ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Barbecue

Barbecue is like cooking food outside over a fire, just like when we go camping and roast marshmallows on a stick. But instead of marshmallows, we use meat like chicken, pork, and beef.

First, we need something to cook the meat on. This is called a grill, and it's like a big metal plate with lots of tiny holes in it. The heat from the fire goes through the holes and cooks the food.

Next, we light the fire. This can be done with charcoal or wood. We need to make sure we have a safe place to start the fire, like in a barbecue pit or on a grill rack far away from anything that can catch fire.

Once the fire is going, we put the meat on the grill. We want to make sure it's evenly spaced out so that it cooks evenly. We then close the lid to keep the heat trapped in and let the food cook.

While the meat is cooking, we can add different spices and sauces to make it taste even better. Some people like to put barbecue sauce on their meat, while others prefer dry rubs or marinades.

When the meat is fully cooked, we take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This lets the juices settle so that it stays moist and tasty.

Barbecue is a fun way to cook outside and enjoy the flavors of summer. Just make sure to always be safe around the fire and have an adult help you if needed.