Few activities bring people together like a sizzling BBQ. Whether it’s a family gathering, graduation bash, chalet staycay or just a Friday night feast, firing up the grill is a surefire way to get the celebration going. Once the chicken wings, satay, prawns and foil-wrapped treats hit the flames, you know good times are on the way.
To help you level up your BBQ game, we gathered some top tips from CSC members — from setting up the pit to clean-up tricks and flavour boosts.
Photo credit: hilderincfootballclub (link)
Photo credit: hilderincfootballclub (link)
Before the flames: prep and plan
No one wants to gnaw on soggy chicken wings in the rain, so be sure to check the weather forecast before picking your BBQ date. Or play it safe — as SH recommends: “Book a sheltered BBQ pit so your feast won’t be ruined by wet weather.”
You’ll find covered BBQ options at both CSC @ Bukit Batok’s Treehouses and CSC @ Changi’s Pavilions. Booking a CSC chalet? That’s even better — just retreat indoors if a storm rolls in.
Photo credit: hilderincfootballclub (link)
Photo credit: cheekiemonkies (link)
To marinate meats without the mess, Samuel.P has a clever tip. “Place your meat and marinade in a freezer-grade Ziplock bag and push out as much air as possible. Then place it inside a second clean Ziplock — so if one leaks, the other keeps your fridge safe,” he explains. “Lay the double-bagged meat flat in the fridge and flip it every few hours for even flavour. It works like a charm for chicken wings, ribs, steaks and even satay.”
Photo credit: chenjasmolin (link)
Before the first skewer hits the fire, take a moment to prep your setup properly. Even if you’re using new chicken wire, always clean the grill grates first, advises Chackoche. “Let the cleaning agent fully burn off before cooking in earnest,” he says, to avoid any unwanted smells or aftertastes.
When it’s time to start the grill, Maggie T, Ernest, Fire Saviour and Jh share that a little tech can go a long way. “Instead of manual fanning the flames, use a portable fan to your coals glowing faster and more evenly,” says Jh.
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At the grill: cook smarter, taste better
Tired of burning your wings or biting into half-raw sausages? The fix might be as simple as rearranging your coals. Junhao recommends setting up a two-zone grill: pile your coals on one side for high heat and leave the other side cooler. “Use the hot zone to sear meats and get that delicious char, then move them to the cooler zone to finish cooking through,” he explains. “You’ll impress your friends with perfectly grilled meats.”
Photo credit: colinteo (link)
Jas takes it a step further with a clever moisture trick. “Place a drip pan with water under the grill grates — it helps keep meat juicy, stabilises the temperature and prevents flare-ups by catching the drippings,” the CSC member shares.
If you have a large crowd to feed, Bacca has a hack to keep the BBQ grill line moving fast: “Partially cook raw meats in the microwave first and finish the process on the grill.”
When you’re catching up with family and friends, you might not pay such close attention to cooking time. Joyuui says: “Place a small ice cube in the centre of your burger patty while grilling! It melts slowly and keeps the burger juicy – perfect for leaner meats like chicken or turkey.”
Even dessert can benefit from a cold twist. Kris shares: “I freeze marshmallows for 30 minutes before grilling. It gives you a crisp outside and gooey centre without going up in flames.”
Other tips might surprise you: GS suggests rubbing a halved potato on the grill grates to prevent sticking, while Wally brings along a pan to cook eggs or delicate veggies without fuss.
Photo credit: cheekiemonkies (link)
Flavour hacks to impress any guest
Want to level up your BBQ from basic to unforgettable? These clever tips bring out deeper, more complex flavours — with minimal extra effort.
“Throw a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme onto the charcoal to infuse your grill with a smoky, herbaceous aroma,” suggests Jayanth. “It elevates the taste of your dishes instantly.”
Mohamed Fadhilad Bin Rahmat recommends using wood chips for that classic smoky BBQ depth. “Soak them in water for 30 minutes, then place them directly on the coals or in a smoker box,” he explains. “Each wood has its own profile — hickory is strong and sweet, apple is fruity and mild, and mesquite gives a bold, earthy flavour.”
Photo credit: chenjasmolin (link)
James has a smart trick for grilling fish: “Lay it on top of lemon slices. It prevents sticking and adds a zesty aroma.”
For something more uniquely Southeast Asian, Grill Master suggests wrapping food in banana leaves: “It adds moisture and a distinct smoky fragrance.”
Inez offers a fragrant finishing touch: “Smash the end of a lemongrass stalk and use it to brush butter on your food. It’s aromatic, disposable, and adds a delicious lemongrass note.”
Photo credit: lovelygracebantawig (link)
Throwing a fancy BBQ? Yi Lin recommends going big with a whole slab of salmon and a tomahawk steak. “Season the salmon with salt and lemon slices, wrap it in foil and grill. For the tomahawk, give it a quick roast in the oven first, then finish on high heat to lock in the flavour.”
Photo credit: colinteo (link)
Looking for budget-friendly indulgence? JM has a crowd-pleaser: “Stuff a whole sotong with mozzarella cheese and slather it in sambal chilli. Wrap it in foil and grill — it’s super delicious!”
Photo credit: chuepachups (link)
After the feast: clean and clear
Finally, don’t forget the clean-up. Philip recommends using separate gloves for handling charcoal, food and cleaning to avoid mess and cross-contamination.
Roger adds: “Rub a halved onion over hot grill grates — it’s a natural and effective way to remove residue.”
FMY offers a no-fuss cleaning hack: “Scrub the grill down with ice while it’s still hot.” The steam helps loosen debris, making the grates easier to clean.
Ready to fire up your best BBQ yet?
Gather your friends and family and show off your grilling chops at CSC’s top BBQ spots. For breezy seafront vibes, head to the Pavilions at CSC @ Changi. Prefer a sheltered cookout? The Treehouses at CSC @ Bukit Batok offer cosy coverage with a view. Want to turn your BBQ into an all-night affair? Book a stay at CSC @ Changi or CSC @ Loyang chalets — perfect for everything from romantic getaways to full-on family feasts.