What Is an Asado BBQ Grill? A Beginner's Guide to Argentinian Grilling
There is barbecue, and then there is the Argentinian asado. Where a typical UK BBQ might rely on gas burners or quick-fire charcoal, an asado is a ritual of fire, patience, and celebration.
At the centre of this tradition is the asado BBQ grill, also known as a parrilla. Unlike standard barbecues that focus on speed, the asado method is about precision, slow cooking, and togetherness.
What Makes an Asado Grill Unique?
An asado grill is built for control and flavour. Instead of cooking over direct flames, hardwood is burned in a firebox until it produces glowing embers. These embers are then drawn beneath the cooking grate to create an even, consistent heat.
The grill itself is distinctive. A crank system raises and lowers the grate, giving the asador – the grill master – complete control of temperature. Many parrillas also feature V-shaped channels that direct juices away from the fire, avoiding flare-ups while capturing drippings for basting.
The result is food that is cooked slowly, infused with wood smoke, and presented with remarkable tenderness and depth of flavour.
The Experience of Cooking on a Parrilla
Cooking on an asado grill is as much about the atmosphere as the food itself. Guests naturally gather around the fire, drawn by the aroma of sizzling meats and the sight of flames glowing beneath the grate. The pace is unhurried.
Cuts of beef such as ribs (tira de asado), flank steak (vacío) and sirloin are joined by sausages, chicken, vegetables, and even melted cheeses like provoleta. Everything is cooked in stages and served gradually, turning the event into an afternoon or evening of shared enjoyment rather than a single rushed meal.
Why It Stands Apart from Other BBQs
For UK grill enthusiasts, the asado offers a new standard in outdoor cooking. The flavour is unmatched – wood-fired embers bring depth and smokiness that gas or electric grills simply cannot replicate. The parrilla is also a true centrepiece: an open fire that becomes the focal point of the gathering.
It is versatile too. Whether hosting friends for a casual evening or planning a grand celebration, an asado grill can accommodate both intimate meals and large-scale feasts. And because these grills are built from heavy-duty steel and designed to last, they represent a long-term investment in craftsmanship and tradition.
Hosting Your First Asado
Starting your asado journey in the UK doesn’t need to be daunting. Choose natural lump charcoal or hardwood to build your fire and allow time for it to burn down to embers. Begin with quality cuts of beef and chorizo sausages, then add vegetables and fresh bread to complement the meal. A bowl of chimichurri and a bottle of Malbec complete the experience.
Most importantly, remember that an asado is not just about cooking – it is about gathering people together. Slow down, enjoy the process, and let the grill become the centre of conversation and celebration.
Parrilla Gaucha UK: Bringing the Tradition Home
Since 2007, Parrilla Gaucha UK has introduced authentic Argentinian grilling to Britain. From bespoke, high-grade parrilla grills to luxury catering services for world-class clients, our expertise has made us the leading supplier of premium asado grills and outdoor kitchens in the UK.
For those ready to move beyond the ordinary barbecue, an asado grill offers a rare blend of performance, culture, and craftsmanship.
An asado BBQ grill is more than an outdoor cooker – it is an invitation to experience food, fire, and friendship the Argentinian way. For UK homeowners seeking a new level of luxury outdoor dining, the parrilla is both a showpiece and a tradition that will transform the way you entertain.
Explore authentic Argentinian grilling with Parrilla Gaucha UK – and create gatherings your guests will never forget.