WITH Father’s Day tomorrow, barbecues are cranking up. But why is it that every time the backyard barbie kicks up, the man of the house always grabs the tongs and apron?
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Is he giving the little lady a break away from the stove, or deep down, does he really think he’s the best cook?
According to a recent BeefEaters Barbecue survey of more than 1200 families, 55 per cent gave males the thumbs up for having the best barbecue techniques.
Another aspect making males the barbie kings could be that guys are sniffing out better cuts of meat.
That’s how Ford’s Butchery’s Paul Avery reads it, anyway.
“Perhaps they’re not happy with what their partners are bringing home with the groceries. We’re finding a lot of men coming in buying choice cuts of meat that have been dry-aged in our cool rooms on the farm. They’re also leaning towards briskets to slow cook, and pulled pork – great on the barbie,” he said.
Penrose Prime Meats’ Brian Penrose, who can boast “loads” of certificates for his award-winning snags over the years, could be one man behind the guys being so gifted with the barbie tongs. He has some cooking tips of his own.
“Utmost, always have the plate hot before you start, so that the meat sizzles when you throw it on. Meat has to seal,” he said.
“Cook it until the blood just starts to seep through, turn it, then give it about half the time again that it’s been on for.
“That should give a perfect medium steak.”
Westdale Meats’ Matt Jenner has some worthwhile tips of his own – “use good-quality, locally supplied cuts”.
“We’ve got plenty of good suppliers around here. My motto is – ‘cheap meat usually turns out to be dear dog food’,” Mr Jenner said.
BeefEater marketing manager Michelle Rossier said many men were also getting creative with things like sauces, rubs, innovative menus and delicious accompaniments.
“They can also knock up delicious salads and sides,” she said.
Traditionally the barbecue area has been the man’s domain. Why?
Perhaps they like to huddle around the barbie, stubbie in hand (some of that brew even making its way over the sizzling meat), catching up with all the latest small talk with their mates?
The BeefEater survey indicated that purchases of the family barbecue were shared equally between couples, however.
“Women perhaps like to ensure good tasting food on a stylish cooker that looks good in the back yard.” Ms Rossier said.
