Beach BBQ over open fire

The preparation is everything when it comes to having the best beach BBQ.

Apart from the obvious; food, grill, and fuel, we’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure your BBQ runs as smoothly as possible.

Choose grill-friendly meats; steaks, burgers, and sausages all cook rapidly, but a plump chicken breast takes much longer.

If possible, avoid cooking directly from the cool box; allowing your meat to warm up allows the center to cook more quickly and prevents charred outsides.

Before you go, double-check that the rolls are cut and buttered, that you have enough aluminium foil to wrap the food (and mop off the hot coals afterwards), and that you haven’t forgotten anything vital.

Before you leave, it’s probably a good idea to double-check that you are carrying everything.

Then choose your site. Our recommendation is to choose a more daring spot, but be sure to check the waves and wind before you go; nobody wants their BBQ ruined by an unexpected storm.

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate location, create a protected area for your BBQ.

If it’s possible, raise your grill or cover some aluminium foil around the bottom to prevent sand from absorbing heat from the barbeque. Wind is the next greatest adversary; protect your BBQ with rocks or, if you have them, construct wind breaks to keep the gusts at bay.

A beach blanket is the most effective method of preventing sand from getting into the food.

Once the grill is hot, let the embers to cool completely before cooking. Cooking over an open flame result in burned exteriors and unsettled tummies.

Prepare the children to chase away any hungry seagulls and to unwrap food shortly before cooking to keep it secure from sand and birds.

Avoid poking your food too much because it takes time for a caramelized crust to form on top of it. To optimize flavor, only flip food once or twice. Allow your meat to rest if possible before eating it; this allows the fibers to relax and reabsorb juices before you consume.

Beaches are frequently taken for granted, with a large quantity of trash left on them following the Christmas season.

You should check to see if your beach has BBQ disposal containers, and use some water to assist cool down the embers once they’ve been burned down to prevent them from spreading.