The crackle of the flames, the smell of the wood fire, the mouth-watering scent of grilled meat, fish and vegetables… There’s nothing like a barbecue party to offer your guests a moment of pure conviviality. Dreaming of wowing your guests? Perfect! In this article, we reveal all our tips for successful wood-fired grilling with your Ephrem oven. Ready, set, grill!
Grilling food over a wood fire: the advantages
Much more than a simple cooking method, this culinary technique offers an inimitable taste that only wood can provide. Flavors you’ll never find with an electric or gas barbecue. In fact, thanks to this method, the natural aromas of wood essences mingle with food, giving it a subtly smoky fragrance that makes all the difference. Another advantage? Even cooking. And it’s just the thing for juicy steaks, golden-tender vegetables or soft chestnuts.
Wood-fired cooking, with its intense heat, also preserves all the nutritional qualities of your favorite dishes. Grilled meats retain a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. Pure pleasure for your taste buds, but also for your health! But that’s not all! This way of cooking requires very little added fat. So you can enjoy a healthy meal without compromising on taste.
In fact, many braising enthusiasts swear by this technique for its authenticity. Here’s what Ephrem customer Julien, proud owner of a real traditional wood-fired oven and barbecue enthusiast, has to say:
“Ever since I tried wood-fired grilling with my Ephrem oven, I’ve never looked back. It’s a real culinary adventure that starts as soon as the fire is lit.
With a testimonial like that, it’s hard not to be tempted by the experience!
Golden rules for good wood-fired grills
I’m sure many of you have asked yourselves, “How do I use my Authentic Pizzaiolo oven as a barbecue?” Well, rest assured, it’s very simple.
It all starts with the choice of wood. For grilling worthy of the name, opt for hardwoods like oak or beech, or fruit woods like apple or cherry. These woods burn slowly, releasing subtle aromas that will make your dishes irresistible. On the other hand, avoid softwoods, as well as treated or painted wood (pallet wood, for example), which could alter the taste of your food with toxic fumes.
Once you’ve chosen your wood, move on to lighting the fire. Once again, don’t panic: follow the same procedure as always. Is your wood-fired oven ready? There’s one last step to master: temperature control. If you want to grill successfully, this step is crucial. Your wood-fired oven needs to reach at least 450 degrees to start browning your food. We therefore recommend that you invest in a thermometer to check the heat level in the oven. Another tip? Don’t hesitate to place the embers in an arc, and adjust the distance between them and your dishes if necessary, to avoid burning them.
All that’s left to do is choose the right wood-fired cooking technique for your dishes! For fine cuts of meat and vegetables, direct cooking is ideal – the food is placed on a grill above the embers for fast, flavorful cooking. For thick Charolais rib steaks or dishes requiring slower cooking, indirect cooking is recommended. To do this, place your food next to the coals. All you have to do is wait for the magic to happen, and you’re ready to eat.
Our cooking tips for a successful wood-fired barbecue
Food preparation remains the key to tasty grilling. That’s why we recommend marinating your meats and vegetables several hours before cooking. Made with herbs, spices, oils and vinegars, marinades not only add flavor, but also tenderness to meats.
In fact, it’s impossible to talk about grilling without mentioning a few classic recipes. Duck breast, for example, is easy to prepare: season it with salt and pepper, then cook it directly over the coals to obtain a perfect crust. Skewers of marinated chicken or salmon are also a must. Marinate your pieces in a mixture of yoghurt, lemon, garlic and thyme, then thread them onto skewers. Place them on the barbecue grill and cook until golden brown.
But let’s not forget the vegetables! Grilled, they’re just as delicious as meat. Zucchini, peppers or eggplants cooked this way make tasty side dishes or main courses. As are baked potatoes, for that matter. And for cheese lovers, try camembert or chèvre cheese, wrapped in aluminum foil and placed next to the coals until they melt. A guaranteed treat!
Finally, for those who want to innovate for dessert, why not try fruit? Roasted pineapple, peaches or bananas… Accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they offer a sweet and refreshing touch to end the meal on a high note.
Wood-fired grills offer a unique and convivial culinary experience. By following our tips, you’ll be able to prepare delicious and memorable meals. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or an expert, we hope these tips will help you get the most out of your Ephrem wood-fired oven.
