The sunny days are here, and what could be better than enjoying nature by organizing an outdoor barbecue? Whether you're camping, on a nature getaway, or even at home in a secluded spot in your huge backyard, backyard barbecue is an experience in its own right. However, you have to be prepared and know the best practices to successfully barbecue safely and enjoy delicious dishes.
In this article, we'll bring you practical tips , tricks , and mouth-watering recipes to help you master the art of backyard barbecuing. From the preparation of the fire to the cooking of the food, through the selection of the best ingredients and the appropriate equipment.
We'll take you step-by-step to create memorable meals on your outdoor adventures.
Beginner or expert in barbecue, our complete guide will allow you to improve your skills and discover new ideas to sublimate your grilling. Whether you prefer classic juicy burgers, savory marinades or the perfect grilled veggies, you'll find simple and delicious recipes that will satisfy every palate.
Ready to embark on an outdoor gastronomic experience? Follow us and discover all the advice, best practices and recipes for barbecues in the middle of nature that will delight your taste buds and impress your traveling companions.
Preparations for a barbecue in the great outdoors
When planning a barbecue, it is essential to consider certain factors to ensure a pleasant and safe experience. Here are the important aspects to consider when preparing for your outdoor barbecue:
The choice of location
Before embarking on a barbecue in the heart of nature, it is essential to choose your location wisely. Two things need to be considered:
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Safety and practicality : choose an open area, away from trees and any flammable vegetation. Avoid windy areas which may make fire control difficult. Make sure the chosen location provides enough space for circulation and activities around the barbecue.
- Respect for the environment and local rules : find out about local regulations regarding open fires and camping. Some areas may have specific restrictions. Choose a location where you can respect the environment and minimize your impact on the surrounding nature. Avoid camping or making fires in protected or sensitive areas.
Preparing for the fire
Preparing the fire is a crucial step for a successful outdoor barbecue. Here are some important points to consider:
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The different methods of starting an outdoor fire : There are different methods of starting an outdoor fire, such as using fire starters, softwood sticks, fire stones or lighters. Choose the method that works best for you based on your skills and available resources.
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Selection of wood and combustion materials : choose dry, well-split wood for a fire that is easy to start and maintain. Avoid using green or damp wood, as this will produce a lot of smoke and little heat. Be sure to follow local rules for wood collection and only take what is necessary.
The necessary equipment
You will need some essential equipment:-
The essentials for an outdoor barbecue : make sure you have a portable barbecue grill, long tongs for turning food, heat-protective gloves , a cutting board and a knife. Also provide basic cooking utensils such as a spatula and a cleaning brush for the grate. The Snowpeak brand offers a wide range of high quality equipment.
- Portable and practical barbecue options : you have the choice between different portable barbecue options, such as charcoal barbecues, gas barbecues, electric barbecues or even solar barbecues. Select the one that best suits your needs and make sure you have enough fuel or energy reserves for the duration of your outdoor barbecue.
The different types of portable barbecues
When choosing your portable barbecue, you have several options:
- Charcoal barbecues are often appreciated for their authentic flavor and ease of use. They allow you to create intense heat for grilled meats seized to perfection. However, they require time and patience to light the fire and reach the right cooking temperature. The Snowpeak brand offers different choices of barbecue whatever your desires, whether to cook pizzas or to make a traditional barbecue.
The Biolite brand has developed innovative barbecues. The FirePit+, for example, has patented airflow technology that creates hyper-efficient flames that optimize combustion. This air circulation is achieved by a fan powered by a rechargeable battery, which can also serve as a recharge for your phones.
- Gas barbecues offer a convenient and quick solution for outdoor barbecue enthusiasts. They are easy to light and control, providing even heat distribution. Gas grills are also versatile, allowing you to adjust the temperature to suit your needs. However, they require a gas source and can be more cumbersome to carry.
If you are looking for an ecological and particularly innovative option,
- Solar barbecues are an excellent alternative. The Solar Brother brand is a pioneer in the field. They use solar energy to heat the cooking grid. Although slower to heat up than other types of barbecues, they are environmentally friendly and do not require additional fuels. However, their use depends on the availability of adequate sun exposure.
- Electric barbecues are a practical and easy-to-use option. They plug into an electrical outlet and heat up quickly. Electric barbecues are generally compact and easy to transport. They offer precise temperature control and are ideal for areas where the use of fuels is limited or prohibited. However, they depend on a nearby power source .
