From lamb skewers to grilled chicken wings and vegetables, barbecue has always been a favorite. However, concerns about its health impact are also a cause for worry. So, what are the healthier choices when it comes to barbecue?
For ingredients, it's best to choose lean, low-fat meats like pork tenderloin, chicken breast, or seafood such as squid and oysters.
For sauces, it's best not to brush barbecue sauce on while grilling to avoid consuming too much salt and sodium. Li Jiaying, a nutritionist at Yida Hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, suggests marinating the meat before grilling. If you enjoy the process of brushing sauce on while it cooks, you can make your own barbecue sauce or dilute it with water.
For seafood like scallops, you can skip the sauce and simply add some minced garlic for the best flavor, which can also reduce the production of carcinogens.
Many people like to eat grilled skewers while drinking beverages or beer, which is very unhealthy.
It's best to pair it with warm barley tea or green tea. It helps cut the grease and protects the stomach from the stimulation of alternating between cold and hot temperatures.