Grilling and BBQ Tips
Summertime is a great time to get together, be outside and enjoy an amazing barbecue. Whether you’re hosting or attending, whether you’re following a gluten free diet or supporting someone who is following a gluten free diet, food can be safely prepared and served for all who attend. Similar with the kitchen, you don’t need the event to be 100% gluten free, but some precautions do need to be taken if gluten containing ingredients and food are being cooked and served.
The following are a few tips and ideas that will help you enjoy a summer full of fun barbecues that are safe for you or the gluten free person/people in your life.
~Separation is Key~
Divide the Grill
Create a dedicated area on the grill or flat top for gluten free food so that seasonings and marinades that contain gluten don’t come in contact with gluten free food. Don’t forget about the upper rack, which is often used for keeping food warm and toasting buns. Crumbs or drips from gluten containing food can easily drop onto the gluten free food below, which causes the gluten free food to no longer be safe for those who are gluten free.
Use a separate, portable grill for either the gluten free or full foods.
Foil
When a grill or flat top is shared with gluten containing ingredients, foil can be used as a barrier to help protect gluten free food. Considering foil can rip, use heavy duty foil sheets and/or the stronger foil pans.
Cooking Tools
BBQ tools (tongs, spatulas, basting brushes, thermometers, hot pads/oven mits, cutting boards and serving plates) can NOT go between gluten containing and gluten free ingredients and food without being cleaned and sterilized first.
Some tools, like the basting brush and cutting boards can never be shared, even after being cleaned.
Serving
BBQ’s tend to be buffet style events. Since there are people who use the same serving utensil for multiple dishes, it is best to place the gluten free food at a separate and well labeled table, or at least on one side of the serving area away from gluten containing food.
When the food is served near the gluten containing options, it helps decrease anxiety and worry for the gluten free people to serve themselves first and to serve themselves enough to not have to go back for more.
~Read Ingredient Labels~
Spice Blends, Marinades, Sauces & Condiments
Many pre-made spice blends, marinades, sauces and condiments may contain gluten as an anti-caking agent, filler, thickener or added flavor ingredient, like soy sauce. Look for gluten free alternatives or make your own.
Condiments that require a knife to be dipped into the container and spread on food cannot be shared between gluten containing and gluten free foods; squeeze bottles or individual serving packets are a great solution.
Meat & Meat Alternatives
While meat and some meat alternatives (tofu and vegetables) are naturally gluten free, pre-marinated/seasoned cuts, patties, sausages and kebabs from the store, or someone else’s kitchen, may contain gluten. Don’t consume food when there isn’t an available ingredient list or there is any question about ingredients and preparation area. Avoid Seitan, which is straight wheat protein, gluten.
Non-Grilled Dishes
For every gluten containing dish that is popular at barbecues, a gluten free version can be made: pasta salads, casseroles, cornbread, buns and desserts.
There are also a lot of great, naturally gluten free options that everyone can enjoy: potato, green and fruit salads, cheese & charcuterie boards, corn and coleslaw.
There are also a lot of great, naturally gluten free options that everyone can enjoy: potato, green and fruit salads, cheese & charcuterie boards (with gluten free crackers), corn and coleslaw.
Store bought fruit and vegetable trays should be gluten free because the store must follow safe food handling rules which dictates that each type of food has their own cutting surface. Some of the trays do come with a dip that could contain gluten, check the ingredient list. If the dip container is sealed, let the gluten free people serve themselves before opening the container.
Bring your NIMA Partners Gluten Detecting Sensor and Capsules so that you can check and see if something is gluten free or not. This is helpful when the ingredient list isn’t clearly marked gluten free, or you want to try something that someone brought and is made with gluten free ingredients.
~Communication~
It all comes down to communication. A barbecue hosted by someone who is gluten free may not be ok with the addition of gluten containing options or a barbecue hosted by someone who consumes gluten may not have safe gluten free options. Talking before the event will help everyone to create an appropriate plan that will help maintain health and have a great time.
~recipes~
If you would like additional support navigating living Gluten Free…
Disclaimer:
While we have more than eleven years’ experience of navigating the world as the parents of a child with Celiacs, we are not physicians, nutritionists, or other licensed medical professionals. The material and content contained in the Services is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation, diagnosis or medical treatment by a licensed medical professional. Please consult your doctor for any medical or health-related questions. The information contained in the Services should NOT be used to disregard medical or health-related advice from a physician or licensed medical professional.