Whether you're a wood-fired oven enthusiast or a barbecue fanatic, nothing is more frustrating than watching your food go up in smoke... literally! Flare-ups and burnt food can ruin not only your meal, but your entire cooking experience. Fortunately, with a few simple tips from My Barbecue, you can master your cooking and achieve chef-quality results every time.

Here are our top tips for avoiding unpleasant surprises and enjoying perfectly cooked dishes, whether in a wood-fired oven or on the barbecue .

Perfect wood-fired oven recipes :

1. Control the temperature

The secret to successful wood-fired oven cooking lies in temperature control. Use an oven thermometer to monitor the heat. For most dishes, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C is ideal. If your oven is too hot, leave the door ajar for a few minutes to cool before placing your food in the oven.

2. Strategically position your dishes

In a wood-fired oven, the heat is uneven. Place foods that require gentler cooking away from the heat, usually toward the front of the oven. For more intense cooking, move the dish closer to the back where the heat is higher. Don't hesitate to rotate your dishes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

3. Use the right equipment

Opt for earthenware or cast iron dishes, which are excellent heat conductors and allow for even cooking. Avoid thin materials that can cause localized overheating. For delicate foods, use parchment paper or aluminum foil to protect them from direct heat.

Gourmet barbecue dishes

1. Create heat zones

Arrange your coals so that you create a direct heat zone (for searing) and an indirect heat zone (for slower cooking). This will allow you to move the food if the cooking becomes too intense, thus preventing flare-ups and burns.

2. Control fats

Dripping fat is the main cause of barbecue flare-ups. For fatty meats, use a grill rack to catch the juices or place perforated aluminum foil under the grill. For marinades, drain your food well before placing it on the grill.

3. Monitor and act quickly

Always stay near your barbecue while cooking. If a flare-up occurs, immediately move the food to a cooler area. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy to quickly extinguish small flare-ups without affecting the temperature of the coals.

By following these tips, you'll be able to perfectly control your cooking, whether in a wood-fired oven or on a barbecue. Remember, practice makes perfect: the more you use your equipment, the better you'll know it, and the more impressive your results will be. So, put on your apron and get ready to delight your guests with perfectly cooked and delicious dishes!