Beach and barbecue season is in full swing, finally! Make the most of your next grill-a-thon with these life-changing Hong Kong hacks.

1. The golden rule of Hong Kong Barbecue is to never skimp on the honey. Go for a three-layer rule on everything you grill for top-tier deliciousness and happy stomachs.

2. Mushrooms and veggies can be set aside to cook in butter, wrapped in foil. Imperative hack: add a tiny bit of white wine for that extra level of flavor.

3. About those chicken wings… Thread two wings on your barbecue fork to cook at a time, pushing one wing through both prongs to prevent slippage and rotation when cooking.

4. A metal mesh clamp is an essential tool for grilling fish. Use it, and never be afraid of BBQ-ing seafood again.

5. Counteract all the beer you’re drinking with iced 24Herbs tea from your friendly local tea vendor. Or if you can’t stand the mildly bitter taste, go for some good ole’ sweetened gaai gwat cho (“chicken bone grass” tea). Afternoon hangover = cured.

7. Throat bothering you from all the smoke? Maybe some minty Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa diluted with water will help douse the flames in those tonsils. Even Jason Mraz supposedly swears by it before his gigs…

8. Make your own Hong Kong style char siu:

For every 350g of pork tenderloins, marinate with:

• 3 tbsp generic supermarket char siu sauce (or a sweet barbecue sauce of your choice)
• 2 tbsp of Chinese cooking wine
• 2 tsp of light soy sauce (sang chau 生抽)
• 1 tsp of honey

Marinate overnight in a large ziplock bag, then grill to your heart’s content!

9. Make BBQ french toast. This may not be as life-changing as your go-to CCT french toast, but a pretty close alternative for those sweet tooths.

For 2 large slices of french toast, dunk in batter made from:

• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp milk
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

Grill until golden and crispy, and don’t forget to drench in more honey, or condensed milk and peanut butter. You’re welcome.

Tags:  Barbecues bbq Hong Kong Barbecues Hong Kong Food Hong Kong Hacks hong kong life Life Hacks Outdoors Summer Tea