Grill Up Great Savings: Barbecue Tips for the Budget-Conscious
Getting friends together for food, drink and good conversation is even better in the warmer months, when everybody is down for a good old fashioned cookout. Afterall, who doesn't love good barbeque? Even vegetarians can enjoy veggie kabobs or a nice green salad with all the fixin's. Want to plan a bomb.com barbeque but don't have the funds to go all out? No worries, we got you. Here are our easy tips for barbequing on a budget.
Grill Up Great Savings: Barbecue Tips for the Budget-Conscious
Plan Your Menu
Start by planning your menu in advance. Choose affordable cuts of meat like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or ground beef instead of expensive steaks or seafood. You can also incorporate more affordable protein options like tofu or vegetables.
Look For Sales And Discounts
Keep an eye on weekly grocery store flyers and look for sales and discounts on meat, marinades, sauces, and other barbecue essentials. Buying items on sale can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Buy In Bulk
Consider buying meat in bulk or larger packages, as it is often cheaper per pound. You can portion it out and freeze what you don't immediately use. This approach works well for sausages, burgers, and chicken.
Opt For Simple Sides And Salads
One of the best parts of summer is the abundance of fresh fruit and produce. While having a a couple of meaty mainstays on the menu (think burgers, dogs) is a must, you should absolutely take advantage of what mother nature provides as well. Here are a few side dish ideas for your budget bbq using some of the season's freshest:
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil harvested straight from your own herb garden makes a show stopping side dish.
Spinach Salad With Warm Vinaigrette: Serve baby spinach leaves, sliced fresh mushrooms, hard boiled eggs and crumbled bacon topped with a warm mustard-y vinaigrette on the side. If you have vegetarian friends, omit the bacon and serve it alongside the salad, allowing your guests to add their own.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): One of our favorites. Top grilled ears of corn with a mixture of mayo, lime juice and cilantro and sprinkle with grated queso fresco. Muy delicioso!
Honey-Lime Fruit Salad With Pignoli Nuts: Sweet, tasty with a bit of a crunch from the pignoli nuts (also called pine nuts), this refreshing fruit salad will become the hit of your barbeque.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, vine ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil harvested straight from your own herb garden makes a show stopping side dish.
Spinach Salad With Warm Vinaigrette: Serve baby spinach leaves, sliced fresh mushrooms, hard boiled eggs and crumbled bacon topped with a warm mustard-y vinaigrette on the side. If you have vegetarian friends, omit the bacon and serve it alongside the salad, allowing your guests to add their own.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): One of our favorites. Top grilled ears of corn with a mixture of mayo, lime juice and cilantro and sprinkle with grated queso fresco. Muy delicioso!
Honey-Lime Fruit Salad With Pignoli Nuts: Sweet, tasty with a bit of a crunch from the pignoli nuts (also called pine nuts), this refreshing fruit salad will become the hit of your barbeque.
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Make Your Own Marinades And Sauces
Store-bought marinades and sauces can add up in cost. Instead, make your own at home using simple ingredients like vinegar, oil, herbs, spices, and condiments. There are plenty of budget-friendly recipes available online, and here are a few of our favorites:
Explore Vegetarian And Vegan Options
Incorporating vegetarian or vegan options into your barbecue can be budget-friendly. Grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, or tofu skewers are flavorful alternatives that can help stretch your budget while satisfying everyone's dietary preferences. While we suggested a few easy meat-free sides and salads above, here are 35 vegetarian BBQ recipes curated by Prevention.
Consider A Potluck
There is zero, zilch, nada, NOTHING wrong with throwing a potluck barbeque! Chances are when you invite your friends, the first thing they'll say (after saying aw hells yeah! that is), is "what can I bring"? Take advantage of their kind offer and have them bring their favorite dish. Something simple, budget-friendly and easy to serve. For example, one of our favorite potluck dishes to bring to a barbeque is German Potato Salad. It's mayonnaise-free, supposed to be served warm (or at room temperature, at least) and is sooo delish. Another favorite is a classic Panzanella Salad. Colorful heirloom tomatoes, hearty ciabatta bread and savory spices make for a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Consider Propane Over Charcoal
While charcoal grilling can be flavorful, it can also be more expensive in the long run. If you're looking to save money, consider using a propane grill instead. Propane tanks are generally more cost-effective and can last for multiple barbecues. They also offer the convenience of quick and easy heat control, allowing you to cook your food efficiently.
When using propane, be mindful of the following:
Compare prices: Check for competitive prices on propane tanks at different stores or gas stations. Some locations may offer better deals, so it's worth shopping around to find the most affordable option.
Refill instead of exchanging: If possible, opt for refilling your propane tank rather than exchanging it for a new one. Exchanging tanks can be more expensive since you typically pay for a full tank regardless of how much propane is left in your current one. Refilling allows you to pay only for the amount of propane you need, saving you money in the long term.
Monitor propane levels: Keep an eye on your propane levels to avoid running out during your barbecue. A simple trick is to weigh the tank before and after grilling. This way, you can estimate how much propane you've used and plan accordingly for future barbecues.
Properly maintain your grill: Regularly clean and maintain your propane grill to ensure it functions optimally. This includes keeping the burners clean and free of debris, checking for gas leaks, and inspecting the hose and connections for any signs of wear or damage. Proper maintenance helps maximize the lifespan of your grill and ensures it uses propane efficiently.
When using propane, be mindful of the following:
Compare prices: Check for competitive prices on propane tanks at different stores or gas stations. Some locations may offer better deals, so it's worth shopping around to find the most affordable option.
Refill instead of exchanging: If possible, opt for refilling your propane tank rather than exchanging it for a new one. Exchanging tanks can be more expensive since you typically pay for a full tank regardless of how much propane is left in your current one. Refilling allows you to pay only for the amount of propane you need, saving you money in the long term.
Monitor propane levels: Keep an eye on your propane levels to avoid running out during your barbecue. A simple trick is to weigh the tank before and after grilling. This way, you can estimate how much propane you've used and plan accordingly for future barbecues.
Properly maintain your grill: Regularly clean and maintain your propane grill to ensure it functions optimally. This includes keeping the burners clean and free of debris, checking for gas leaks, and inspecting the hose and connections for any signs of wear or damage. Proper maintenance helps maximize the lifespan of your grill and ensures it uses propane efficiently.
Use Charcoal Efficiently
If you prefer charcoal grilling, make sure to use it efficiently. Avoid overusing charcoal by arranging it in a two-zone fire, where one side has hot coals for searing, and the other side has fewer coals for slower cooking. This way, you'll save on charcoal while achieving the desired results.
Focus On The Experience
Remember, barbecues are as much about the experience as they are about the food. Focus on creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere with good company, good music and, of course, good food. The memories and fun you create will be the highlight of the event.
Have any ideas you'd like to add? Let us know in the comments below!
Have any ideas you'd like to add? Let us know in the comments below!
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