Florida is known for its unpredictable showers and spontaneous thunderstorms. The gloomy days can sometimes be a downer, especially when the rain cancels your plans of outdoor picnics and barbecues. One rainy day, as I was craving a classic grilled burger, I thought, “What if I can make it inside like an indoor barbecue?”
While you may be thinking nothing can replace that smoky aroma from the grill, here are some ideas on how you can have an indoor barbecue and still achieve that taste from the grill you know and love.
All photos by Maggie Dungey
Oven Kebabs
These veggie skewers can taste just as good in the oven. First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. You would then follow the usual process of coating your favorite vegetables in the marinade of your choice, such as lemon juice, and stacking them on a skewer. The only difference is instead of grilling them you would place them on a baking sheet and insert them into the oven. Leave them to roast until tender or for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tip: If you use wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes before putting the vegetables on them. This will ensure that they do not burn in the oven.
Electric Burgers
The star of your indoor barbecue will be these burgers that are made using an electric or indoor grill. The patties only take about 6 minutes to cook thoroughly. The great thing about using an indoor grill is it still gives the grill lines and mimics the char an outdoor grill would give you. Once the patties are done, add your favorite condiments.
Tip: If you toast the bun in the same grill, all the juices from the meat will soak into the bread.
Indoor S'mores
Probably the best part of a barbecue or camping picnic is ending the day by roasting some s'mores. Even though you can’t sit around the campfire inside, you can still enjoy this classic treat at your indoor barbecue. What I like to do is melt some chocolate in a bowl for about a minute in the microwave until it is warm. Then, crush some graham cracker crumbs in a bowl. Place a marshmallow on a stick, coat it first in the melted chocolate, and then roll it in the crumbs so they stick to the chocolate. I actually prefer this way over making them outside since it is a lot less messy and much easier to eat.
Tip: If you have leftovers, keep them refrigerated overnight. They taste just as good frozen and this is also a great way to make sure any leftover marshmallows you have don't go to waste.
Bringing the Fun Indoors
A combination of these simple twists on classic barbecue foods, lots of snacks, a picnic blanket to lay indoors, and family and friends to enjoy it with will ensure you a successful indoor barbecue. You might even forget you were supposed to be outside in the first place.