Belizean Recado BBQ Chicken

A popular, simple, and delicious way to prepare a whole chicken. Variations of this recipe are used by street vendors, restaurants, parties, and everyday family dinners. Many tourists who visit Belize return home and wonder what was that “red chicken”. This is it people.

The Smoky Grilled Flavor of Belizean Recado BBQ Chicken

Barbecue season is upon us, and what better way to impress your guests than with a flavorful, authentic dish that will transport them to the tropical paradise of Belize? The Belizean Red Recado BBQ Recipe is a perfect choice for any BBQ party, with its spicy and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe is a traditional Belizean dish that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it’s easy to see why it has stood the test of time. Made with a unique blend of spices and herbs, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We will go over the steps to create this delicious recipe so that you can wow your guests at your next BBQ party.

Belizean Red Recado BBQ Recipe Ingredients

Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to create the authentic Belizean Red Recado BBQ Recipe. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, or at a specialty store that sells Caribbean or Latin American products.

• 3 lbs of pork steaks or chicken drumsticks or chicken quarters
• 2 tbsp of Belizean red recado paste or Mexican-style achiote paste (Amazon)
• 2 tbsp of garlic powder or minced garlic
• 1 tbsp of onion powder or 2 quartered onions
• 1 tbsp of smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp of cumin
• 1 tbsp of salt
• 1 tbsp of black pepper
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 cup of sour orange juice or Goya Bitter Orange Marinade

Instructions

Now that we have all the Belizean ingredients, let’s get started on making the Belizean Red Recado BBQ Recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish that will have your guests begging for more:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the red recado paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, olive oil, lime juice, and orange juice.
3. Place the pork steaks or chicken in a large bowl, and pour the marinade over them, making sure that they are evenly coated.
4. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, in the refrigerator.
5. Once the meat has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling.
6. Place the meat on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked, turning it occasionally to ensure that it is evenly cooked on all sides. We typically enjoy overcooked chicken that falls off the bone, but you will know it’s done when you can no longer see any pink fluids on the bone.
7. Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• If you can’t find Belizean red recado paste, you can substitute it with achiote paste or make your own by mixing equal parts of achiote seeds, cumin, and coriander in a spice grinder.
• For a spicier version of this recipe, add some chopped habanero peppers to the marinade.
• Serve the Belizean Red Recado BBQ Recipe with a side of rice and beans or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• In Belize, it is common practice to wash a chicken in a lime-water bath. In the USA this is a “controversial” step due to potential bacterial contamination.

FAQs

Q: Can I use beef instead of pork or chicken? A: Yes, you can use beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as beef will take longer to cook than pork or chicken.

Q: Can I use the marinade for other meats? A: Yes, the marinade can be used for other meats like beef or lamb, or even for seafood like shrimp or fish.

Q: What is a bitter orange? A: In Belize, it is common to find a bitter orange tree. Also, commonly called the “sour orange,” it looks like a regular orange but due to the warmer climate in Belize is mostly green in color and the juice is more acidic than sweet.

Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients like Belizean red recado paste, smoked paprika, and cumin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Belizean Red Recado BBQ Recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your guests at your next BBQ party. With its unique blend of spices and herbs, this recipe is a great way to add some Caribbean flair to your grilling game. Whether you’re grilling pork steaks, chicken quarters, or even seafood, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Belize with this amazing recipe.