBECUE TOOLS</h2>
<p><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/bb-qs-tools-accessories/uniflame-grilling-claws/1000383205805?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_perfect-bbq-tips&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">Barbecue Meat Forks</a>: Wolverine, eat your heart out – this tool is great for shredding chicken and pulled pork or removing hot meat from the grill safely and effortlessly. They’re super-easy to clean too.</p>
<p><a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/outdoor-garden/bbqs/uniflame-offset-charcoal-smoker-bbq/060018909,default,pd.html?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_perfect-bbq-tips&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">Uniflame Large Charcoal BBQ</a>: Be a host with the most with this luxury charcoal barbie from Uniflame. From burgers and bangers to kebabs and corn-on-the-cob, it has a grill big enough for all your favourites. Plus, there are roomy side and base shelves for extra storage – it even has a built-in bottle opener. Cheers!</p>
<p><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/bb-qs-tools-accessories/expert-grill-bbq-tool-set/1000383147782?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_perfect-bbq-tips&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">Expert Grill BBQ Tool Set</a>: This three-piece tool set will send you on your way to becoming a grilling master.  A spatula, fork and pair of tongs are essential for safe and stress-free burger flipping and sausage turning – and with a stylish wood and stainless steel finish.&nbsp;</p>
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<h2>KITCHEN CUPBOARD HERO&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Reach for this vibrant slaw and bring some zing to burgers and salads this summer. Our new Pickled Pink Slaw combines carrot, white onion and red cabbage with white wine vinegar for an instant flavour and texture hit as well as a pleasing pop of colour. Try on top of our Vietnamese <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/pork-banh-mi-burger?recipe_id=700ef925-27e8-11ef-ba45-83eaabc1f597" target="_blank">pork bánh mì burgers</a> or with our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/showstopping-chicken-shawarma?recipe_id=a53b08a7-27e8-11ef-ba45-17264d8c7b3b" target="_blank">chicken shawarma</a> to bring some brightness and punch.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pickled-onions-vegetables/asda-pickled-pink-slaw-340-g/1000383228102?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_perfect-bbq-tips&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">Asda Pink Pickled Slaw</a>&nbsp;</p></center>
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<h2>BEST BARBECUE RECIPES</h2>
<p>Need some ideas to get you started this summer? Our ultimate <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/summer-barbecue-recipes" target="_blank">barbecue recipe guide</a> will set you up for a full-on feast with refreshing cocktails, superstar sides and a show-stealing dessert on top of your choice of main, including hot dogs, skewers, burgers and much more. If you want even more inspiration, check out our bumper guide for our great <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/bbq-side-dishes" target="_blank">barbecue side dishes</a>, including zingy slaw, veggie kebabs and loaded fries.</p>
<p>Or, if you’re short on time, this <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/middle-easterninspired-spring-barbecue" target="_blank">Middle Eastern-inspired barbecue spread</a> doesn’t shy away from flavour and is ready in just 90 minutes. We’re talking prawn skewers, grilled courgettes, dips and flatbreads for a mezze-style menu that will keep your guests happy.</p>
<p>Plus, we’ve added loads of new lines to our <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/dept/summer/bbq/1215684741317-1215684741318?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_perfect-bbq-tips&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">summer barbecue range on Asda.com</a>, including juicy burgers, sizzling sausages, succulent steaks and tonnes more. Have a browse!</p>
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<h2>TOP CLEANING TIPS</h2>
<p>When the fun’s over for another summer’s evening, the last burger has been devoured and the drink has run dry, it’s good to give your grill some TLC before the next barbecue session. Cleaning your barbecue is no mean feat – it can be an arduous task that sits on the bottom of your to-do list for the whole season – but it’s important to get the grime and the grease off regularly to get rid of any harmful bacteria.</p>
<p>The best way to clean a barbecue is to carefully scrape off any food residue while the grill is still hot. Use a <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/bb-qs-tools-accessories/uniflame-grill-brush/1000383206232?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_perfect-bbq-tips&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">barbecue cleaning bush</a> to help loosen any areas where the food has caught then, when it’s cool enough to touch, go back in with your brush and hot soapy water. Sometimes, you may need a specialist cleaning spray for more stubborn areas. Finally, dry the grill with kitchen roll or a tea towel to prevent your barbecue from rusting, primed and ready to be used again!</p>
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<p>Feeling inspired to break out the barbecue this weekend? Shop for everything you need at <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/" target="_blank">your nearest Asda store</a> or order online at <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=article_wine-atlas-guide&utm_campaign=Good-Living" target="_blank">Asda</a> for delivery or click-and-collect.</p>

6 Tips To Boss Your Barbeque

By Asda Good Living,8th July 2024

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