Taiwanese Barbecue

With all of our Taiwan style barbecue experiences with Michael and Anna, we decided.... ok, I decided,  it was time for the Dingus family to try it out on our own.

You may be sitting there thinking, big deal, a barbecue is a barbecue.

But the differences between the two are vast.

Think back to this past summer at your family's Fourth of July reunion. Or more recently, Labor Day, the last fling of summer. 

The grill is turned on. Mom brings out a plate of perfectly shaped hamburger patties or maybe a couple of thick juicy steaks. Dad takes over, carefully guarding and supervising. Large puffs of smoke and aromas waft from the deck while Brother and Sister joyfully transport mustard, ketchup, Miracle Whip, pickles, tomatoes, and onions from the air conditioned kitchen.

 Ok, so maybe I swayed from reality a little bit, but you get the picture. 

Dad cooks the meat. Everyone sits down and eats. In a relatively short time, the food is consumed, the grill cleaned, and kitchen returned to its sparkling condition. 

As that the majority of Taiwanese families live in the city, backyards are a rarity, therefore, few if any, backyard decks exist. Most families simply set up on the sidewalk in front of their apartment.

Barbecues are short, near the ground. 

Stools are used for those doing the cooking.

And who does the cooking? 

Anyone.

 Everyone.

If you want it, you cook it.

As you can tell, a lot of the food is skewered with a stick, which makes for utensil free grilling.

While Carl wanted to throw those loved American hamburgers onto the grill, we went for more of the traditional barbecuing foods here in Taiwan.

Chicken- not quite as common as the rest of our choices.

Peppers

Water Bamboo

Tofu and Fishballs

Fresh Clams

The clams were joined by mushrooms and onions.

And, of course, shrimp. This one is ready for the grill!

Cooked and ready to peel and eat!

Pomeloes for dessert.

Moon cakes were also available for those who enjoy red bean paste as a dessert!

Hopefully everyone felt satisfied and full!