Nothing says summer in Canada like firing up the barbecue for a backyard feast. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening, a great BBQ is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and simple techniques. This guide covers essentials for a stellar summer BBQ, complete with a mouth-watering Grilled Maple-Glazed Salmon recipe to impress your guests. Get ready to savour the season!
BBQ Essentials for Success
Prep Your Grill: Clean grates thoroughly and oil them to prevent sticking. For charcoal grills, use a chimney starter for even heat. Gas grills? Preheat for 10–15 minutes.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for local, seasonal produce like zucchini, peppers, or B.C. salmon. Visit farmers’ markets for the freshest finds.
Master the Heat: Create direct (high heat) and indirect (low heat) zones on your grill for versatile cooking—sear steaks over direct, finish chicken over indirect.
Keep It Simple: Bold marinades, rubs, or glazes enhance natural flavours without overcomplicating. Think maple, mustard, or fresh herbs.
Safety First: Use a meat thermometer to ensure proteins are cooked perfectly (e.g., 74°C for salmon, 71°C for chicken). Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
Recipe: Grilled Maple-Glazed Salmon
This Grilled Maple-Glazed Salmon is a quintessentially Canadian dish, blending sweet maple syrup with savoury mustard for a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s quick, healthy, and pairs perfectly with grilled veggies or a summer salad.
Why You’ll Love It
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Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Local Flavour: Maple syrup celebrates Canada’s culinary heritage.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Tender, flaky salmon with a sticky, flavourful glaze.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 salmon fillets (about 150 g each), skin on
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3 tbsp pure maple syrup
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
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Preheat Grill: Heat to medium (about 200°C). Oil grates to prevent sticking.
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Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Prep Salmon: Pat fillets dry. Brush both sides with glaze, reserving half for basting.
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Grill Salmon: Place fillets skin-side down over direct heat. Grill for 4–5 minutes, then flip carefully. Brush with remaining glaze and grill 3–4 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 74°C or fish flakes easily.
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Serve: Transfer to a platter, garnish with lemon wedges, and enjoy hot with grilled asparagus or a green salad.
Tips: Soak cedar planks for a smoky twist—grill salmon on the plank over indirect heat for 12–15 minutes. Check doneness early to avoid overcooking.
Make Your BBQ Unforgettable
Pair your salmon with grilled corn, zucchini, or baby potatoes for a complete meal. Offer refreshing drinks like sparkling water with fresh berries or a crisp Okanagan white wine. Set the vibe with string lights and a playlist of summer tunes. Most importantly, enjoy the moment—BBQ season is about good food and great company.
Explore high-quality meat thermometers to ensure your Grilled Maple-Glazed Salmon is cooked to perfection, making every BBQ a breeze.