Rooftop Cookout

The weather is finally starting to cool down in Hong Kong- and it is the perfect weather for rooftop cookouts. I somehow managed to snag an apartment with a coveted roof deck so I try to use it as often as I can.  Having friends over and grilling out is one of my favorite ways to use the roof. 

Hosting a BBQ is an easy and fun way to entertain. You can do anything from burgers to steak to grilled veggies...the options are endless and almost everything tastes better grilled. The always brilliant Mark Bittman offers over 100 fast grilling ideas here.

Here in Hong Kong I have a few tried and true favorites that I like to use. Some of these can be thrown on as soon as the grill is hot and for others a little bit of prep work makes all the difference.

Chicken Wings: insanely easy and great for an appetizer while the other food is grilling. A few hours before grilling simply toss them in with a marinade (I am partial to Lee Kum Kee Honey Garlic Marinade)  and then pop them on the grill. Be sure to cook them long enough.

Fresh Corn: You can either wrap the corn in tin foil and let them cook for a long time or put them directly on the grill. I personally like them directly on the grill so they get that nice, charred taste. With a little bit of butter these are perfect.

Grilled Steak: For smaller parties you can grill a steak for everyone but even with bigger groups you can have steak for all of your guests and still be economical about it too. If I am having a BBQ dinner party I usually buy several chuck steaks- tenderize them and put a nice rub on and a little bit of marinade. Grill all of them together and then cut them up on bite size pieces and serve them on a cutting board. Guests can help themselves. 

Prepping Zucchini 

Zucchini: Zucchini is my favorite vegetable to grill. Slice it into little coins and let them cook until they are lightly charred on either side.  Be sure to make extra because these reheat really well and go great in pasta.

Grilled Asparagus: Roll them in some olive oil and then either put them directly on the grill or wrap in tin foil.  

Shrimp: A few hours before grilling de-vein the shrimp and put them in a marinade of fresh squeezed lemon and olive oil with a little pepper. You can either cook these directly on the grill or put them on a skewer. Grill a few lemon halves to squeeze on after they have cooked. 

Grilled Pineapple: Perfect way to end the meal

You can also always do burgers or grilled chicken. For burgers be sure to grill some onions and tomatoes to go with it- really adds to the burgers.  Whenever I do grill I usually do a few chicken breasts at the end and keep them for leftovers. Grilled chicken goes well with everything- pasta, salad, sandwiches. 

Happy Grilling! 

BBQ for China National Day Holiday (Like 4th of July but for China) 

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