Nothing says summer quite like gathering around the grill for a delicious meal with friends and family. If you’re not careful, though, your summer barbecue can end up putting a big dent in your wallet. You don’t need to break the bank to host an awesome get-together. Here are a few money-saving tips for your next cookout. Make Smart Protein Choices Meat is the most expensive food you’ll purchase. You can save a lot, however, if you make smart choices at the butcher counter. Not only are chicken thighs and legs cheaper than boneless breasts, but they’re also less likely to dry out. Flank and skirt steak are great alternatives to pricier cuts of beef. If you want some seafood on the menu, buy what’s fresh and on sale. Don’t Forget to Grill Some Veggies Your grill isn’t just for searing meat. Vegetables, from corn and asparagus to zucchini, are delicious when cooked over a flame, and they are cheap and readily available during the summer. In addition to filling stomachs for a lot less, you’ll add some options for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. Minimize Waste If you’re not careful, a lot of your barbecue budget will end up in the trash — or evaporating into thin air. Ditch the disposable plates and utensils in favor of cheap, reusable options. Another common waste is fuel overuse, whether that’s charcoal or gas. If you have a gas grill, turn off the propane as soon as possible. If you use charcoal, you don’t need to dump a full 10-pound bag into the grill. A few pounds should do the job just fine. Save Money on Your Summer Cookout Barbecue on a Budget
DIY Rubs and Sauces Don’t waste money on premade barbecue
rubs when you likely have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet. Barbecue sauce is also simple to make — and much healthier when you know what’s in it. Check out these recipes that work wonders on grilled foods. Rub: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup paprika, 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup kosher salt, 4 teaspoons ground mustard, 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons ground coriander seed, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup dark molasses (plus more to taste), 1 small onion, grated or diced, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown mustard, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar (plus more to taste), 2 teaspoons hot sauce (plus more to taste), and 2 tablespoons spice rub. Simmer and whisk until sauce coats the back of a spoon. You can store cooled sauce in your fridge for months after your party. Follow these tips, and you’ll shrink the cost of your summer cookout. Spending an afternoon by the grill is a summer tradition, but it doesn’t need to end with your money going up in smoke. Sprinkle on meats and vegetables. Really, it’s that easy.
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