In Marion’s Guide to the Perfect Summer BBQ, Marion’s Kitchen provides an extensive grilling guide for a summer BBQ party. Marion, a food producer, TV presenter, and cookbook author known for her love of Asian cuisine, covers everything from showstopper proteins to marinades, desserts, and drinks. She emphasizes the importance of prepping fresh ingredients before grilling and showcases the use of Panasonic’s prime plus fridge for storing and marinating ingredients. The guide includes recipes for delicious dishes such as Hunan lamb skewers, Thai-style grilled chicken, chili lime grilled prawns, and a simple yet impressive mango jelly dessert. Marion’s entertaining and informative video concludes with her enjoying the grilled dishes and thanking the audience.
Are you planning an outdoor grilling party this summer but don’t want to spend all afternoon at the barbie or stuck in the kitchen prepping? Look no further than Marion’s Guide to the Perfect Summer BBQ. With her expertise in Asian cuisine, Marion shares tips, tricks, and recipes for a successful BBQ party. From prepping fresh ingredients to marinating proteins, Marion’s comprehensive guide will ensure you’re fully prepared to host the ultimate outdoor grilling extravaganza. So let’s get grilling and make this summer one to remember with Marion’s Kitchen!
Marion’s Guide to the Perfect Summer BBQ
Summer is the perfect time to gather your loved ones and host an outdoor grilling party. And with Marion’s guide to the perfect summer BBQ, you can ensure that your party is a success without spending all afternoon at the barbie or in the kitchen. From showstopper proteins to mighty marinades, and even desserts and drinks, Marion has you covered.
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Preparation
Before you even get outside to the grill, there are a few important steps you need to take. The first is to properly prep your fresh ingredients. Start by taking your lettuce and herbs out of their plastic packaging and giving them a good wash. Then, wrap them up in paper towel to keep them fresh.
When it comes to proteins, it’s important to take them out of their original packaging. By doing so, you prevent them from sitting in any excess juices that could affect their flavor. For chicken, lay it out on a tray lined with baking paper and give it a nice fresh wrap. The same goes for prawns – take them out of the bag, lay them on a beautiful plate, and clean wrap them.
Once you have all your ingredients wrapped up and ready to go, it’s time to store them in the fridge. Marion recommends using Panasonic’s prime plus fridge, which has a Fresh Safe drawer that keeps your fresh ingredients at an optimal temperature. This is perfect for storing lettuce, herbs, and other delicate ingredients.
Protein Selection
The protein you choose for your BBQ can make or break the meal. Marion suggests opting for showstopper proteins that will impress your guests. One option is Hunan lamb skewers, inspired by a traditional dish from the province of Hunan. These skewers are all about the cumin seeds, spicy chili, and saltiness. Marion grinds cumin seeds into a rough powder, combines it with soy sauce, Chinese wine, hoisin, and dark soy sauce to make a flavorful marinade. The lamb is marinated and then skewered before grilling.
Another protein option is Thai-style grilled chicken. Marion’s marinade for this dish includes coriander, garlic, white peppercorns, turmeric, fish sauce, and dark sweet soy sauce. The chicken thighs are marinated in this mixture before being grilled to perfection.
Lastly, Marion suggests chili lime grilled prawns for a dramatic and flavorful dish. The marinade for the prawns includes fresh herbs, red chili, sweet paprika, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, and a little salt. The prawns are drizzled with half of the marinade and then grilled.
Marinades
Marinades are an essential part of any BBQ. They infuse flavor into your proteins and make them even more delicious. Marion’s marinades are packed with traditional Asian flavors.
For the Hunan lamb skewers, the marinade includes soy sauce, Chinese wine, hoisin, dark soy sauce, and a mixture of ground cumin seeds. The cumin seeds are toasted, ground to a rough powder, and combined with the other ingredients to create a flavorful marinade.
The Thai-style grilled chicken marinade includes coriander, garlic, white peppercorns, turmeric, fish sauce, and dark sweet soy sauce. These ingredients are pounded together in a mortar and pestle to create a rough paste, which is then mixed with the rest of the marinade ingredients.
