Sizzling Summer BBQ in the UAE: Your Ultimate Guide

Summer in the UAE may bring extreme heat, but with some smart planning, you can still enjoy a delightful barbecue. Here’s how to host a successful summer BBQ that keeps everyone cool, safe, and satisfied.

• Perfect Timing

Choose to host your BBQ in the evening or late at night when temperatures are more bearable. Begin your preparations in the late afternoon to ensure the grill is ready as the sun sets.

• Ideal Location

Select a spot with ample shade and good airflow. Gardens with pergolas, gazebos, or large umbrellas provide excellent cover. If you have access to a pool, it’s a fantastic way for guests to cool off while waiting for the food.

• Stay Hydrated

Ensure there are plenty of cold beverages available. Stock up on water, iced tea, lemonade, and other non-alcoholic drinks. Enhance hydration with flavored water, adding slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint.

• Prepare Indoors

Minimize time spent in the heat by prepping indoors. Marinate meats, chop veggies, and prepare sides in your air-conditioned kitchen. This way, the only task left for outside is grilling.

• Quick-Cooking Recipes

Choose recipes that cook quickly to reduce grilling time. Kebabs, burgers, and thin cuts of meat are ideal. Fish and seafood also cook rapidly and are perfect for a summer BBQ.

• Smart Grilling Techniques

– Indirect Grilling: Prevent flare-ups and manage heat by placing coals or burners on one side of the grill and cooking food on the other side.

– Lid On: Keep the grill lid on to maintain a stable temperature and shorten cooking time.

• Cooling Options

Provide ways for guests to stay cool. Offer cool towels or damp cloths and set up fans or misters if possible, to create a comfortable environment.

• Sun Protection

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. Encourage your guests to do the same, even in the evening, as the residual heat can still be intense.

• Light and Fresh Sides

Pair your grilled items with light, refreshing sides. Seasonal fruit salads, grilled vegetables, and cool dips like tzatziki or hummus balance the smoky BBQ flavors and keep the meal light.

• Embrace Local Flavors

Incorporate Middle Eastern spices like sumac, za’atar, and saffron in your marinades and rubs. Serve traditional sides like tabbouleh, fattoush, or a mezze platter for a unique twist.

• Grilled Desserts

End your meal with a sweet treat from the grill. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, and bananas caramelize beautifully and can be served with a scoop of ice cream.

 Food Safety Tips

• Keep it Cold: Store perishable items in a cooler with ice packs until ready to grill. Keep the cooler in the shade with the lid closed as much as possible.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods helps to avoid cross contamination. This also applies to utensils. Wash your hands thoroughly along with knives and cutting boards between each use.
• Cook to Safe Temperatures: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures: 75°C for poultry, ground meats, and for steaks, chops, and fish.
• Serve Immediately: Serve cooked food right away, and use chafing dishes or insulated containers to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Store Leftovers Safely: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, or within one hour in the summer heat. Store leftovers in shallow containers for quick cooling.

• Safety First

Always prioritize safety. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, ensure your grill is stable, and never leave it unattended.

What makes Cresco the best choice?

We offer food safety course & training accredited by various boards across the UAE and India. Our internationally recognized professional qualifications in health and environment help you to build a career in safety. We assist both small scale and large scale business organizations alike, providing them with advice and certifications to grow smoothly.

With these tips, you can enjoy a memorable summer BBQ in the UAE, keeping everyone cool, safe, and well-fed. Happy grilling!