There’s nothing quite like a summer barbecue featuring vegetables, meat, or seafood shared with friends. Take your time with it. BBQ greatness comes from patience—finding a good grill and preparing the right accompaniments, whether sauces, salads, or other touches. Here are practical tips to make a home barbecue truly shine.
vegetable barbecue
Contents: carrots, asparagus, lettuce hearts, zucchini, artichokes, eggplant.
Complement: A kimchi sauce adds a spicy kick to vegetables, or try making tarragon mayonnaise (mayonnaise with mustard and tarragon oil) or saffron mayonnaise (saffron fried with lemon and flavored oil) at home. Brava sauce pairs well with fried onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chipotle-flavored grilled vegetables. For a simpler option, a good extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt can elevate the vegetables without any sauce.
Easy recipes to prepare a perfect barbecue at home
meat barbecue
Contents: sirloin, spicy cuts, cutlet, neck, juvenile shoulder, sausage.
Complement: Wood-roasted piquillo peppers, fried in olive oil and finished with water, garlic, and chili sauce add a bright lift. A flavorful broth helps keep meats juicy. In addition, mashed potatoes made from boiled potatoes mashed with a fork, seasoned with olive oil and salt, plus an arugula salad with a simple oil, salt, and pepper dressing or your preferred vinaigrette, make excellent buffet accompaniments.
Fish and seafood barbecue
Contents: razor clams, kidney beans, mussels, turbot, Norwegian lobster, shrimp, squid, sardines.
Complement: A light vegetable-forward pairing works well, such as a salad of fresh spinach with carrots and green and white asparagus shavings, lightly dressed. A bright sauce of lemon juice, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil complements seafood beautifully. Romesco, made with oven-roasted tomatoes and garlic, hazelnuts, ñoras, and olive oil, also shines, as does a mix of pickled garlic, roasted garlic, chiles, and olive oil for a tangy finish. These combinations help highlight the natural flavors of seafood without overpowering them.
Note: The best barbecues rely on quality ingredients and balanced seasonings. The right grill temperature, careful timing, and thoughtful accompaniments create a memorable dining experience that friends will remember long after the last bite.