Summer is here, and you know what that means—time to fire up the grill! Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving the smoky aroma of a sizzling BBQ, there’s one secret ingredient that can take your grill game to a whole new level: black garlic butter. This magical spread delivers an irresistible depth of flavour, turning anything it touches into a culinary masterpiece. Below, we’ll dive into what black garlic is, how to make your own black garlic butter, and creative ways to use it for a memorable grilling (Grillen) experience.

What Is Black Garlic?

If you haven’t heard of black garlic before, you’re in for a treat. Regular garlic is fermented under controlled heat and humidity to transform the cloves into a deep, dark, sticky goodness. The process can take anywhere from two to four weeks. The result? A sweet, earthy, almost balsamic-like flavour with a hint of tanginess—none of the sharp bite you’d expect from raw garlic. Its unique umami makes it perfect for boosting the flavour of all sorts of dishes, but it really shines on the grill.

The Magic of Black Garlic Butter

1. Unbelievable Flavour

Black garlic butter marries the smooth, sweet tang of black garlic with the richness of butter. The fermentation process adds layers of complexity that can amplify the taste of anything you spread it on—whether it’s steak, chicken, fish, or vegetables.

2. Simple to Make

All you need is:

  • Softened butter (unsalted is usually best, so you can control the salt level)

  • Black garlic cloves (about 2-3 cloves per 100 g of butter)

  • Salt & pepper (to taste)

  • Optional extras like chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) or a splash of lemon juice

How to make it:

  1. Mash the black garlic cloves into a paste with a fork (they’re very soft).

  2. Combine them with softened butter in a bowl.

  3. Add salt, pepper, and any herbs you’d like.

  4. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

  5. Chill to allow the flavours to meld together—30 minutes in the fridge works wonders.

5 Hacks to Elevate Your BBQ with Black Garlic Butter

1. Steak Perfection

Instead of the usual steak seasoning or marinade, try this: season your steak with salt and pepper, then grill it to your preferred doneness. Right before taking it off the grill, slather a generous dollop of black garlic butter on top. The butter melts instantly, creating a luxe sauce that highlights the beef’s natural flavour.

2. Chicken Upgrade

Bored with plain chicken? No more! Rub black garlic butter under the skin of chicken breasts or thighs before grilling. This helps to lock in moisture while infusing the meat with savoury, sweet notes. You’ll end up with crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy chicken on the inside.

3. Seafood Sensation

Fish and shellfish thrive when paired with black garlic butter. Try brushing it on salmon fillets or shrimp skewers halfway through grilling. The butter helps the seafood stay moist and adds a hint of umami that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of fish and shrimp.

4. Veggie Delight

Vegetables often get sidelined at BBQs, but with black garlic butter, they steal the show. Zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers soak up the butter’s intense flavours. Pro tip: toss lightly cooked veggies in a bowl with a spoonful of black garlic butter for a delicious finishing touch.

5. Bread & Beyond

Don’t forget the sides! Spread black garlic butter on slices of crusty bread or your favourite rolls before tossing them on the grill for a minute or two. The result is a warm, slightly charred, and ultra-flavourful accompaniment that complements any grilled main dish.

More Ways to Get Creative

  • Compound Butter Logs: Roll your black garlic butter in parchment paper, freeze it, and slice off discs whenever you need a quick hit of flavour.

  • Herb Variations: Experiment with basil, tarragon, or cilantro to give your black garlic butter a fresh herbal twist.

  • Spice It Up: Mix in chili flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

  • Sweet & Savoury: Add a touch of honey if you like a sweet accent to balance the umami depth of black garlic. This can be amazing on grilled corn on the cob!

Pro Tips for a Perfect BBQ (Grillen)

  1. Proper Heat Management: Preheat your grill for at least 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid sticking.

  2. Oil Your Grate: A lightly oiled grill grate prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.

  3. Use a Thermometer: For perfectly cooked meats, use a meat thermometer to reach safe internal temperatures without overdoing it.

  4. Rest Your Meat: Always let meats rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in tastier, juicier servings.

  5. Have Fun Experimenting: Grilling is as much art as it is science. Don’t be afraid to try different seasoning combos or cooking methods. Black garlic butter can enhance nearly anything you can put on the grill, so let your creativity run wild!

In a Nutshell

Bringing black garlic butter to your next BBQ (Grillen) is the easiest way to elevate your grilling game. Its sweet, savoury complexity transforms ordinary dishes into gourmet delights. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend grilling enthusiast, these black garlic butter hacks are sure to please every palate—and keep your guests coming back for seconds.

So, fire up the grill, grab some black garlic, and let the BBQ magic begin! Your summer party (and your taste buds) will thank you. Enjoy the sunshine, the sizzle, and most importantly, the incredible flavour that black garlic butter brings to your table.