How to Host the Perfect Backyard BBQ with Lakewood Meats

📍 Published by Lakewood Meats & Sausage
🕒 Read Time: 6–7 minutes
📍 Shop in Lodi – 316 N Ham Ln | 📦 Order Jerky, Sausage & Seasonings Online

There’s nothing quite like a backyard BBQ on a warm summer evening—good food, great company, and the smell of perfectly grilled meats filling the air. Whether you're planning a casual weekend get-together or a big summer bash, the key to an unforgettable BBQ is quality ingredients and a solid plan.

At Lakewood Meats, we’ve been helping families host cookouts for over 50 years with our premium cuts, house-made sausages, and expert butcher knowledge. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to host the ultimate BBQ—from menu to prep to what meats to grab from our shop.

Caption: The perfect BBQ starts with the perfect meat—visit Lakewood Meats for all your summer grilling needs.

Step 1: Plan Your Guest List and Menu

Before firing up the grill, know who you're feeding and what they like.

 Guest Planning Tips:

• Estimate ½ pound of meat per person
  
• Include a mix of flavors – some mild, some bold
  
• Don’t forget sides, drinks, and condiments
  

🍽️ Lakewood BBQ Essentials:

• Ribeye or New York Strip for steak lovers
  
• Jalapeño Jack or Pineapple Sausage for bold flavor fans
  
• Filet Mignon for the premium steak crowd
  
• Ground beef for burgers and sliders
  
• Teriyaki Beef Jerky as a snack tray appetizer
  

🛒 Step 2: Shop Local – Why Lakewood Meats Should Be Your First Stop

Unlike big box stores, Lakewood Meats offers:

• USDA Choice & Prime beef
  
• In-house handcrafted sausages
  
• Custom cuts prepared by real butchers
  
• No fillers, no shortcuts, just great meat
  

📍 All meats and steaks are available for in-store pickup only at our Lodi market.
👉 Want to order jerky, sausage, or seasoning online? Shop here

Step 3: Prep Like a Pro

 Meat Prep Tips:

• Let steaks come to room temperature before grilling
  
• Season with Lakewood’s house seasoning (available online)
  
• Marinade sausage skewers or ribs for extra flavor
  
• Trim excess fat but leave a little for flavor and moisture
  

Grilling Tools Checklist:

• Meat thermometer
  
• Tongs (not forks)
  
• Grill brush
  
• Charcoal or propane
  
• Cooler for drinks
  

Step 4: Grill the Right Cuts the Right Way

Here’s how to make sure every meat on your grill comes out perfect:

Ribeye or NY Strip

• High heat for searing
  
• 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare
  
• Rest 5 minutes before slicing
  

 House-Made Sausage

• Medium heat grill
  
• Rotate every 2–3 minutes
  
• Cook until internal temp hits 160°F
  

 Ground Beef Burgers

• 80/20 blend = best balance of fat & flavor
  
• Avoid pressing the patties—keep those juices in
  
• Add cheese the last minute before removing from grill
  

 Jerky on the Side

Serve Lakewood Teriyaki or Salt & Pepper Jerky as a charcuterie board feature or easy starter snack while the grill is hot.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Extras

What makes your BBQ truly memorable? The little things:

Must-Have Sides:

• Grilled corn on the cob
  
• Loaded potato salad
  
• Watermelon or fruit skewers
  
• Mac and cheese
  
• Coleslaw
  

 Drinks:

• Iced tea, lemonade, and cold beer
  
• Sparkling water with fruit
  
• Bring a cooler if hosting away from home
  

Condiments:

• Spicy mustard
  
• Garlic aioli
  
• BBQ sauce
  
• Pickles, onions, hot sauce
  

 

Pickup at Our Butcher Shop in Lodi

All meats, steaks, and butcher cuts are available in-store only. Stop by and let our team help you prep for your next BBQ.

📍 Lakewood Meats & Sausage
316 N Ham Ln, Lodi, CA 95242
📞 (209) 369-1122
🕒 Mon–Sat: 9am–6pm | Sun: Closed

👉 Order Jerky, Sausage & Seasonings Online

🎉 Make Your BBQ Legendary

With the right cuts, expert prep, and a little Lakewood flavor, your backyard BBQ will be one to remember. Come see us at the shop, stock up on top-quality meat, and grill like a pro this summer.