Summer is well on its way! Did you know that the 30th May is the start of BBQ week? If your restaurant is planning some flame grilled, oak smoked, completely mouth-watering delicacies for your customers to try, then you’ll need the right bulk seasoning to compliment this cooking style correctly! With good BBQ food it all comes down to three things – what you’re cooking, the method of cooking needed and the correct pairing of seasoning! Luckily, here at World of Spice we are herb, seasoning and spices experts; here is our advice when it comes to seasoning the perfect BBQ food!
What is Barbeque?
Barbeque describes various cooking methods which use live fire and smoke to cook the food. BBQ cooking methods include grilling and wood smoking. These cooking methods alone can give your food the distance barbeque taste. However, BBQ seasoning is a sweet, yet tangy flavour that is used all over the world. Its main ingredients include ketchup, vinegar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and honey.
Most Suitable BBQ Options
You can BBQ many foods! However, in our opinion, the produce that works best with bulk seasoning is:
Meat: Chicken, pork, beef, lamb, turkey. This includes drumsticks, wings, steaks, ribs, brisket and loins.
Fish: Shrimp, salmon, tuna, swordfish, red snapper, monkfish, halibut.
Dairy: Halloumi Cheese.
Veggies: Corn on the cob, red pepper, mushroom, tomato, onion, cauliflower, courgette, asparagus and aubergine.
Best BBQ Cooking Styles
The most effective BBQ methods include:
Direct Cooking Technique
Direct cooking, or grilling directly over a heat source, is the most common technique. This method is best for steaks, kebabs and fish fillets. It is not appropriate for all foods. Sugary marinades and large cuts of meat often tend to burn before the food is completely cooked through.
Indirect Cooking Technique
In this instance, the barbecue is lit so the hot fire burns on one portion of the grill and food cooks on the unlit part. If your gas barbecue has two burners, only light one. Without this technique, large meat items, a whole chicken or leg of lamb would burn on the outside before the inside has a chance to completely cook through. In either case, close the barbecue lid. Indirect cooking is slower and requires less attention.
Smoke Cooking Technique
Wood chips will permeate food with the smell of a wood fire. The two most popular woods being mesquite and hickory chips. Not all types of wood are recommended for barbecue cooking, so do your research beforehand, as some can release harmful substances.
The smoking technique is simple. Soak wood chips in cold water for 30 minutes to allow the wood to generate a good amount of smoke rather than burn. Then place the chips in a cast-iron smoker BBQ designed for this purpose or an envelope created from a sheet of resistant aluminium foil. Poke holes in the top of the foil so smoke can escape. Then place the small smoker or homemade envelope under the grill over one burner or briquettes. Heat the barbecue for ten minutes until puffs of smoke emerge before adding food to cook.
The Perfect BBQ Bulk Seasoning to Use
Remember, dried herbs, seasoning and spices bring a potent, concentrated flavour to fresh BBQ produce. As they are cooked in the fats of meat, or cooking fats like oil, the volatile oils within the herbs and spices are released with the heat and the complex flavours will infuse within your food, with aromas circulating and penetrating meat with the direct heat and smoke of the grill.
Our top BBQ bulk seasoning essentials to use this summer are:
Black Pepper: The essential spice to pair with the smoky and charred flavours that come with grilling.
Onion Powder: Onion lends a deep and satisfying sweetness to grilled proteins and veggies.
Garlic Powder: Adding intensity to any BBQ food, garlic is great for basting onto your food before and after grilling.
Smoked Paprika: Sweet and warm, with not too much spice, paprika adds sweet heat to anything you can grill, perfect for summer.
Oregano: Oregano cuts through the richness of grilled meats, while infusing grilled vegetables with complex fresh flavour and depth.
Rosemary: Fresh and citrusy, rosemary will liven up your BBQ meats instantly. This herb also works brilliantly in oils.
Thyme: Thyme combines bold, savoury flavour with delicate, floral nuances. This aromatic herb works well for seasoning substantial cuts of beef and whole spatchcocked poultry, don’t forget to add a squeeze of lemon!
Our Top BBQ Tips
Looking for a bit more inspiration to make your grills great? Here are a few tips that can transform your BBQ cooking:
- Make yourself a ‘fresh brush’ from any woody herb - rosemary, thyme, sage, bay and oregano work really well for this. Tie your herbs to a wooden spoon or spatula and dip the herb ends in olive oil. Then brush over your BBQ food, as often as you need. This will keep your food moist and delicious, packed with lots of flavour.
- Infuse your cooking oils and vinegar with bulk herbs and spices! From chilli to basil, putting a little dried produce within the cooking liquids will release delicious flavours, perfect for seasoning your meats or salads! Spritzing your meat with vinegar is a great way to keep it moist. Do so as you’re turning it over. This will keep the flames down and stop the meat burning.
- Flavoured salts are brilliant for more delicate produce, such as pork or fish. Smash up any herbs and spices with coarse salt. Sprinkle on during the cooking process, or as an after garnish for delicious flavour!
Get in Touch for Bulk Seasoning
At World of Spice, we understand the importance of authentic and traditional tasting cuisine. Our bulk seasoning and spices are known for their purity and potency, full of delicious flavour to give your food the edge. Our service is cost-effective and reliable; we go above and beyond for each of our customers to ensure that you get the produce you need for business.
From bespoke blends to a choice of packaging, complete with custom labelling, our comprehensive service can help you achieve your culinary goals. For more information about our services and what we can offer you, please contact us at orders@worldofspice.co.uk, or feel free to call our team on 01277 633303. We look forward to hearing from you.
