The Achura Guide to Hosting the Perfect Backyard BBQ
There's nothing better than a backyard BBQ with good people, good meat and a cold drink in hand. But the difference between a good BBQ and an unforgettable one comes down to a few key things — the right cuts, the right fire, and knowing what order to do things in.
Here's the Achura guide to hosting the perfect backyard BBQ, Argentine style.
## Get Your Setup Right
Before you even think about the meat, get your setup sorted.
You'll need a good grill — ideally a parrilla (Argentine-style grill with adjustable grate height), but a standard Weber or kettle BBQ works perfectly too. And one thing we can't stress enough: use quality charcoal. Not briquettes, not gas — real wood charcoal. It burns hotter, cleaner and gives your meat a flavour that nothing else can replicate.
We stock premium charcoal at Achura in Brookvale, so you can grab everything in one stop.
## Plan Your Menu Like an Argentine
The secret to a great asado is the order. This is how Argentines do it:
**Start with the achuras**
Kick things off with chorizos, morcilla (blood sausage) and mollejas (sweetbreads) on the grill. These cook fast and keep your guests happy while the main event takes its time. Don't skip the morcilla — it always converts the sceptics.
**Then the ribs**
Asado de tira (beef short ribs, cut Argentine style) go on next. These need time — at least 45 minutes low and slow, bone side down first. They're worth the wait.
**The main cuts last**
Entraña, vacío, bife de chorizo — these are your showstoppers. They go on last because they cook faster and you want to serve them hot off the grill, not resting for half an hour while everyone waits.
## How Much Meat to Buy
A common mistake is not buying enough meat. As a general guide:
- For a casual BBQ: 300-400g per person
- For a serious asado with multiple cuts: 500-600g per person
- If you're feeding big eaters or it's a long afternoon: go 700g per person
Not sure how much to get? Come into Achura and we'll help you plan it out based on your guest numbers.
## The Golden Rules
A few non-negotiables for the perfect backyard BBQ:
🔥 **Never rush the fire.** Let your charcoal burn down to white-hot coals before you put any meat on. Grey coals = perfect heat. Flames = burnt outside, raw inside.
🧂 **Salt only.** Argentine BBQ is seasoned with nothing but coarse salt. Let the quality of the meat speak for itself.
🔪 **Rest your meat.** After cooking, rest your meat for 3-5 minutes before cutting. This is non-negotiable — it keeps all the juices inside.
🍷 **Have something to drink.** A good Malbec or a cold Quilmes — your call.
## Get Everything You Need at Achura
From the charcoal to the cuts, we've got everything you need for the perfect backyard BBQ.
Visit us at U4/722 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale, or order online at achura.com.au for pickup in store.
Fire up that grill — your guests are waiting. 🔥