Imagine a situation: You have planned this for days; your friends are coming over and you have promised them a backyard barbecue party. Everything is ready! All preparations are done, the seats are ready, the veggies and meat are marinated for hours and you have set up the buffet as well. Suddenly, you realize the weather is not going to be in your favor. If it starts raining, your only option is grilling in the rain!
‘Can you grill in the rain’ is the question!
The good news is that you can grill in the rain. It is just that you need to know how you can set up your barbecue in the rain and get things going. Everything remains the same – friends, music, laughter, and of course, delicious grilled food served hot!
Let us explore how BBQ in the rain is possible and everything that you need to be aware of.
Grilling in The Rain – Things You Will Need
If rain seems inevitable, you will first need a BBQ umbrella to shelter the entire BBQ set-up you have. A large patio umbrella is also helpful because it will cover a larger area. A BBQ umbrella is a specially designed one, which will cover the cook and the grill. These umbrellas are easy to set-up, remove and use. Besides, they are a lot durable and just perfect for grilling in the rain.
BBQ Grill tent offers the right protection from the rain. These are available in different sizes and styles. Users can purchase one according to the size of the backyard. These are safe, easy to use, and waterproof. With a BBQ umbrella and BBQ grill tent, you get the perfect shelter from the rain as you grill your favorite food.
Barbecue in the Rain – How You Can Prepare
It can be disheartening when you have just lighted the grill and it begins to rain. Instead of wrapping up your equipment and food, just stay there and get your rain gear out. Grilling in the rain can be fun and exciting for everyone, but you need to prepare well.
Grilling means fire and rain can quickly extinguish it. Light showers should not stop you from your barbecue in the main sessions.
Here are some of the precautionary measures you need to undertake when you choose to bbq in the rain:
Use a Charcoal/Pellet or Propane Grill
If you feel that it might rain, then do not use an electric grill. This will ensure that there are no electricity-related issues that can create safety concerns. Instead, use a charcoal grill or a pellet grill or a propane grill. Propane grills are easy to light and charcoal/pellet grills offer the best flavor. Just ensure that the charcoal grill is placed in the appropriate area so that it stays dry.
Place the grill under Cover
You cannot grill in the rain. Thus, you must place the grill under a covered area. This will ensure that a higher cooking temperature is maintained. This is necessary or else your fire can extinguish, and the cooking temperature drops as well.
If the cooking temperature drops, you will find it difficult to prepare well seared and crispy meat or veggies.
Build a Hot Fire
If you are grilling in the rain, you have an additional responsibility of ensuring that the fire remains hot throughout the grilling season. The hotter the fire, the better protected it shall be from the cooling effects of the rain.
Grills usually reach and need a high internal temperature for perfect cooking. This is usually around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Once this temperature is reached, grilled meats have a seared exterior. This helps in trapping the juices inside, which ensures that the meat is soft and well-cooked.
How to ensure that you have a fire when it is raining:
- Use the right kind of wood. There are various types of wood available, so make the right choice.
- If you use charcoal, ensure that you are using lump charcoal.
- In the case is wet, dry it well before you add the cooking wood.
- Use a large pile of cooking wood.
- In case you notice that the temperature is dropping keep adding more wood or charcoal.
If you are well-prepared rain cannot dampen your BBQ plan and spirits. So, all you need is to plan well in advance and keep a few things ready such as a BBQ grill tent and BBQ umbrella.
Begin Early and Stay Prepared
If there is a chance of rain playing spoilsport, you can start your preparations early. This also means you will need more charcoal because the weather may not be in your favor. You will need more wood to keep the fire burning and the temperature high and steady.
One more change you can do is ensure that you use small cuts of meat. Small meat cuts will ensure that the meat cooks fast, is juicy and flavorful.
The better prepared you are, the easier it will be. Thus, do not delay your plans, due to rains. Instead, start your preparations early.
Grilling in The Rain is Fun and Exciting
If you thought that rain can spoil fun and excitement, you need to know that there are many foods which taste a lot better when you cook them in high humidity and heat.
So, go ahead and include some of these foods in your menu.
Grillers will be encouraged if they are aware that:
- Humidity in the atmosphere during the rains ensures that cooking is delicious and juicy.
- As you cook with the lid down, it ensures thorough cooking. Thus, the chances of food poisoning or undercooking are a lot less.
Besides, it is always exciting to have hot juicy meat inside your tent when it’s raining outside.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a grill session and if it is raining or rain is probable, all you need to do is a bit of pre-planning. A little bit of pre-planning and you will be saved from a frustrating grilling experience. Enjoy your barbecue in the rain experience with your loved ones.