The chili lime grilled prawns marinade includes fresh herbs, red chili, sweet paprika, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, and a little salt. These ingredients are mixed together to create a flavorful marinade for the prawns.
Side Dishes
No BBQ is complete without delicious side dishes. Marion suggests keeping it simple but tasty. Some options for side dishes include grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, and potato salad.
Grilled vegetables are a great option because they can be customized based on your guests’ preferences. You can grill a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions, and serve them as a colorful and tasty side dish.
Corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side dish. Marion suggests grilling the corn to give it a delicious smoky flavor. Serve it with butter, salt, and pepper for a simple and satisfying side.
Potato salad is always a hit at BBQs. Marion recommends making a creamy potato salad with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, diced onions, and chopped herbs. This tangy and creamy side dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
Salads and Greens
Salads and greens are a refreshing addition to any summer BBQ. They provide a light and healthy option for your guests. Marion suggests making a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
To take your salad to the next level, you can add some grilled veggies or even grilled fruit for a smoky and sweet twist. Grilling ingredients adds an extra layer of flavor and makes your salad more exciting and flavorful.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling techniques are crucial for achieving the perfect BBQ. Marion shares a few tips and tricks to help you become a grill master.
First, make sure your grill is clean before you start cooking. This will prevent any leftover food from sticking to your proteins and affecting their flavor.
Next, preheat your grill to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature for your proteins. This will help you achieve the best results and ensure even cooking.
When grilling proteins, Marion recommends using direct heat for smaller cuts and indirect heat for larger cuts. Direct heat allows for quick cooking and a nice sear, while indirect heat ensures that the proteins cook through without burning.
Lastly, make sure to let your proteins rest after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final product.
Grill Maintenance
Proper grill maintenance is essential for a successful BBQ. Marion suggests cleaning your grill before and after each use to prevent any leftover food or debris from affecting the flavor of your proteins.
Regularly check the gas or charcoal levels to ensure that you have enough fuel to cook your proteins. It’s always a good idea to have extra fuel on hand, just in case.
Additionally, make sure to oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. This will also help create those beautiful grill marks on your proteins.
Desserts
No BBQ is complete without a delicious dessert. Marion’s mango jelly dessert is the perfect sweet treat to end your summer BBQ on a high note.
To make the mango jelly, start by blitzing fresh mangoes and combining the puree with mango juice, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then whisk in agar agar, allowing it to dissolve. Pour the mixture into serving glasses and let it set in the fridge.
Once the jelly is set, top it with fresh mango and a dollop of whipped cream. Marion suggests whipping cream with icing sugar for a stable and tasty topping. Sprinkle some finely chopped roasted macadamias on top for crunch, and finish it off with a coconut wafer for an extra touch of elegance.
Drinks
No BBQ is complete without refreshing drinks to quench your guests’ thirst. Marion suggests offering a variety of options, such as lemonade, iced tea, and fruity mocktails.
Lemonade is a classic and always a hit. You can make a traditional lemonade with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water, or get creative and add some fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Iced tea is another great option for a summer BBQ. You can make a simple iced tea with your favorite tea bags, sugar, and water, and serve it over ice. For those who prefer a non-caffeinated option, herbal iced tea is a great choice.
Fruity mocktails are a fun and refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages. Marion suggests making mocktails with fresh fruit juices, such as mango, pineapple, or watermelon, and adding some sparkling water or soda for a fizzy touch.
Conclusion
With Marion’s guide to the perfect summer BBQ, you have all the tips and tricks you need to host a memorable outdoor grilling party. From the initial preparation of fresh ingredients to selecting showstopper proteins, preparing mouthwatering marinades, and serving delicious side dishes, salads, and desserts, Marion’s recommendations will ensure that your BBQ is a success. Don’t forget to take care of your grill and offer refreshing drinks to complete the experience. So, gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and enjoy a fantastic summer BBQ!