Let's Barbecue!

with "Rockin' Ronnie" Shewchuk
Bestselling Cookbook Author and International Barbecue Champion

Grill safely this summer
Tips from the experts

Vancouver, BC – With summer in full swing and a long weekend fast approaching, it is the perfect time for outdoor cooking. Before you fire up the grill, take some advice from the experts.

“Whether you’re at the beach or in your backyard, you should follow some basic safety tips,” advises cookbook author and international barbecue champion Ron “Rockin’ Ronnie” Shewchuk. “Grilling should be both fun and safe.”

According to the BC Safety Authority, the majority of grilling accidents and fires result from gas leaks caused by poor maintenance, improper connection to a fuel source, unsafe operating clearances, or improper lighting procedures. Mishaps can be prevented if you follow these tips:

1. Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors in enclosed areas such as tents or recreational vehicles

2. Place your grill away from windows and combustible materials

3. Before lighting a gas or propane grill, open the lid to prevent any explosive build-up of gas

4. When setting up your barbecue, ensure that all connections are tight and leak free

5. If ignition does not occur immediately, turn off gas, wait five minutes to remove any build-up of gas and then try again

6. Keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda close in case of fire

7. When transporting a propane tank, ensure the cylinder is secure, upright with the valve closed, plugged, and stored in a ventilated space

8. Do not leave propane cylinders in your vehicle

9. Never refill a cylinder that is damaged or more than 10 years old

For the upcoming long weekend, Shewchuk recommends his “easiest, tastiest steak” recipe from his bestseller, Barbecue Secrets.

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Easiest, Tastiest Steak

Serves 4

I have been grilling steaks bathed in this marinade for over 20 years and I have not found a way to improve on it. It’s so easy and adds so much flavour that every backyard cook should have it in his or her repertoire. These go well with just about any side. I like them with roasted baby potatoes and grilled asparagus. The marinade is also great with pork chops, as well as rich, meaty fish like salmon, halibut, tuna and swordfish.

Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, lemon juice or cooking wine and tapioca starch in a non-reactive baking dish. Add the meat, turn to coat, and marinate 10 minutes to 1/2 hour, turning once or twice. Do not marinate overnight, as this is a fairly salty marinade.

Prepare your grill for medium direct heat. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes. Turn the steaks, spoon a little more marinade on the top, and then cook for another 4 minutes for medium-rare. Let them rest about 4 minutes and serve.

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The British Columbia Safety Authority is an independent not-for-profit corporation that provides essential services to the general public, businesses, industry and institutions to keep our communities safe. Part of its mandate is to oversee the safety of the gas distribution systems, and to regulate natural gas and propane installations in residences, commercial establishments and industrial facilities.

Ron Shewchuk is a bestselling cookbook author and barbecue champion. As chief cook of Rockin’ Ronnie’s Butt Shredders, he’s led his team to more competition victories than any Canadian team in the history of championship barbecue. His latest book is Planking Secrets: How to Grill with Wooden Planks for Unbeatable Barbecue Flavor, published by Whitecap Books.

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Angela Koulyras
Contemporary Communications
604-637-3041