Winter BBQ Recipes for the Whole Family

When the temperature drops and the air is crisp, there’s comfort in a warm grill and the smoky taste of BBQ food. In Sydney, winters are mild but not freezing, making this season a fine time to host a gathering of friends and family and try out some winter BBQ ideas.

Hosting a BBQ is a different experience in winter than it is during the warmer months. Cooking and preparation take longer, more layers of clothing are required, and cuisine often leans towards hearty, flavour-filled foods that warm and fill you up. There are many winter BBQ recipes from the easy to the more elaborate, with options available for both meat lovers and vegetarians.

As a leading independent BBQ and fireplace retailer, Home Fires has been keeping the people of Sydney warm for over 40 years. If you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor entertaining area all year round (not just in summer), then pull on your winter clothes, fire up your BBQ and give some of our winter BBQ ideas a try.

Best Winter Cuts of Meat

Cuts of meat that you can cook slow and low are perfect for winter BBQ ideas. Some of the best options include:

Brisket

Beef brisket involves a long, slow cooking process, which infuses it with rich, smoky flavour and makes it both filling and tender.

Pulled pork

Pulled pork takes time to cook properly, but the results are well worth it, with the result being a tender and juicy cut. Smoked pork belly is another delicious option.

Lamb shoulder

Slow cooking gives lamb a rich, earthy flavour, and you can add an element of sweetness by cooking with cherry or pecan wood.

Turkey legs

Turkey isn’t just for Christmas. Smoked turkey legs with cranberry sauce make a delicious and comforting meal during the winter, too.

Best Winter Vegetables

Grilling vegetables on the BBQ during the Australian winter is a great way to enjoy hearty, warming flavours. Here are some vegetables that hold up well to grilling and suit the cooler months:

• Pumpkin: Slice into wedges; caramelises beautifully on the grill.
• Sweet potato: Naturally sweet and creamy when charred.
• Zucchini: Quick to cook and absorbs smoky flavours well.
• Capsicum: Adds colour and sweetness.
• Red onion: Turns sweet and jammy when grilled.
• Eggplant: Great for a smoky, tender result.
• Mushrooms (portobello or Swiss brown): Meaty texture, ideal for winter.
• Broccolini: Slightly charred with a squeeze of lemon works well.
• Corn on the cob: Perfectly suited to BBQs, even in cooler months.
• Cauliflower steaks: Thick slices char nicely and hold their shape.

You can drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs like rosemary or thyme, and finish with a bit of sea salt or balsamic glaze for extra flavour.

Winter BBQ Recipe Ideas

Winter BBQ ideas are abundant on the internet and in cookbooks. But if you need a little inspiration, here are some popular winter BBQ recipes to try:

Smoky beef BBQ brisket

To cook a tasty, smoke-infused brisket, preheat your BBQ to a low heat of about 120 degrees Celsius. Rub the brisket with olive oil, garlic and any other spices you want. Place the brisket on the BBQ and cook slowly and low for 4-6 hours until its internal temperature is around 90 degrees. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last hour.

Winter vegetable medley

An easy vegetarian option, this dish makes use of winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut pumpkin, asparagus and others. Toss your veggies of choice with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, preheat your BBQ on medium-high high and grill your veggies until they’re tender.

Tacos

Tacos are a fun and easy way to feed the whole family in winter. They’re also versatile. You can use steak, beef, pulled pork, chicken, fish, beans and more. Cook the meat, cover it in foil and let it sit for about 10 minutes before you cut it into strips. Briefly warm your tortilla shells on the BBQ.

Crispy BBQ salmon

Salmon is healthy and easy to cook on the grill, and goes well with potatoes or salad. Simply drizzle salmon with olive oil and add a little salt on the skin side, and cook for around 10 minutes, cooking with the skin side down until it’s crispy.  

Tips for BBQing in Winter

Firing up your BBQ in winter is fun, but it’s important to take precautions. With proper safety measures in place, you can enjoy your outdoor entertaining area throughout the year. Our BBQ winter tips include:

Dress for the occasion

Wear warm clothes, but avoid anything that can too easily catch fire, such as loose and lightweight fabrics and materials like cotton and polyester.

Use a BBQ with a lid

In winter, a strong gust of wind can shake your BBQ’s coals or ashes loose and turn into a fire hazard. Lidded BBQs are not only safer, they also happen to be better for slow cooking.

Prioritise fire safety and adequate ventilation

Make sure your grill is in a well-ventilated area and a safe distance away from any combustible materials. Don’t BBQ in your garage or under an overhang.

Keep extra fuel on hand

Cooking usually takes longer in colder weather. Keep extra fuel on hand, whether it’s additional pellets or an extra propane tank.

All Your BBQing Needs Sorted at Home Fires

Home Fires has all the BBQs and smokers, as well as BBQ accessories, you need for a winter BBQ. Our range includes everything from charcoal grills to Smoky Mountain cookers and portable gas BBQs, from leading brands like Weber, Gasmate and Beef Eater.  Many of our models come with low to high temperature ranges and generous cooking space, letting you cook versatile meals substantial enough to feed the whole family.

Home Fires has all the leading lifestyle brands under one roof and a price and value promise for your peace of mind. To find out more and to find your dream BBQ for winter, contact the Home Fires team online or drop into our Minto or Casula locations.