BBQ-ing is something that’s done a lot during the summer season. It’s incredibly enjoyable, delicious, and easy to do with a larger group of people. Plus, you get to be outdoors, something we love to enjoy as much as possible when the weather gets better. BBQ is also perfect if you’re on a keto diet because there are so many delicious options! And it’s very easy to combine keto with non-keto eaters at a BBQ, making it ideal. In this article, I’ll share my favorite dishes and inspiration for a fantastic, fully keto BBQ.
On the BBQ
There are so many delicious things you can prepare on the BBQ. Think about hamburgers, sausages, (homemade) satay, steaks, bacon, pork chops, fillet steaks, turkey breast, drumsticks, fish, shrimp, various vegetables like zucchini, peppers, green asparagus, mushrooms, eggplant, baby corn (note: regular corn is not keto-friendly, but baby corn is), Halloumi, Feta, etc…
If you want to use pre-marinated meat, it’s recommended to read the labels carefully. Many marinades contain sugar and starch. But did you know that it’s also very simple and often much tastier to make your own marinade?
What do you need for your own marinade?
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Mild olive oil and herbs and spices to taste, that’s it! Common flavor enhancers for marinades include paprika powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, pepper, and salt. But you can definitely get creative with all the possible flavors out there. Just try different combinations and see what your favorite is. Also, the marinade for the satay in The Ultimate Ketogenic World Dishes Special is truly delicious, made with keto-friendly ketjap manis (also found in that book) and it’s really delightful! It’s not just meat you can marinate; it’s also great to marinate vegetables. How about a tasty skewer of zucchini slices with paprika powder, a touch of onion powder and garlic powder, and some pepper and salt? Yum!
Prepare in Advance
Marinated food is at its best when it has been in the marinade for a while, allowing the flavors to really penetrate the food. You can do this a few hours in advance, but personally, I prefer to do it the night before. That way, it can marinate for a longer time, and you’ll have less to worry about on the day of the barbecue. Store the marinated food in a well-sealed container or bag in the refrigerator.
Remember the Skewers!
For a barbecue, it’s easiest to thread the meat and vegetables onto skewers. This prevents them from falling through the grill grates, and it also makes flipping them much quicker. You can use handy metal skewers where you can thread everything (be cautious, the ends can get hot, so use tongs or good heat-resistant gloves to flip them 😉), or you can use wooden skewers. If you use wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in cold water in a tall glass or container for at least 1 hour (longer is fine) beforehand, or else your skewers might catch fire or char completely.
Side Dishes
You can certainly choose to stick with the dishes you prepare on the BBQ, but a few side dishes always make it even more enjoyable. Here, you have plenty of options. Consider various delicious salads and keto bread, for example. Making your own keto bread is incredibly simple, and you can find delightful and super easy recipes in my cookbooks. When it comes to salads, the keto Huzaren salad is definitely my absolute favorite for a keto BBQ. I’m also a big fan of a salad bar because it allows everyone in the group to create their own favorite salad. I set up bowls with ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, edamame beans, red onion, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, avocado, boiled eggs, etc. For dressing, I keep it simple with just extra virgin olive oil, pepper, and salt. This way, you can create a delicious salad incorporating the grilled dishes from the BBQ.
How About a Glass of Wine?
This is a question that is asked very often. Many people like to have a glass of wine or another alcoholic drink with their meal. Alcohol and keto are not really compatible. When you drink alcohol, you’re essentially consuming your carbohydrates, which you’d ideally want to use for your food instead. Additionally, your body doesn’t respond well to alcohol and treats it as a toxin that needs to be eliminated as quickly as possible. So, your body will halt all non-essential processes until the alcohol is broken down. This is why weight loss and alcohol often don’t go hand in hand. The best option is to simply avoid alcohol altogether. However, if you still want to enjoy a drink, it’s ultimately your choice, just like the decision to eat low-carb or follow a ketogenic diet. If you do choose to have a drink, try to go for the least detrimental option. For example, opt for dry white wine instead of sweet wine or a high-sugar cocktail. And try to savor that glass so that you can stick to just one or maybe two, rather than downing an entire bottle by yourself. 😉