Warm weather calls for cool drinks, long nights, and delicious backyard BBQ meals all summer long! After all, Canada’s hottest season is typically its shortest, so we like to make the most of it. Sure, this might not be the year of huge parties or get-togethers, but BBQ season still means there are tasty memories to be made. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our friends over at Canada Beef to bring you a list of BBQ season essentials in Vancouver.
Also, this summer it is more important than ever to support local farmers and producers. Not only are you getting the highest quality ingredients and products, but you’re helping Canadian businesses get through these trying times. Canada Beef is encouraging Vancouverites to go out there and support Canadian farmers, which we can obviously get behind. We’ve got the best beef in the world people, so we better be taking advantage!
It’s also a wildly efficient way to get more nutrition out of your meals. Fun fact- 100 grams of cooked beef is only 245 calories, but it is packed with 35 grams of protein, 79% of your daily value of zinc, 100% of your daily value of Vitamin B12, and 15 % of your daily values of Vitamin B6 and Iron. The more you know, right?! But seriously people, red meat can get a bad wrap but this nutrient-dense food is a surefire way to make sure you’re getting the daily nutrients you need to live a healthy life.
So, let’s get to it.
#1 – THE MEAT
We all know that the first step of barbecuing starts with picking out what the heck to throw on the grill, so naturally we’re giving you our top butcher shops in the city.
Windsor Quality Meats has been proudly serving top-notch, award-winning products to the local community since 1946, and to this day is still one of the best butcher shops around
Our recommendation? Dry-aged rib eye.
Calabria Meat Market is a small unassuming butcher shop, but their products live up to even the highest of standards while providing friendly, hands-on customer service
Our recommendation? Dry-aged prime rib.
#2 – THE VEG
Whoever thought you’d have to force kids to eat their vegetables, obviously didn’t try grilling them first. Coming in second on our list, is a couple of spots to shop Vancouver’s best, and most local, produce.
Granville Island Farmers’ Market might be the ultimate Vancouver shopping experience, with a large variety of vendors to choose from and gorgeous views of the city.
Vancouver Farmers’ Markets has 8 locations throughout the week to choose from, making supporting local extremely convenient (and tasty).
#3 – THE DRINKS
Thinking about washing BBQ down with anything other than a nice cold (alcoholic) bevy seems downright insane. Luckily, there are a ton of great spots in Vancouver to find something nice, cold, and refreshing to sip on.
Keefer Bar has some of the best cocktails in the city, and now you can take their kits home to craft them yourself for the most sophisticated BBQ sips ever.
BeerVan is a great choice for craft beer delivered right to your doorstep when you can’t tear yourself away from the grill.
Swirl Wine Store arguably has some of the best selection of wine in the city, carrying over 850 bottles of exclusive BC wine, making shopping local extremely easy.
#4 THE SAUCES, RUBS & MARINADES
This one is for all the sauce bosses out there, because what’s meat without a little added flavour?! No, we don’t want you getting lost in the sauce, but we do want this BBQ to pop! Here are two brands of locally-made sauce and rubs that we’re currently obsessing over.
Daniel’s Kitchen Quality Foods manufactures tasty sauces and marinades that are made from natural and locally sourced ingredients.
Roasters Hot Sauce offers gourmet, craft hot sauce made right in the city from organic BC-sourced ingredients.
#5 THE EQUIPMENT
Whether you’re in a small apartment downtown or a big house in the ‘burbs, BBQ season can be celebrated by all- as long as you’ve got the right equipment. Here are a couple of classic choices that offer everything from small electric BBQs, portable BBQs, and even smokers!
Canadian Tire obviously has everything to cover your outdoor living needs, but in this specific case, they are perfect for choosing a small home/apartment-friendly grill.
#6 – THE RECIPES
Need some inspiration? Why not pick a dish from Canada Beef’s Tested & True Recipes. These are curated by the pros for easy home preparation and to keep the integrity of the star ingredient- beef! And for those of you who aren’t quite grill masters yet, don’t sweat it. Canada Beef’s Know How section has everything you need to know about grilling, marinating, and more.
Balsamic Steak & Grilled Peach Salad uses flank steak marinated in a honey/balsamic blend, creating a delicious sweet-savoury flavour to compliment the hearty summer salad.
Beef & Provolone Pizza, because cooking pizzas made with fresh dough on the BBQ is something that is seriously underrated, but seriously delicious and easy.
Steakhouse Skewers & Kale Caesar Salad gives you a classic steakhouse vibe in an easy-to-prepare and cook meal.
Well friends, there you have it! We hope you take advantage of every second of grilling season.
