Are you planning a large family BBQ and want to ensure that your BBQ food stays hot and fresh? In this video by Da Malat, he shares his tips and techniques to keep your food warm and prevent it from drying out. His preferred method is to pre-cook the food in batches and then use a technique called reverse sear to finish it on the BBQ for that perfect BBQ taste. To keep the food from drying out, he creates bain maries by placing trays of food on top of a water bath. He also uses foil trays with lids to hold and present the food, labeling the lids to indicate the contents. By covering the food with kitchen foil and heating it in a preheated oven, he ensures that it stays warm. After cooking, the food is seared on high heat on the BBQ and then placed back in the foil tray with the juices. The BBQ is set on low heat with a bain marie underneath to keep the food warm, and the saved lid from the foil tray is used to cover the food for presentation. If you don’t have enough space on your BBQ, disposable BBQs can be used with bricks to create a gap between the BBQ and the surface. The same process can be followed with the disposable BBQ. So, if you want to learn how to keep your BBQ food hot and fresh at your upcoming family gathering, this video will provide you with all the tips and techniques you need!
(Source: “Tips and Techniques for Keeping BBQ Food Hot and Fresh at a Large Family BBQ” by Da Malat)
Tips and Techniques for Keeping BBQ Food Hot and Fresh at a Large Family BBQ
Having a large family BBQ is a great opportunity to bring everyone together and enjoy delicious grilled food. However, it can be a challenge to keep the food hot and fresh, especially when you have a lot of guests. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques that you can use to ensure that your BBQ food stays warm and delicious throughout the event.
Pre-cooking in Batches and Using Reverse Sear
One of the best ways to save time and ensure that the food doesn’t dry out is to pre-cook it in batches before grilling. This technique, known as reverse sear, involves cooking the food partially in the oven and then finishing it on the BBQ for that classic smoky flavor.
By pre-cooking the food, you can reduce the cooking time on the BBQ, allowing you to spend more time with your family and friends. Additionally, this method helps to retain moisture in the meat and prevent it from drying out during the grilling process.
Creating Bain Maries to Prevent Drying Out
To further prevent your BBQ food from drying out, you can create bain maries. A bain marie is a water bath that provides a gentle and even heat to keep the food warm without drying it out.
To create a bain marie, simply place trays of food on top of a larger tray filled with hot water. The steam created by the water bath will help to maintain the moisture in the food and keep it warm for a longer period.
Using foil trays with lids is a convenient way to hold and present your food while keeping it warm. These trays are readily available in supermarkets and come in various sizes to accommodate different types of food. Make sure to label the lids with the contents of each tray for easy identification.
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Covering the Food with Kitchen Foil and Heating in Oven
Before transferring the pre-cooked food to the BBQ, it’s a good idea to cover the foil trays with kitchen foil. This additional layer helps to retain heat and keep the food warm while you prepare the grill.
To ensure that the food is thoroughly heated, place the covered foil trays in a preheated oven at around 180 degrees Celsius. This will not only bring the food to the desired serving temperature but also help to lock in the flavors and juices.
Searing the Food on High Heat and Placing Back in Foil Tray with Juices
Once the food is heated and ready to be grilled, it’s time to give it that delicious seared crust. Heat your BBQ to high temperature and sear the pre-cooked food on both sides for a few minutes. This step will add that desirable smoky flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
After searing, carefully transfer the food back to the foil tray, making sure to collect any juices that may have accumulated during the searing process. Pour the juices over the meat to keep it moist and flavorful during the remainder of the BBQ.
Setting BBQ on Low Heat with a Bain Marie to Keep Food Warm
To keep the food warm throughout the BBQ event, set your BBQ to low heat and place a bain marie underneath the grill. This will provide a gentle and consistent heat that keeps the food warm without drying it out.
The bain marie, filled with hot water, creates a steam environment that helps to maintain the moisture in the food. It acts as a buffer between the direct heat of the grill and the food, ensuring that it stays hot and fresh for longer.
Using the Saved Lid from Foil Tray to Cover for Presentation
When it’s time for your guests to enjoy the delicious BBQ food, use the saved lids from the foil trays to cover and present the dishes. The foil side of the lid helps to retain heat, while the paper side allows you to write down the contents of each tray.
By covering the trays with the lids, you create a presentable and visually appealing display. Guests can easily identify the different dishes and choose what they want to enjoy. It also helps to keep the food warm as people serve themselves throughout the event.
Using Disposable BBQs with Bricks to Create Extra Space
If you find that your BBQ doesn’t have enough surface area to accommodate all the food you’ve prepared, there’s a simple solution. You can use disposable BBQs with bricks to create an extra space for grilling.
Place the disposable BBQ on top of the bricks, ensuring there is a good gap between the bottom of the disposable BBQ and the surface it rests on. This setup allows for better airflow and prevents the surface underneath from becoming too hot or damaged.
Following the Same Process with Disposable BBQ
If you decide to use disposable BBQs to accommodate extra food, you can follow the same process described above. Pre-cook the food in batches, use the reverse sear technique, create bain maries, and cover the trays with foil and lids. The only difference is that you will be using a disposable BBQ instead of a traditional one.
Disposable BBQs are a convenient option when you need additional grilling space and don’t want to worry about cleanup afterward. They are readily available in most supermarkets and are perfect for outdoor gatherings like large family BBQs.
By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure that your BBQ food stays hot and fresh at a large family BBQ. Pre-cooking in batches, using bain maries, and covering the food with foil and lids are effective ways to keep the food warm and prevent it from drying out. Don’t forget to label each tray for easy identification and use disposable BBQs with bricks if you need extra space. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying BBQ experience with your loved ones.