Start shopping with us online today
REGISTER NOW
When the sun's shining and the grill's calling, there's nothing quite like a properly delicious BBQ. But the secret to show-stopping sizzle isn't just about what you cook, it's all in the prep! This guide is here to help you unlock a world of flavour and tenderness, making sure every bite of your BBQ meat is cooked to perfection. We'll show you how marinating can turn good meat into something truly special, infusing it with taste and keeping it wonderfully juicy. Plus, we'll share our top tips on how to prepare BBQ meat so you get that brilliant, even cook every time. Ready to become a barbecue hero? Let's get started.
A little bit of prep work goes a long way. Think of it as setting the stage for perfectly marinated meat – it helps everything cook evenly and soak up all those mouth-watering flavours. This isn't about fancy chef tricks, just practical, simple steps to get your BBQ meat ready to shine. Ready to get stuck in?
Take a moment to look over your meat. If you've got any excess fat or gristle, now's the time to trim it away using your sharp knife. While a bit of fat is good for flavour, too much can lead to flare-ups on the grill and an uneven cook. We want your BBQ-marinated meat to be properly delicious, not disappointingly charred!
For tougher cuts, a quick score across the surface can work wonders. Using the sharp knife, make shallow criss-cross cuts about half an inch deep across the meat. This helps the marinade really get in there and makes the meat more tender, meaning more flavour in every bite. You can also use a meat mallet to gently pound and tenderise thicker pieces if you like.
And here's a top tip that often gets missed: pat your meat thoroughly dry with kitchen paper. Why? Because a dry surface helps your meat get that wonderful char and prevents it from steaming instead of grilling. This speedy step makes a big difference to the final texture and appearance of your marinated meat.
With your meat prepped, it’s time for the flavour to truly sink in. Marinating is key to delicious, tender barbecue meat, making it an essential step when you're preparing to BBQ. Here’s how to do it right:
Pick a non-reactive container - glass bowls, ceramic dishes, or even sturdy resealable plastic bags (the freezer-friendly kind is perfect!) work brilliantly. The main thing is to make sure they're non-reactive, so they won't taint with the flavours, especially if your marinade has acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
Once the meat and marinade are in, mix well. Make sure every piece is fully coated so your marinated meat gets maximum flavour absorption. If using a bag, a gentle massage helps spread it evenly.
A good marinade usually has a base of oil (like olive oil) to help carry the flavours and keep the meat moist. Then you add your seasonings – think herbs, spices, garlic, onion, a touch of salt, and perhaps something acidic like citrus juice or vinegar to help tenderise. It's like building layers of deliciousness. Get that balance right, and your marinade will be truly unforgettable.
Now, for the waiting game! Always keep your marinating meat for barbequing in the fridge (safety first). As for how long, it depends on the meat...
So, you've prepped the meat but with so many options, how do you pick the perfect marinade? It's a bit like finding your favourite song – everyone has their own taste, and some things just click. While it's impossible to name one specific marinade for everyone, we've put together a handy flavour guide to help you find the perfect match for your marinated meat. It's all about complementing the flavour profile of your chosen cut.
Beef loves a marinade that can stand up to its rich flavour. Think bold flavours like red wine, balsamic vinegar, or a classic mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. If you're tackling tougher cuts, an acidic marinade with lemon juice, vinegar, or even a splash of beer can work wonders for tenderising. Fancy trying a BBQ classic of smoked paprika and chilli or a simple but punchy garlicky steak butter? They're always a winner!
For pork, a balanced marinade with a touch of sweetness and acidity really shines. Consider using balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, or even fruit juices. A delicious sweet and spicy Korean take or one with lime juice and miso are excellent choices to bring out the best in your pork.
Chicken is incredibly versatile but it pairs wonderfully with citrus-based marinades – think zesty lemon juice, vibrant orange juice, or other options like a classic lime juice-based jerk chicken. For extra moisture and tenderness, consider a yoghurt-based marinade with your favourite herbs and spices. A simple lemon garlic marinade or a Greek-style lemon and oregano will make your chicken sing.
Lamb can handle some seriously strong flavours. It tastes fantastic with bold marinades featuring honey and mustard, or a classic red wine and rosemary rub. A Greek-style lemon and oregano marinade or a robust maple glazed option will make your lamb truly memorable.
You've put in the work with your BBQ marinade, and now it's time to get that meat sizzling. Grilling marinated cuts is all about getting that perfect char and a juicy, even cook. Here are some quick tips for grilling marinated meat to help you become a true BBQ hero:
Don't go straight from the fridge to the grill! Let your marinated meat sit out for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This simple step helps it cook more evenly for a much nicer result.
Before grilling, gently shake or wipe off any dripping BBQ marinade. Too much liquid can cause nasty flare-ups and charr your meat, so aim for just a light coating.
For thinner cuts, use direct heat for a quick sear. For thicker marinated meat, start with a sear over direct heat, then move it to a cooler, indirect heat zone on your BBQ. This ensures it cooks through evenly without burning the outside.
Once cooked, always let your marinated meat rest for a few minutes off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite more tender and juicy, a truly essential BBQ tip.
So, there you have it! A few simple steps to truly elevate your BBQ game. We've gone through how to prepare BBQ meat by getting it properly prepped, and the magic of marinating meat for BBQ to pack in that flavour. It just goes to show, a little bit of effort beforehand can make a huge difference to those delicious grilling results.
By following these barbecue tips, you're well on your way to serving up some seriously tasty marinated meat that'll have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for your next get-together!
Ready for even more inspiration? Head over to Morrisons to explore our fantastic range of BBQ products and discover even more recipe ideas to make your next outdoor feast properly delicious!
Don't forget to share your masterpieces with us on social media using the #MakeitwithMorrisons – we love to see what you've whipped up.
