A recent survey found that 60% of Irish people are planning on firing up their barbecue this year. Al fresco dining is great fun in the summer months whilst the weather is good, and it’s also the ideal time to get family and friends together for a celebration meal. The most popular thing to cook on the barbecue is steak and chicken, but these meats can be difficult to cook evenly, and there is always the possibility of under or overcooking your food. However, fish is one of the easiest things to cook on the barbecue, and many types of fileted fish will cook in only a few minutes, leaving you more time to spend with your guests, enjoying a drink and the craic.
Although smoked mackerel is delicious eaten cold, it is also extremely tasty when cooked on the barbecue. Before you put your fish on the grill though, make sure that your grill is completely clean, as you don’t want grease or burnt food residue to contaminate the taste of your fish. Many of the modern pellet grills have removable plates that make it much easier when you are cleaning your barbecue to get it ready for cooking. Hot soapy water will effectively clean your grill rather than using chemical oven cleaner. When cooking mackerel on the barbecue, place it skin side down first to get it a little crispy. Then you should flip your fish over and heat through for a couple of minutes.
The Burren cold smoked salmon fillets are perfect for a summer lunch in the garden with friends. It is important however, that you don’t let the barbecue flavour of charcoal overpower the fish – the cold smoked organic salmon with seaweed in particular has a very delicate taste. To cook your salmon on the barbecue, wrap the fish loosely in a tin foil parcel with some fresh herbs and a couple of slices of lemon. You can then place the foil package onto your barbecue and leave it for 10-15 minutes. In doing this, the fish will steam through gently, without it getting stuck to your grill, flaking away or overcooking.
Burren smoked Irish organic salmon is delicious with a simple salad and some crusty fresh bread. You could also serve up some tasty accompaniments and sides all cooked on the barbecue. Some grilled, buttered asparagus or tenderstem broccoli will cook in only five minutes and complements smoked salmon perfectly. Or you could make a delicious Mediterranean salad with barbecued red peppers, strips of courgette and pieces of aubergine, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Sliced fennel is also easy to cook on the barbecue and tastes delicious with smoked salmon and a little horseradish sauce.
The summer months are perfect for a celebratory barbecue meal with family and friends. Instead of cooking greasy burgers and sausages, give your barbecue some class and put some Burren smoked salmon or mackerel on the menu.
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