Belfast-based barbecue expert Jim Moore believes there is nothing that cannot be cooked on a grill. His new cookbook, How To BBQ Everything, aims to prove just that, with recipes ranging from classics to cold-smoked cream for Irish coffee.
Moore, known for his Instagram account @onlyslaggin, says barbecuing has evolved beyond the burnt burgers and raw chicken of the past. He describes grilling as an event that brings people together, emphasising the social and immersive experience of cooking with fire outdoors.
To make charcoal grilling more convenient, Moore recommends using a chimney starter, which lights charcoal in about 10 minutes without the need for lighter fluid. He also advises against using a barbecue cover, saying it creates a mental barrier to cooking, and encourages year-round grilling, noting that winter months can be better due to moisture in the air.
Moore challenges the notion that barbecuing is male-dominated, pointing out that around 30 per cent of his audience is female. He highlights female barbecue authors Melissa Thompson and Genevieve Taylor, and says everyone should feel welcome to get involved.
His top tip for safe cooking is to use a meat thermometer and cook to temperature, not time. He reassures home cooks that a barbecue can function as an oven, so there is no need to pre-cook chicken indoors. He also warns against opening the lid to cool down the grill, as this lets in oxygen and fuels the flames.
