Friday evenings mean refreshing beverages, good music and time spent with friends.
What enhances such gatherings is the presence of barbecued (BBQ) dishes like lamb ribs, chicken burgers, Tex-Mex chicken fajitas and Wagyu steaks. For instance, in Dubai, hosting BBQ parties is the perfect way for expats and locals to connect.
If you’re looking to host such a party as well, and want to know how to whip them up, then continue reading below.
1. Lamb Ribs
You can never go wrong with a classic dish like lamb ribs for a weekend party or dinner. It can be barbecued quickly in under an hour, so you won’t need to wait for long. The taste of this dish is quite gamey, unlike pork or beef and offers a sweet, seared, and rich flavor in every bite.
To prepare this dish, you will first need halal spare ribs cut just below the lamb breast from high-quality meat suppliers. Once you have that, prepare the seasoning mix with fennel seeds, perfectly smoked paprika, garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt.
Rub the seasoning into the ribs and lay them on the grill for indirect grilling. Indirect grilling means activating the burners on one side and placing them on the opposite side.
If you’re a charcoal grill person, then ensure to push the coals to one side and place them on the other side. Cook the ribs at 350 °F (177 °C) for 40 minutes, with 20 minutes for each side.
After 40 minutes, brush the BBQ sauce and then cook on high heat for 5 minutes on each side. This will lead to a crispy texture which you will relish. Serve this dish with potatoes, tabbouleh, or Parmesan butter gratin for a decadent finish.
2. Wagyu Steak
Go for a Wagyu steak in Abu Dhabiif you want to experience a fine dining experience during your weekend meal. This dish has a rich Umami flavor and a melt-in-the-mouth sensation. It is distinctive due to the even fat marbling throughout the cut, which makes it highly rich and worth tasting.You will need a prime Wagyu steak from the supplier near you. After that, you should season the steak with ingredients like sea salt and freshly ground pepper for a classic taste.
After 30 minutes, preheat the grill to 500 °F (260 °C) and place the steak directly on the flames for up to 3 minutes. Flip them onto the side after 3 minutes and continue cooking them for 3 more minutes before moving them to the indirect zone. Use a thermometer to check the temperature, and remove them if they’ve reached a temperature of 5 °F (-15 °C) below your preferred rareness.
Consider the table below for a better idea about the types of rareness of Wagyu steak in Abu Dhabi:
| Type of Rareness | Temperature Range |
| Rare | 120 to 150 °F (49 to 66°C) |
| Medium Rare | 130 to 135 °F (54 to 57°C) |
| Medium | 140 to 145 °F (60 to 63°C) |
Table 1: Types of Rareness for Wagyu Steak
Finally, wrap the steaks in foil for 10 minutes and then serve them with crispy potatoes with rosemary or roasted chives.
See also: Tips for Booking Dockside Rentals During Peak Travel Seasons
3. Tex-Mex Chicken Fajitas
Take a trip to the Wild West with this fiery, savory, and smoky dish, which can accompany the lamb ribs. You can balance the gaminess of the lamb riblets with this dish. Before you start cooking, arrange for boneless chicken breasts and chili rub ingredients, namely:
i) kosher salt,
ii) lime juice
iii) olive oil
iv) chili powder
v) paprika
vi) light brown sugar
vii) finely ground cumin
viii) chipotle chili powder
Once you’ve gathered everything, mix the chili rub ingredients together in a small bowl. After that, pour olive oil and lime juice into a container, add the chicken, and mix it with the chili rub.
Cover the chicken and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or 2 hours before cooking.
When you’re ready to cook, prepare a medium-high heat grill and brush it with oil. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. Before taking it off the grill, check for a temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), and then remove the chicken. Place it on a wooden board, cut it into strips and then serve with toppings like salsa, sour cream, jalapenos and lime wedges.
4. Chicken Burger
A chicken burger is another classic, like the lamb ribs. You should gather 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, burger buns, lettuce, tomato and red onion for this dish. For the marinade and sauce, have tomato ketchup, brown sauce, garlic cloves and clear honey. Before you start, mix the marinade and sauce ingredients, evenly slice each breast halfway, and pour the marinade and sauce onto them. Flatten the breasts slightly and then prepare the grill.
Start grilling the breasts for 10 minutes at 165 °F (74 °C) and switch sides to prevent charring, and toast the buns as well. The buns won’t take time, so once they’re ready, prepare the burger with lettuce, tomato slices, onions, and sauce.
Place the chicken breasts in the bun and dig in with a nice, refreshing beverage to wash the dish down.
Wrapping Up
If you’re a true BBQ lover, don’t stop at these dishes. Explore others like chicken shawarmas, pork ribs, pork shoulders and briskets. Each of these dishes packs its own punch and will make for an amazing weekend.
Ready To BBQ It Up?
Source high-quality lamb ribs or steaks from a reputed butcher near you in Dubai today to kick off your weekend in style!
