Summer is the season of outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and fresh, vibrant flavours. As the temperatures rise, our food cravings shift towards lighter, more refreshing meals. If you’re a meat lover, summer offers a fantastic array of options that are perfect for grilling, smoking, or simply enjoying in the great outdoors. Here’s a guide to the best meats to eat this summer, along with tips and recipe ideas to make your summer meals unforgettable.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile and lean meat that’s perfect for summer. It’s light enough to enjoy even on the hottest days and can be prepared in countless ways. Here are some summer-friendly chicken ideas:

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chunks of chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Thread onto skewers with bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, then grill until cooked through.
• BBQ Chicken Wings: Coat chicken wings in your favourite barbecue sauce and grill them until crispy and caramelised. Perfect for a casual summer gathering.
• Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken thighs in a blend of lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then grill for a delicious dish.

Pork

Pork is another excellent choice for summer, especially when it comes to grilling and smoking. Its rich flavour pairs well with a variety of marinades and spices.

• Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for grilling. Try a marinade of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savoury flavour.
• Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked pulled pork is perfect for summer sandwiches. Cook pork shoulder with a smoky barbecue rub, shred it, and serve on buns with coleslaw.
• Grilled Sausages: High-quality pork sausages are great for grilling. Serve them in buns with mustard, sauerkraut, and grilled onions.

Beef

Beef’s bold flavour makes it a summer favourite, especially when it comes to grilling steaks and burgers.

• Steak: Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak are all fantastic choices for the grill. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic, then cook to your preferred “doneness”.
• Burgers: Homemade beef burgers are a summer staple. Mix ground beef with a bit of salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, form into patties, and grill. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favourite condiments.
• Beef Kebabs: Thread cubes of beef onto skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Marinate in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs, then grill.

Lamb

Lamb offers a unique and slightly gamey flavour that’s well-suited for summer grilling.

• Lamb Chops: Season lamb chops with a blend of rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. Grill to medium-rare for a tender and flavourful dish.
• Lamb Kebabs: Marinate cubes of lamb in yoghurt, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander. Thread onto skewers with vegetables and grill.
• Lamb Burgers: Mix ground lamb with mint, garlic, and feta cheese. Form into patties and grill, serving with fresh veggies.

Tips for Summer Meat Preparation

1. Marinate Ahead of Time: Marinating your meats not only enhances their flavour but also helps keep them moist during grilling.
2. Use Fresh Herbs and Citrus: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil, as well as citrus fruits like lemon and lime, add bright, fresh flavours to summer meats.
3. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your grill to prevent overcooking, which can dry out your meats. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
4. Pair with Seasonal Sides: Complement your meats with fresh, seasonal sides like grilled vegetables, salads, and fruit salsas.

Where’s Best To Buy This Meat?

At Burts Catering Butchers, if local to us, we extend our services with a convenient home delivery option. This ensures that cuts of nutritious and delicious meat are delivered straight to your doorstep.

We are a catering butcher who work across the south east of the UK, delivering quality meat to hotels, restaurants, pubs and brasseries as well as schools and event venues. If you are looking for a reliable and quality butcher to deliver your meat then please get in touch at 01424 730417 or by filling out our enquiry form. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.