With the cold winter breeze settling in, most of us are craving those hot summer days that bring people together for the official BBQ season. There’s something undeniably special about the garden barbecues that are filled with good food, friendships and lasting memories.
But who says barbecue season has to end with summer? Even as the weather turns chilly, you can still enjoy the very same barbecue flavours from the comfort of your home.
While traditional outdoor barbecues, like those by Outback Barbecues, set the standard for grilling, there are ways to capture the essence of a summer barbecue in winter, without sacrificing flavour or experience.
Tools for your Indoor BBQ
Grill Pans and Griddles
Grill pans and griddles are the tools that you need for any indoor barbecue. They bring about the same essence of the outdoor barbecue without the cold weather interfering. Outback’s high quality griddle pans are perfect for achieving tastes so good that you won’t want to go outside. The smokiness of the griddle plan contrasting with the searing heat, the grill marks that mimic the outdoor barbecue, there’s so much to enjoy with an indoor barbecue. Simply position the griddle on top of the stove and preheat it, then start cooking.
Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron skillets are a multiuse cooking tool that replicate the high heat cooking of a barbecue grill. Affordable and highly durable, they retain heat well, and are naturally non-stick (if you oil it over time) making them easily the right choice for your indoor barbecue.
Pro tip for those who are a little bit iron deficient or at risk: Cooking with cast iron cookware can add a small amount of iron to your food.
Not only are cast iron skillets long-lasting, but with proper care, they can last for decades. However, they’re not dishwasher safe and should be cleaned by hand using warm water, a non-abrasive sponge, and a little dish soap.
The cast iron skillet is a kitchen essential, perfect for recreating the outdoor barbecue experience. It delivers beautifully seared steaks and perfectly golden chicken pieces, bringing the essence of grilling indoors. To complete the experience, don’t overlook the importance of flavourful marinades and seasonings, setting the stage for a truly memorable barbecue-inspired meal.
Stovetop Smokers
Stovetop smokers are versatile, portable kitchen tools that can be used both indoors and outdoors. When used indoors, they work on gas or electric stovetops, and outdoors, they can be used on a grill or open flame. Popular for camping trips, these smokers infuse a rich smoky flavour into all dishes they cook. You can smoke a variety of foods with a stovetop smoker, including chicken, vegetables, fish, steaks, and even mushrooms, making it a great addition to any outdoor or indoor cooking experience.
Digital Thermometer
Digital thermometers are essential for achieving perfect meat doneness every time, providing precise readings to ensure your meats are cooked just right. No indoor barbecue is complete without one. With a digital thermometer, you can gauge your meat’s doneness without having to cut into it. The Outback Digital Thermometer offers fast, accurate readings, featuring a folding probe for easy storage, a large backlit LCD screen, and a re-calibration option for continued accuracy. Plus, it comes with a handy BBQ/Fridge Magnetic Temperature Guide for added convenience. So if you want perfectly cooked barbecue dishes that wow be sure to invest in a digital thermometer, for £15.99, Outback is offering an affordable way of ensuring your meats are consistently cooked through.
Oven Broilers
A broiler, typically found at the top of your oven, uses high heat to cook food quickly, much like a grill. Despite its versatility, it’s often overlooked, misused, or even used as storage. Preheating your broiler for five minutes ensures optimal cooking conditions. Using the right cookware, such as cast iron, sheet pans, or broiling pans, is essential for cooking on a broiler. Also, consider leaving the broiler door slightly open during cooking to allow excess heat to escape. However, it’s best to follow the manual instructions of your oven for best results.
But what can you cook on a broiler? Opt for flat pieces like steaks, chicken breasts, or fish fillets that are between ½ inch and 1 ½ inch thick as thicker cuts of meat may burn on the outside before being cooked through. Cook on the highest setting and position the rack to be about four inches from the heat source.
The broiler is a great alternative to outdoor grilling, especially during the colder months, and will allow you to quickly and effortlessly recreate the rich barbecue flavours all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Use of Outdoor Grills Year-Round
Barbecuing isn’t just for the warmer months, it’s an all-year-round opportunity to enjoy great food and good company. Winter barbecues may require more preparation, but they deliver a unique and rewarding experience, with richer flavours, a cosy atmosphere, and the chance to create lasting memories (you’ll never forget an outdoor barbecue in the winter.)
Imagine gathering around a warm grill in the crisp air or even with a snowy backdrop. Barbecuing in winter offers you the chance to embrace the outdoors in the colder months and make the most of your garden space.
And this time of year is perfect for sharing a hearty meal with friends, warming up by the fire, making s’mores, telling campfire stories, and creating lasting memories that will carry on long after the season ends.
So don’t let the colder weather stop you from enjoying a barbecue. Embrace the winter season, fire up the grill, and make this winter one to remember.
Final Thoughts
Barbecuing does not have to be a summer only activity, nor does it have to be outdoors but it certainly can be.
With the right tools and preparation, you will be able to enjoy a winter barbecue even in the coldest months.
Ready for your first indoor barbecue of the year?
Let us know how it goes and don’t forget to tag us using @outbackbbqs on Instagram, we’d love to see your BBQ creations.
