In this informative video by Merison, Jamie Oliver shares his tips on preventing burnt BBQ food. He emphasizes the importance of heat control, especially when using a gas barbecue with different elements of control. Jamie suggests using the hot plate at the back for grilling and then moving the food to the cooler panel at the front to avoid burning. He also discusses the role of fat in causing flare-ups and recommends reducing them by trimming off excess fat or using a spritzer. Additionally, he advises grilling vegetables dry to bring out their natural flavors instead of applying oil. Jamie highlights the versatility of the grill, mentioning that by using a wire rack and wood chips, one can even turn it into an oven and a smoker. Understanding your equipment and staying focused while grilling are key to achieving amazing results. For more information and recipes, visit Jamie Oliverbarbecue.com. Happy grilling!

Heat Control on Gas Barbecue

Understanding the different elements of control

When it comes to cooking on a gas barbecue, understanding how to control the heat is key to producing delicious and perfectly cooked food. Gas barbecues typically have different elements of control, such as high, low, and medium settings. These settings can be found on the hot plate and cooler panel of the barbecue. By utilizing these different elements, you can adjust the temperature to suit your cooking needs.

Using the hot plate and cooler panel

The hot plate and cooler panel on a gas barbecue offer different levels of heat control. The hot plate, located towards the back of the barbecue, provides the highest heat setting. This is ideal for quickly searing meats and achieving those beautiful grill marks. The cooler panel, situated at the front of the barbecue, offers a lower heat setting. This can be utilized when you want to slow things down and cook your food at a gentler pace.

Working from left to right or right to left

One of the great things about gas barbecues is the ability to work from left to right or right to left when controlling the heat. This means that you can start cooking on the hot plate and then gradually move your food to the cooler panel to finish it off. By doing this, you can ensure that your food cooks evenly and avoids any burnt or undercooked spots.

Controlling temperature with hot, medium, and cool panels

To further fine-tune the temperature control on your gas barbecue, you can utilize the hot, medium, and cool panels. These panels offer different levels of heat intensity. The hot panel provides the highest temperature, the medium panel offers a moderate heat level, and the cool panel provides a lower temperature. By using a combination of these panels, you can achieve the perfect temperature for different types of food.

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Utilizing the front panel for slower cooking

If you’re looking to achieve slow and steady cooking on your gas barbecue, the front panel is your best friend. By cooking your food on the cooler panel at the front, you can ensure that it cooks more slowly and evenly. This is particularly useful for larger cuts of meat or when you want to achieve a tender texture. The front panel allows you to take your time and ensure that your food is cooked to perfection.

Reducing Flare-ups with Natural Fat

The effect of natural fat on flare-ups

When cooking on a gas barbecue, the natural fat present in meat can lead to flare-ups. This occurs when the fat drips onto the hot flames, causing them to flare up and potentially burn your food. While a bit of flame can add flavor, too much can result in charred and overcooked food. It’s important to find ways to reduce flare-ups and control the amount of fat that drips onto the flames.

Reducing flare-ups by moving the meat

One way to reduce flare-ups is by simply moving the meat around on the grill. By keeping an eye on the flames and the areas where the fat is dripping, you can adjust the position of the meat to avoid direct contact with the flames. This allows the fat to render more slowly and reduces the chances of flare-ups.

Trimming off excess fat

Another method to reduce flare-ups is by trimming off excess fat from the meat before cooking. By removing any large chunks of fat, you can significantly decrease the amount of fat that drips onto the flames. This not only helps to control flare-ups but also results in a leaner and healthier dish.

Using a spritzer to keep the flame down

To further prevent flare-ups, a handy tool to have is a spritzer. Fill a small spray bottle with water or a liquid of your choice, and keep it nearby while cooking. If you notice the flames starting to get out of control, simply spritz a bit of water onto the flames to tame them down. This helps to maintain a more controlled cooking environment and prevent excessive charring.

Controlling heat to prevent quick flare-ups

Lastly, one of the most effective ways to prevent flare-ups is by controlling the heat of your gas barbecue. Avoid having the heat set too high, as this can cause the fat to quickly ignite and lead to flare-ups. It’s important to find the right balance between achieving a nice sear on your food and avoiding excessive flames. By keeping the heat at a moderate level, you can reduce the chances of quick flare-ups and maintain a more consistent cooking experience.

Avoiding Added Fat on Vegetables

Why not to apply fat to vegetables

When it comes to grilling vegetables on a gas barbecue, it’s best to avoid adding any additional fat to them. Unlike meat, vegetables don’t naturally contain as much fat, and applying oil or butter can lead to unnecessary greasiness and flare-ups. By grilling vegetables dry, you can enhance their natural flavors and achieve a tasty and healthy dish.

Grilling vegetables dry for better flavor

By grilling vegetables without adding any fat, you allow their natural flavors to shine through. The high heat of the gas barbecue helps to caramelize the sugars in the vegetables, resulting in a delicious smoky and slightly sweet taste. From crispy grilled asparagus to charred bell peppers, grilling vegetables dry enhances their inherent flavors and adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved with added oils.

