Welcome to Yorkshire
As the UK basks in another warm spell, many people are gearing up for summer barbecues. However, new research reveals that not all foods are welcome at these outdoor gatherings, with Yorkshire puddings emerging as the top contender for the most unwelcome dish. This finding comes from a survey commissioned by Gousto, which asked 2,000 adults across the UK about their barbecue preferences.
Yorkshire Puddings Lead the List
The survey found that a surprising 41% of Brits believe Yorkshire puddings should never make an appearance at a barbecue. This makes them the most controversial barbecue food, just ahead of sushi, which 40% of respondents also rejected. The results highlight a clear divide in opinion about what can be considered acceptable for grilling. Other foods that people are not keen on include:
Baked beans (29%)
Popcorn (27%)
Bananas (27%)
Generational and Gender Differences
The survey also revealed interesting differences in opinion based on age and gender. Women were significantly more likely than men to say Yorkshire puddings have no place at a barbecue, with 48% of women rejecting them compared to just 35% of men. When looking at age groups, nearly half of Baby Boomers (48%) were against Yorkshire puddings being served, while only 35% of Gen Z felt the same way. This suggests that the younger generation may be more open to experimenting with unconventional barbecue dishes.
BBQ Yorkshire Puddings: A Growing Trend
Despite the controversy, BBQ Yorkshire puddings have been gaining popularity in recent years. Home cooks have started sharing recipes that allow these fluffy treats to be cooked on the grill. With the right technique, Yorkshire puddings can turn out crisp and golden, adding an exciting twist to traditional barbecue fare.
Sophie Nahmad, Lead Recipe Developer at Gousto, explains that cooking Yorkshire puddings on a barbecue can actually produce great results:
"With the lid closed, a BBQ creates an oven-like environment, allowing the puddings to rise while adding a subtle smoky flavour."
She suggests ensuring the oil is smoking hot before adding the batter to achieve the best results.
Other Foods That Spark Debate
Yorkshire puddings are not alone in sparking debate about barbecue etiquette. Other foods that received mixed reviews from the survey participants include:
Food | % Saying It Should Never Appear at a BBQ |
|---|---|
Yorkshire puddings | 41% |
Sushi | 40% |
Baked beans | 29% |
Popcorn | 27% |
Bananas | 27% |
Avocado | 23% |
Pizza | 21% |
Tofu or other meat alternatives | 21% |
Pineapple | 20% |
Marshmallows | 14% |
Interestingly, while many people have strong feelings about what should or shouldn't be on the barbecue, about one in five (21%) said no food should be considered off-limits. This suggests that a significant number of Brits enjoy trying new and unconventional foods at their barbecues, opening the door for creativity in outdoor cooking.
How to Cook Yorkshire Puddings on the BBQ
For those interested in trying to settle the debate themselves, Sophie Nahmad has shared a simple method for cooking Yorkshire puddings on the barbecue:
Preheat the barbecue for indirect cooking with the lid closed.
Place a Yorkshire pudding or muffin tin onto the barbecue with a teaspoon of vegetable oil in each hole.
Heat the oil for around 15 minutes until it's smoking hot.
Carefully pour the Yorkshire pudding batter into each hole.
Close the lid immediately and avoid lifting it while the puddings cook.
Check after around 20 minutes. The Yorkshire puddings should be risen, crisp, and golden.
For more barbecue inspiration, recipes, and expert tips, the Gousto BBQ Recipes Hub offers a wealth of ideas to help make summer barbecues even more enjoyable.
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