Not that we get much summer in the UK, but when we do get a few rays of sunshine the first thing we all want to do is to get outside in the sun and make the most of it. The best way to do so is to get the BBQ out and to cook for friends and family. If you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, you might be worried that you can’t fully enjoy a BBQ or that if you put one on for others, that they won’t enjoy a gluten free BBQ. Don’t worry, there are some delicious gluten-free options for a summer BBQ for you to explore and enjoy, to widen your culinary tastes without the danger that gluten poses.
Here are some tips to help you with putting together a gluten-free barbecue:
Watching out for gluten
There are a few things that you always need to keep an eye on when it comes to gluten at a BBQ, especially when you are visiting someone else’s house, including:
- Pre-dressed salads
- Own brand coke and other drinks
- Crisps
- Mustard
- Marinated meats
- Sausages (always check that they are gluten-free)
Cross-contamination
One of the biggest worries when it comes to cooking a barbecue as a gluten-free person is cross-contamination. Gluten-free ingredients can sometimes look similar to ingredients that contain gluten. Maintaining clear separation between the different ingredients is a vital part of a successful barbecue.
- Always use a clean BBQ grill when cooking
- If you are using disposable BBQs, always make sure that one of them is kept to cook the gluten-free products on
- Ensure that you use different chopping boards for ingredients that contain gluten versus those that don’t contain gluten
- Breadcrumbs are often a problem when it comes to cross-contamination, so ensure that burger buns are either all gluten-free or they are also separated
- Use different tongs, different serving spoons, and utensils for meat, salads, and other accompaniments
The best way to ensure there is no cross-contamination is to only use gluten-free ingredients, but we understand this isn’t always desirable for guests.
Salads and sauces
Although ketchup, mayonnaise, and other sauces that are often seen at a summer barbecue do not usually contain gluten, it is always best that you make 100% sure by checking the labels of the sauces you have to hand. Salsas and salad dressing should also be checked, but the best way to ensure no gluten is present is to make your own sauces from scratch.
All simple salads are naturally gluten free, and this is an area where you can experiment and get really colourful with the summer salad you choose to accompany your BBQ. Use green leaves like lettuce, spinach and watercress, adding layers of colour and texture to build the salad up with cucumbers, tomatoes, grated carrot and thinly sliced radishes. A good summer salad adds freshness and colour to any gluten-free barbecue.
Think about the meats
Most plain veggies, fish and meat are naturally gluten-free, but when it comes to the marinades there might be gluten present, which is why the sauces and homemade marinades above are so important. If you are unsure with any meat and fish, always check the labels.
What about the burger buns?
Making your own gluten-free burger buns or buying in gluten-free rolls and buns will help you find the best buns for your barbecue burgers and take away the worry that you’ll get ‘glutened’ by a rogue gluten-full burger bun!
If you qualify for a gluten-free prescription you have access to certain products and ingredients that can become a staple part of your gluten-free BBQ this summer. This can include gluten-free rolls and bread, that can be used for burger buns and the like, as well as gluten-free pasta for some delicious side dishes, that are often some of the more interesting parts of any summer BBQ. As you can see, there are a few different ways that you can approach a gluten-free BBQ if we do get some summer sun this year, offering you potential for some delicious dishes.
