🔥 BBQing in Kelowna: Year-Round Flavor

At our house, the BBQ isn’t just a summer luxury; it’s a year-round workhorse. It sits just outside the kitchen on the deck and is used whether it’s 35°C or snowing sideways. But let me be clear: just because we use the BBQ year-round does NOT mean that I am a grilling expert. I'm not one of those folks who cures their own brisket or smokes ribs for hours. I’ll gladly eat at anyone's house who does grill like that, but that’s just not me. I have my handful of tried and tested recipes that I can master, but I don’t venture too far from that.

🌟 Embracing the Essentials

Even though I stick to my tried-and-true cuts, I enjoy switching up the flavors every now and then. A good rub or seasoning blend can make all the difference and can be the shortcut to making dinner taste like you know what you’re doing. Between running the store, chasing kids, coaching sports, and doing laundry (because somehow that never ends), I’ve learned to embrace a style of BBQ that’s simple, flavorful, and low-fuss—but that doesn’t mean it’s boring.

🧂 Let’s Talk Rubs (More Than Just Salt & Pepper)

Most people use “BBQ rub” as a blanket term, but rubs can be sweet, spicy, earthy, herbal, smoky, or a mix of all the above. Depending on what you’re grilling, the seasoning needs change:

🔸 For Ribs or Pork Shoulder:

Aim for sweet and smoky:

• Brown sugar

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic powder

• Mustard powder

• Cumin

• Cayenne (optional for heat)

Let it sit on the meat for a few hours—or even overnight—before grilling. Low and slow wins here.

🔸 For Chicken (Especially Thighs or Drumsticks):

Try a zesty herb blend:

• Lemon peel granules

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Garlic salt

• Black pepper

• Touch of chili flakes

Add a splash of olive oil to make it into a paste before rubbing. Bonus tip: grill over indirect heat to avoid scorching the herbs.

🔸 For Steaks or Beef Roasts:

Keep it bold and simple:

• Coarse salt

• Cracked black pepper

• Smoked salt or espresso powder (yes, really)

• Mustard seed

• Crushed coriander seed

Let the beef do the talking, adding a rich crust without overpowering it.

🔸 For Grilled Veggies or Tofu:

Choose an umami-forward blend:

• Nutritional yeast

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Sea salt

• A dash of cinnamon (trust me)

  
  

🧠 Spice Tips Most People Don’t Think About

• Oil first, then rub. Lightly coat your meat or veg in oil before applying dry rubs. This helps everything stick and caramelize beautifully.

• Double the garlic. Most people under-season BBQ, especially over high heat. Flavors mute out—garlic and pepper can handle being doubled.

• Don’t forget sugar—but balance it. Sugar helps form a crust, but too much will burn. Pair it with acid (like lemon or vinegar) or balance it with salt.

• Try layering. Use a basic salt/pepper rub early, then hit the meat with a bolder blend halfway through cooking. Layers = depth.

  
  

🧡 Not Into Measuring? Use Jerry’s Faves

Listen, I love playing with spices, but on busy days, I just want dinner on the table. That’s why we love Jerry’s Faves. Jerry's Faves is a local spice blend company that contains NO FILLERS in their products. Just amazing spices for great flavors. These are my go-tos when I need something fast, flavorful, and dependable. No guesswork, just scoop and sprinkle. We’re proud to have them on our shelves now, and yes, they make great gifts too.

🍷 Pair It With Kelowna

Here’s a thought: we live in one of the best food-and-drink regions in the country. When you’re BBQing, why not pair that grilled flank steak with a bottle of red from the Mission? Or enjoy your cedar plank salmon with a crisp Gewürztraminer? Your spice rub doesn’t need to be fancy. When the flavors come together, it feels pretty close to perfect.

In conclusion, BBQing in Kelowna is all about creativity and enjoyment. Don’t hesitate to explore different rubs and pair them with local wines for a delightful culinary experience. Remember, even simple seasonings can elevate your meals to a new level. So fire up that grill, get inspired, and make every barbecue unforgettable!

Incorporate the joy of BBQing into your life—it’s more than just a cooking method; it’s about creating lasting memories with family and friends. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and always remember: great food brings people together.