Summer is in full swing and that means it’s time to light up the grill! But if you’re on a budget, you might be wondering how you can still enjoy all the fun of grilling without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips for how to barbecue on a budget:
- Choose your meats wisely: Not all meats are created equal when it comes to barbecue. Some cuts, like flank steak and pork shoulder, are much cheaper than others, like filet mignon and ribeye. If you’re looking to save money, opt for cheaper cuts of meat. Your best bet is your local butcher. Not only can they give you insight on how to get the best bang for your buck, but you’ll also likely save more per pound than at a grocery store.
- Use coupons and sales: A key for those who barbecue on a budget. Many grocery stores offer coupons and sales on barbecue meats throughout the summer. Be sure to check your local store’s weekly circular to see what’s on sale. You can also use online coupon websites to find discounts. Places like Omaha Steaks are CONSTANTLY running sales and they plaster them all over the front page of their site so you can’t miss them.
- Shop in bulk: If you have the storage space, buying barbecue meats in bulk can save you money in the long run. Many grocery stores offer discounts on bulk purchases. Don’t be afraid to ask the grocery store butchers what they may have in the back as well. Larger, pre-cut portions can be snagged at a pretty good price.
- Make your own marinades and rubs: Store-bought marinades and rubs can be expensive. Instead, make your own at home using simple ingredients like spices, herbs, and vinegar. This is a great way to customize the flavor of your barbecue meats and save money at the same time.
Barbecue on a budget: vegan style
Hey, not everyone eats meat. It’s all good. If you’re looking for vegan options for your barbecue, there are plenty of great choices available. Some popular vegan barbecue options include:
- Alternative burgers: This is a great way to get your barbecue fix without the meat. Things like Impossible Burgers (a personal favorite), Beyond Meat, and MorningStar Farms are some excellent options. Believe it or not, they can be seasoned and cooked to taste just like traditional burgers.
- Vegetable kebabs: Vegetable kebabs are a healthy and flavorful option for when you want to barbecue on a budget. You can use any type of vegetables that you like, such as peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. The more color, the better. Trust me on this one.
- Grilled corn: Grilled corn is a classic barbecue side dish. It’s easy to make and can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter.
- Macaroni and cheese: Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite that’s perfect for barbecues. You can make it from scratch or buy it pre-made. But really, make it from scratch. You can’t beat that homemade taste. Besides, if you’re vegan, it’s much easier to substitute vegan cheese like Daiya.
Before we wrap up
Barbecuing is a great way to enjoy the summer weather and spend time with friends and family. By following these tips, you can barbecue on a budget without sacrificing flavor or fun. And they say you can’t have it all.
Looking for more ways to save this summer?
Writer, rhymer, gamer: the easiest way to define the man known as Kenneth Medford. I’m a simple man who loves to learn and loves to help and I wander the digital world trying to find ways to sate my hunger for both. Basically, I’m Galactus but helpful.
Check out my other work here or reach out to me on LinkedIn.
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