The May holidays are a time when Ukrainians traditionally head out into nature to relax with family or friends. One of the key elements of these weekends is BBQ. Juicy grilled meat has long been an essential part of spring picnics. But to make your BBQ truly delicious, there are many factors to consider — from selecting the right meat to choosing the best marinade. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle’ll tell you how to make the perfect BBQ for the May holidays.
How to Choose Meat for BBQ
Choosing the right meat is the foundation of a good BBQ. The flavor, juiciness, and texture of the final dish all depend on it.
- For classic BBQ, pork is most commonly chosen, especially the neck. It’s tender, juicy, and has enough fat.
- Chicken is a leaner alternative. Thighs or drumsticks work best.
- Beef and veal require longer marination but turn out tender and flavorful when done right.
- Lamb is the choice of true gourmets. It has a distinct taste that pairs well with spices.
What to Look for When Buying Meat:
- Freshness: The color should be pink or red without dark spots.
- Smell: A pleasant meaty aroma without sourness.
- Texture: The meat should be elastic and springy to the touch.
BBQ Marinade Recipes
The marinade plays a key role in how tasty the BBQ will be. It not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a special aroma.
Popular Marinade Recipes:
- Classic Onion Marinade
- Onions — 3–4 pcs
- Vinegar or lemon juice — 2 tbsp
- Oil — 4 tbsp
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Kefir Marinade
- Kefir — 500 ml
- Onions — 2 pcs
- Salt, spices — to taste
- Mineral Water Marinade
- Sparkling mineral water — 1 liter
- Onions — 3 pcs
- Salt, pepper, bay leaf
- Mustard-Honey Marinade for Chicken
- Honey — 1 tbsp
- Mustard — 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce — 4 tbsp
- Garlic, pepper
- Wine Marinade for Lamb
- Dry red wine — 200 ml
- Rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper
Marinade Comparison Table:
| Marinade | Marination Time | Best Meat | Flavor/Aroma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 4–6 hours | Pork, beef | Onion-based, rich flavor |
| Kefir | 6–8 hours | Chicken, turkey | Mild, tender |
| Mineral Water | 2–4 hours | Pork | Light, neutral |
| Mustard-Honey | 3–5 hours | Chicken | Spicy, slightly sweet |
| Wine | 6–12 hours | Lamb | Deep, aromatic |
How to Grill BBQ Properly
Once the meat is marinated, it’s time to start cooking. The grilling process defines the final result.
- The coals should be hot but without open flames.
- Skewer the meat tightly, without large gaps.
- Turn the skewers every 1–2 minutes for even cooking.
- For extra juice and aroma, sprinkle the meat with marinade or beer while grilling.
- Total cooking time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of meat.
Tips:
- Do not use lighter fluid or gasoline to ignite the fire.
- Use special fire starters or hardwoods.
- Check the meat for doneness with a knife or fork — the juices should run clear.
What Else to Bring on a BBQ Picnic
BBQ is the main course, but don’t forget the extras. A great picnic is made up of small details.
Must-Have Items:
- Vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, greens
- Sauces: tomato-based, garlic, tkemali
- Drinks: water, compote, lemonade, optionally wine or beer
- Tableware, napkins, grill, skewers, charcoal
- A blanket or mat to sit on
- Trash bags — don’t forget to clean up
Vegetarian BBQ Ideas
If there are vegetarians in your group, BBQ can still be enjoyable for everyone.
Options:
- Vegetable skewers: zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, bell peppers
- Grilled cheeses: halloumi, suluguni
- Potatoes wrapped in foil with herbs
- Tofu or soy chunks in marinade
These dishes rival meat-based BBQ in aroma and appearance, while adding variety to your picnic.
What You Need for a Perfect BBQ
To make your May BBQ a success, all you need are a few essentials: quality meat, a proven marinade, a good mood, and great company. Prepare everything in advance, choose a comfortable picnic spot, and don’t forget about safety. Most importantly — don’t rush, because great BBQ takes patience.
Earlier we wrote about food prices after Easter 2025.