Asado is more than a cooking method: it is a tradition, a cultural expression and ritual in many parts of the world.

Asado not only involves the act of cooking meat over the fire, but also the act of preparing and keep that fire.

In other words, preparing a barbecue is an art and a science in itself, where each step, from choosing the wood to managing the fire, plays a crucial role to ensure a successful barbecue.

The beginning of the barbecue: Creating the perfect fire

Every good barbecue begins with the preparation of the perfect fire.

A well-built fire is essential to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and acquires the characteristic smoky flavor of the roast. The preparation of the fire It is a process that requires patience, skill and technical knowledge. It is not simply a matter of throwing wood in a place and setting it on fire.

Every step, from the choice of wood to the way it is stacked and lit, can have a significant impact on the quality of the fire and, ultimately, the flavor of the meat.

Preparing the fire for barbecue in five essential steps

In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of preparing the fire for barbecue. We will guide you through a step-by-step process, will provide helpful tips to improve your skills, warn you of common mistakes that can ruin your barbecue, and share some interesting tidbits about the art of preparing a barbecue.

A good fire is the heart of a successful barbecue. The fire should be strong enough to cook the meat to the desired doneness, but not so violent that it burns it and ruins its flavor. Here, we present you an infallible method to prepare a perfect fire for your barbecue.

Step 1: Careful choice of wood

The first step to making a good barbecue fire is choosing the right wood. Hardwoods, such as oak, walnut and holm oak, are ideal because they burn for a long time and provide constant and uniform heat.

Conversely, soft woods, such as pine, should be avoided as they tend to burn too quickly and can produce an excessive amount of smoke, which can negatively affect the flavor of the meat.

Step 2: Preparation of the barbecue place

Proper preparation of the cooking area is essential before lighting the fire. You must ensure that the area is free of flammable materials, has sufficient ventilation and is safe to make a fire. If you are using a grill, it is important that it is clean and in good condition to ensure even and safe cooking.

Step 3: Building the bonfire

The next step is to build the bonfire. Start with a base of paper or dry twigs, then add larger pieces of wood on top, stacking them in a pyramid shape. It is crucial to leave enough space between the pieces of wood to allow air circulation, which is essential to maintain the fire and achieve efficient combustion.

Step 4: Lighting the fire

Now is the time to light the fire. Use a lighter or matches to light paper or dry twigs at the base of the bonfire. As these materials begin to burn, the larger wood placed on top will also begin to catch fire.

Step 5: Fire Maintenance

Once the fire is burning, it is important to maintain it properly. Add more wood as needed, but with caution to avoid smothering the fire with too much wood in one go. The goal is to maintain a steady, controlled fire, not a large flare that can burn meat or go out quickly.

How to make a fire for a barbecue: 3 mistakes to avoid

Setting up a barbecue fire may seem simple, but there are several common mistakes that can compromise the quality of your barbecue. Here we present some of the most frequent:

Use green or wet wood

Green or wet wood It is one of the biggest enemies of a good barbecue fire. This type of wood produces a lot of smoke and does not burn efficiently, which can result in a weak fire and an inferior tasting barbecue. Always make sure to use dry, well-seasoned wood for your barbecue.

Not preparing enough wood

Another common mistake is not preparing enough wood. There’s nothing more frustrating than running out of gas halfway through a barbecue. It’s always better to have more wood than you think you’ll need, as you can save any leftover wood for the next barbecue.

Not controlling the fire properly

A fire that is too hot can burn the meat, while one that is too cold will not cook it properly. It is essential to learn how to control the fire and maintain a constant heat for the best results.

The art of preparing the fire for barbecue

Preparing the fire is an essential part of the barbecue experience. Although It may take time and practice to perfect the technique, the result is worth it.

With the right wood, proper cooking site preparation, and constant fire care, you can create the perfect barbecue fire and enjoy an unforgettable meal.

So the next time you find yourself at the grill, remember that you’re not just cooking meat: you are practicing an ancient art that unites people around fire and food.