Preventing flare-ups and burning on vegetables

Grilling vegetables without added fat also helps to prevent flare-ups and burning. As mentioned earlier, the natural fat content in meat can cause flames to flare up when it drips onto the hot flames. Since vegetables have minimal fat content, grilling them without any added oil reduces the chances of excessive flames and helps to prevent burning. This allows you to achieve perfectly grilled vegetables with a nice char and tender texture.

Promoting natural flavors without added oils

Grilling vegetables dry not only avoids the issues of flare-ups and burning but also promotes the natural flavors of the vegetables. Without the addition of oil or butter, you can truly taste the unique characteristics of each vegetable. From the earthiness of grilled mushrooms to the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, grilling vegetables without added fat allows their true flavors to shine through. It’s a healthier and more delicious way to enjoy your favorite plant-based dishes.

Get to Know Your Equipment

Understanding the direct grill barbecue

A direct grill barbecue is a versatile piece of equipment that allows you to cook your food directly over the flame. It typically consists of a heat source, grates, and a lid. With a direct grill, you have the freedom to cook a wide variety of foods, from steaks and burgers to vegetables and seafood.

Utilizing the lid and thermometer for an oven

While a direct grill may be primarily used for grilling, it can also function as an oven. By closing the lid and monitoring the temperature with a built-in thermometer, you can create an enclosed cooking environment similar to that of an oven. This is particularly useful when you want to cook foods that require longer cooking times or when you want to roast meats to perfection.

Using wood chips for smoking

If you’re looking to add a smoky flavor to your barbecue, using wood chips is a great option. Simply soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then drain them before using. You can place the soaked wood chips directly on the heat source or use a smoke box. As the wood chips heat up, they create smoke, infusing your food with a delicious smoky flavor.

Transforming the barbecue into an oven and smoker

With a direct grill barbecue, you have the ability to transform it into an oven and smoker. By utilizing the lid and adding wood chips for smoking, you can create a wide range of dishes, from slow-cooked ribs and brisket to smoked salmon and even desserts. The versatility of a direct grill allows you to experiment and explore different cooking techniques, resulting in a variety of flavorful and impressive meals.

Maximizing the versatility of the equipment

To make the most out of your direct grill barbecue, it’s important to explore and experiment with different cooking techniques. Whether you’re grilling a steak, slow-cooking a roast, or adding a smoky flavor with wood chips, the possibilities are endless. By understanding the capabilities of your equipment and getting creative with your cooking, you can create mouthwatering dishes that will impress your friends and family.

Mastering Heat Control for Beautiful Barbecue

The importance of knowing your equipment

To achieve beautiful barbecue results, it’s crucial to have a good understanding of your gas barbecue and its heat control capabilities. By knowing how the different elements of control work, such as the hot plate and cooler panel, you can adjust the heat to suit your cooking needs and prevent burning or undercooking.

Controlling heat to achieve fantastic results

Heat control is the key to achieving fantastic barbecue results. By being able to adjust the temperature and move your food from hotter to cooler areas of the grill, you can ensure that each piece of meat or vegetable is cooked to perfection. This level of control allows you to achieve crispy exteriors, juicy interiors, and the ideal level of char for that authentic barbecue flavor.

Understanding the impact of heat on food

Heat plays a crucial role in cooking food on a gas barbecue. It helps to develop flavors, creates grill marks, and ensures that meat is cooked to the desired level of doneness. By understanding how heat affects different types of food, you can make informed decisions about cooking times and temperatures, resulting in consistently delicious barbecue.

Remaining focused on heat control while barbecuing

When you’re in the midst of a barbecue cookout, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about heat control. However, it’s important to remain focused and attentive to the temperature of your grill. Check the heat settings regularly, adjust as needed, and keep an eye on any flare-ups or excessive charring. By staying vigilant and maintaining control over the heat, you can ensure that each bite of your barbecue is as delicious as the last.

Tips for achieving amazing barbecue

To achieve amazing barbecue, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Preheat your gas barbecue before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
2. Clean your grill grates regularly to prevent excessive flare-ups and maintain optimal heat transfer.
3. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat for perfect doneness.
4. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to enhance the flavor of your barbecue.
5. Let your cooked meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy result.

By incorporating these tips into your barbecue routine and mastering heat control, you can elevate your grilling skills and impress your guests with delicious and beautiful barbecue.

Conclusion

Heat control is a fundamental aspect of successful barbecue cooking on a gas grill. Understanding the various elements of control, such as the hot plate and cooler panel, allows you to adjust the heat and achieve the desired results. By reducing flare-ups with natural fat, avoiding added fat on vegetables, and getting to know your equipment, you can maximize the versatility of your gas barbecue. Mastering heat control is the key to achieving beautiful barbecue and creating memorable meals for family and friends. So, get out there, fire up your grill, and enjoy the delicious flavors of perfectly cooked barbecue.