Top 10 Atlantic Canadian Foods That Taste Better on the BBQ

There is something about cooking outdoors that makes food taste better. Maybe it is the fresh air, the smoky aroma or the fact that everyone naturally gathers around the barbecue waiting for the next delicious bite.

Here in Atlantic Canada, we are surrounded by incredible seafood, meats, vegetables and fruit that are perfect for grilling. Whether you are cooking over gas, charcoal, wood pellets or an open flame, the barbecue adds char, caramelization and a little smoke without taking away from the fresh local flavours we already love.

Before firing up the grill, make sure you have the right equipment for the job. Warmth by Design and BBQ Heaven in Onslow, Nova Scotia, is your destinations for all your barbecue needs, from grills and outdoor cooking equipment to accessories that can help take your backyard meals to the next level.

Here are ten Atlantic Canadian foods that deserve a spot on your barbecue this summer.

  1. Lobster

Atlantic Canadian lobster may traditionally be boiled or steamed, but grilling takes it to a whole new level. Split cooked lobster in half, brush the meat with garlic butter and place it briefly on the grill. The heat adds a slightly smoky flavour while keeping the lobster sweet and tender. Serve it right in the shell with lemon wedges and plenty of napkins.

  1. Scallops

Fresh Atlantic scallops are naturally sweet and cook beautifully on the barbecue. Their large size makes them perfect for threading onto skewers or grilling in a cast-iron pan. A quick sear creates a caramelized outside while the centre remains tender. Keep the seasoning simple and let the scallops do the talking.

  1. Mussels

Mussels are one of the easiest seafood dishes to prepare outdoors. Place them in a foil packet or barbecue-safe pan with butter, garlic, fresh herbs and a splash of apple cider or white wine. As the shells open, the mussels release their juices and create a flavourful broth that is perfect for dipping grilled bread.

  1. Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon holds up extremely well on the grill and pairs beautifully with maple, mustard, herbs and citrus. Cooking it on a cedar plank adds another layer of smoky flavour while helping the fish stay moist. It is an impressive meal that requires very little effort.

  1. Atlantic Clams

Fresh Atlantic clams can be placed directly on a hot barbecue and cooked just until their shells open. Serve them with melted garlic butter or add them to a foil packet with sausage, potatoes and corn for an Atlantic Canadian-style seafood boil prepared entirely on the grill.

  1. PEI Potatoes

PEI potatoes become crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside when cooked on the barbecue. Slice them into wedges, toss them with oil and seasonings and grill until golden. You can also wrap whole potatoes in foil and cook them slowly beside your main dish. Either way, they are the perfect side for almost anything coming off the grill.

  1. Local Sausages

Atlantic Canada is home to many incredible butchers producing sausages made with pork, beef, wild game and local seasonings. Grilling gives sausages a crisp, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Serve them on a toasted bun or slice them into a warm potato salad.

  1. Corn on the Cob

Fresh local corn is already delicious, but the barbecue makes it even sweeter. Grill it directly in the husk or remove the husk and allow the kernels to develop a little char. Finish it with herb butter, local cheese, seafood seasoning or a drizzle of maple hot sauce.

  1. Wild Blueberries

Wild blueberries may not be the first food that comes to mind when you fire up the barbecue, but they work beautifully in grilled desserts and sauces. Warm wild blueberries in a cast-iron skillet with a little maple syrup, or use them to create a sweet and savoury sauce for pork, chicken or grilled brie.

  1. Atlantic Canadian Apples

Atlantic Canadian apples become sweeter and more flavourful when grilled. Cut them into thick slices or wedges, brush them lightly with butter and cook until tender with visible grill marks. Serve them alongside pork chops, add them to a summer salad or finish them with caramel sauce and ice cream for dessert.

The barbecue is not only for burgers and hot dogs. It is one of the best ways to celebrate the incredible food produced throughout Atlantic Canada. From fresh seafood and PEI potatoes to crisp apples and wild blueberries, grilling adds another dimension to the local ingredients we already know and love.

Whether you are replacing an old grill, building an outdoor kitchen or looking for the right tools and accessories, visit Warmth by Design and BBQ Heaven in Onslow, Nova Scotia, for all your barbecue needs.

Fire up the barbecue, invite a few friends over and turn your next backyard meal into a true taste of Atlantic Canada.