Ultimately, the choice of portable barbecue will come down to personal preference in terms of taste , ease of use , portability and environmental impact . Consider your specific needs and choose the type of barbecue that best suits your expectations to fully enjoy your outdoor barbecue experience.
Good practices for a barbecue in the middle of nature
When you organize a barbecue in the great outdoors, it is important to follow certain best practices to ensure an enjoyable and environmentally friendly experience.
Security
Safety is paramount during a barbecue in the great outdoors:
- Choose a safe location by opting for an open area, away from trees, flammable vegetation and structures that may present a risk.
- Control the fire by always keeping a watchful eye on the fire and making sure it stays under control. Avoid leaving it unattended, especially in the presence of wind or adverse weather conditions.
- Extinguish the fire properly and above all make sure to put it out completely before leaving the site. Snuff out the embers by douse them thoroughly with water and make sure they are completely cool to the touch.
Waste Management
It is essential to practice responsible waste management , here are two simple tips to minimize your impact on the environment:
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Pack your trash: Bring heavy-duty trash bags and plan a way to store and transport it to an appropriate collection point. Do not leave any waste on site, including food scraps.
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Respect the local rules: Find out about the specific regulations concerning waste management in the region where you organize your barbecue. Some areas may have special requirements or sorting facilities.
Interaction with fauna and flora
When you are in the great outdoors, it is important to minimize your impact on the surrounding fauna and flora. First, don't feed wild animals, it could disrupt their natural behavior and create dependencies on humans. Second, avoid stepping on fragile plants and flowers, and especially do not pick wild flowers or plants. Finally, opt for biodegradable and environmentally friendly products. The Sloé brand has created a solid 5-in-1 multi-purpose that can be used for the body, hair, teeth, dishes and laundry. This product is 100% biodegradable.
Tasty recipes for barbecues and solar cookers
If you have any doubts about the quality and possibilities offered by solar barbecues, let me reassure you. Solar barbecues are reliable and efficient appliances that use solar energy to cook food. They offer an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to enjoying delicious meals outdoors. With a solar barbecue you can prepare a variety of tasty dishes. Think of recipes such as grilled vegetables with olive oil and herbs, marinated tofu skewers, fish papillotes with seasonal vegetables, or even grilled fruits for a sweet and light dessert.
Solar barbecues are versatile and can adapt to various recipes, allowing you to unleash your culinary creativity outdoors. So don't hesitate to try these recipes and discover the delights of solar cooking at your next barbecue in the great outdoors. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results and you will also contribute to the preservation of the environment.
To give you some ideas, here are different recipes that can be made with solar barbecues from the Solar Brother range.
SunGood 360 Recipe Idea - Roasted Salmon with Fennel
Ingredients
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Half a fennel bulb
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A lemon
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Three narrow salmon steaks
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Olive oil
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Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary
Preparation of roasted salmon with fennel
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Slice the fennel, then line the bottom of the Sungood 360 tube with these thin slices.
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Place the salmon steaks on the bed of fennel.
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Season with slices of lemon, salt, pepper, olive oil.
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Decorate with fennel florets, thyme and rosemary.
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Cook for an hour or two depending on weather conditions.
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Serve with rice and a squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon.
Sun Globe recipe idea - Pizza Royale
Ingredients
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1 broken round pie crust
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1 box of special pizza tomato sauce
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1 box of sliced button mushrooms
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Provence herbs
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grated cheese
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salt pepper
Preparation of the recipe
- After unrolling the pie dough with parchment paper at the bottom of a saucepan or in a pie pan, spread the tomato sauce, arrange the mushrooms or other ingredients, as desired.
- Salt, pepper, add the Provencal herbs and the grated Gruyère.
- Cook for 30 minutes on medium, turn the pan 180°, then 30 minutes on high. A delight.
In conclusion, organizing a barbecue in the great outdoors can be a pleasant and memorable experience. However, it is important to take into account certain aspects to guarantee safety, respect for the environment and the pleasure of all participants. Choose your location carefully taking into account safety considerations and local rules. Prepare the fire carefully using appropriate methods and follow good practices to minimize the risk of fire. Remember to manage your waste responsibly by taking everything with you. Interact with the surrounding flora and fauna in a respectful manner. By following these tips, you will be able to fully enjoy your barbecue in the great outdoors while preserving the beauty and integrity of the environment around you. So, prepare your equipment, invite your friends and family, and enjoy convivial and tasty moments outdoors during your next barbecues in the heart of nature.