New Jersey Grillers Score Above Average In Barbeque Survey

There’s nothing like the smell of a barbeque cooking in a Jersey backyard. On second thought, maybe the taste would rank a bit higher on the enjoyable scale.

Not unlike our neighbors throughout the country, we love some good backyard barbeque. When friends and family are there to enjoy it with us, it’s the best.

When our kids were younger, every year we’d have our July fourth barbeque and tent event. All of our friends and our kids’ friends’ families would arrive around noon on the fourth of July, and stay until noon the next day. A sea of tents would be scattered throughout our yard.

I’d get multiple propane tanks filled and ready to handle the demand. The grill would be on constantly throughout the day for lunch, dinner, and then breakfast the next morning.

According to a new survey by Casino.org, we here in New Jersey love to barbeque. Maybe not as much as some other states, but we love a good cookout for a variety of reasons. You're not alone. Four thousand Americans were asked a variety of questions about their fondness of grilling in the yard, and the results were almost entirely positive responses.

The average respondent says they're planning to grill more than ten times during the warmer months. The poll also revealed we spend more than ninety bucks every time we light up the grill. That translates to more than one thousand four hundred dollars a year.

Forty-five percent say they have barbecues for the social aspect. It’s simply a reason to spend time with friends and family. About the same amount of people in the barbeque, the survey said nice weather on the weekend is a good enough reason to message out some invites and fire up the Weber.

It’s not a surprise that most Americans, about sixty-five percent, say the fourth of July is their favorite day of the year to barbecue. July Fourth weekend was especially enjoyable this year because it was a four-day weekend. Memorial Day, Labor Day, Saturday, it’s all a good day to grill.

One of the things that most of us agree on is what we’re putting on our plates at the cookouts. The survey revealed that the ideal barbecue plate includes a hamburger with ketchup, corn on the cob, and potato salad on the side. 

There’s a feeling of pride knowing that New Jersey was rated above average when it comes to outdoor cooking. However, Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Dakota scored the highest.

Some people believe that embracing plant-based options at a barbecue is just a passing trend. However, it's a conscious choice that brings more options to the table. Gone are the days when grilling was only synonymous with sizzling meat patties and juicy sausages.

Incorporating plant-based options at a barbecue creates inclusivity. By offering a range of delicious plant-based dishes, hosts ensure that everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to those with dietary restrictions, can join in the festivities and indulge in a delicious meal. It's a gesture that demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where no one feels left out.

But it's not just about making everyone feel included. Plant-based options at a barbecue also align with health consciousness. These alternatives tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.  Regarding vegetarian barbecues, the focus is on grilling an assortment of colorful vegetables and plant-based proteins. Skewers loaded with marinated bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes take center stage on the grill. Once on the grill, they’ll get a delicious smoky flavor and tender texture.

Alongside the vegetable skewers, you can also serve up plant-based burgers made from ingredients like black beans, lentils, or quinoa. You can grill these patties to achieve a charred exterior, offering a satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional meat burgers.

Barbecues extend beyond the realm of juicy burgers, hotdogs, ribs, and smoked chicken breasts. Whether you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle or simply aim to reduce your meat consumption, you don't have to feel left out. With the barbecue season in full swing, vegetarians and plant-based enthusiasts now have a multitude of meat alternatives to enjoy. From plant-based burgers and sausages to grilled tofu and veggies, there are plenty of delicious options available for those who prefer plant-based BBQ options.

Check out these five savory meat alternatives for the grill.

The star of the show at a vegetarian BBQ is often the assortment of grilled vegetables. The vegetables are typically marinated or brushed with flavorful sauces or herbs before being cooked on the grill. A yummy veggie to throw on the grill would be zucchini with a drizzle of Italian seasonings, olive oil, and lemon juice. Another option would be grilled garlic mushrooms with a bit of garlic and balsamic vinegar or grilled cabbage with a tandoori marinade.

A vegetarian BBQ often features a variety of veggie burger options. These burgers can be made from ingredients like black beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, or even grilled portobello mushrooms. They are typically served on buns and topped with condiments, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and vegetarian-friendly sauces.

To mimic the classic BBQ experience, plant-based sausages, and hot dogs are popular additions to a BBQ. These meatless alternatives are made from ingredients like soy, tofu, seitan, or vegetables and are grilled until they’re charred on the outside.

Tofu and tempeh are versatile plant-based protein sources. You can marinate and grill them at BBQs. Tofu can be marinated in a variety of sauces or spices to add flavor. While tempeh, a fermented soybean product, has a naturally nutty taste.

Fruits like pineapple, peaches, watermelon, and bananas are often grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavors. They can also be served as-is or paired with a scoop of vegan ice cream. A fruit that would go perfectly on the grill is pineapple. You can create a rum-glazed pineapple if you’re feeling ambitious. Just marinate your pineapple in dark spiced rum and brown sugar before putting it on the grill.