Phew what a scorcher! And that means only one thing; time to get cooking outside. But what to cook? Well here are our favourite barbecue recipes.
You can cook anything on a barbecue (I’ve seen cheese cake done in a smoker I kid you not) but the best bet is to keep it simple with good quality meat and fresh fish.
Firstly, fish
These brochettes (pictured above) can also be made up well in advance and are very easy to grill once the barbie is up and running. Also it is important to use small or baby squid for this. Larger squid are usually cut into rings and this shape won’t really work on a brochette.
Wild sea bass, preferably line-caught, is a great fish to put on the barbecue. Its thicker skin keeps the high heat at bay while sealing in the firm white flesh. Sea bass does not need its great taste to be hidden but supported with a selection of the freshest herbs.
Andrew Nutter's BBQ Fillet of hake with caramelised shallots, roast beets and a garden pea dressing is darn tasty. If you can't find hake, user norestfor advices ling, it's cheaper too.
On to meaty matters
This venison recipe is perfect cooked on a barbecue what ever the season. With vension having less fat than chicken it's a tasty, healthy alternative to traditional barbecue meats.It's worth every penny.
These kebabs are so simple to make and taste sensational. The secret is in the marinade and the dressing. Rachel's used lamb here but you can swap that for chicken, beef or pork or for a vegetarian alternative you could use sweet potatoes, courgettes and peppers with the shallots.
A juicy take on lamb köfte, these will be a sure-fire hit at any barbecue. Squeezing the liquid from the cucumber will prevent your tzatziki becoming watery, and don’t make it too far ahead either; it becomes more garlicky the longer it sits.
Marco says 'My favourite way of dining is a barbecue. Dad (who never usually cooks) dons an apron and becomes the chef. Everybody gets involved, there’s energy, laughter and most of all, there’s fun.
More barbecue ideas
Which is the best barbecue?
The 10 best places to BBQ in the UK
What to do when your BBQ gets rained off by Nick Baines
Summer’s here! And so is our guide to cooking outdoors