Summer has finally arrived in Vancouver! Now is the time to start up the BBQ and try new grill recipes! We have come up with some helpful tips to get your grilling season on a roll!

1. Marinade the meat. Use your favourite or find a new recipe. Let me meat soak in the flavours for a few hours or overnight. Try adding a sweet flavour in the marinade to compliment the natural savoury flavour from the meat. A tablespoon or two of maple syrup, honey or agave work great!
2. Preheat the Grill. Like an oven, it is important to preheat your grill to properly and efficiently cook your food.
3. Use a Thermometer.  A thermometer is an absolutely essential tool to have while grilling – it is the only way to guarantee that your meat has been cooked to the adequate internal temperature which avoids the risk of any potentially harmful bacteria. Using your finger to poke the meat is not a good source to rely on. All meats need to be cooked to a different temperature depending on the type of meat and how you prefer the doneness of it. (Here is a pretty thorough chart that we found online.)
4. Let it Rest. This tip is often overlooked. It is super temping to want to dig into your juicy steak or chicken breast as soon as it comes off the grill, but it is best to let it rest for approximately 5-10 minutes. Letting the meat rest gives the internal juices time to balance out evenly throughout the meat. Once you cut into the meat, the juices will still be in the meat, not on your plate!
5. Switch Out Your BBQ Sauce. Try something new and refreshing like an herb sauce. Chimichurri Sauce is a very flavourful compliment to any meat and you would be surprised at how versatile it is! From chicken to steak, pork and quesadillas, it can really work with anything. Check out our recipe for this sauce below:

 
LAZY GOURMET’S CHIMICHURRI SAUCE
Yields: 10 servings (approx. 2Tbsp per serving)
1/2  cup                      Parsley, chopped small
1/3  cup                      Olive Oil
3 Tbsp                        Cilantro, chopped small
1.5 Tbsp                     Cider Vinegar
1.5 Tbsp                     Garlic, minced
1 ea                              Green Onion, whites parts only, sliced
2 tsp                            Chilli Flakes (more or less depending how spicy you like it)
2 tsp                            Lime juice, fresh squeezed
1 tsp                             Salt
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or quickly with a food processor. Enjoy!
 
 
What sweet flavour have you tried to put in your marinade that you love? Do you have another herb sauce that you serve with your grilled meats? Comment below!