The perfect Father's Day BBQ
Deel
Father's Day is on June 21. And the best dads deserve more than a tie. They deserve a day behind the BBQ, with everything that entails: good meat, the right spices, and a family that takes care of it for them.
In this article, you'll find everything for the perfect Father's Day BBQ: a complete menu, a handy timeline, gift ideas, and tips to make it unforgettable.
Father's Day is the perfect BBQ day
In the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France, everyone celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday of June. BBQ has been the most popular Father's Day gift and activity for years. And rightly so: a day outdoors, good food, and good company is exactly what fathers want.
The perfect Father's Day BBQ menu
A good menu is planned but feels effortless. Here is a complete Father's Day menu for 4 to 6 people that you can prepare so that the day itself runs smoothly.
Chicken Thighs
Main Course2 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, rubbed the night before with Carolina Gold or Memphis BBQ rub. 65g rub per 1.5 kg, yogurt or oil as a binder.
Carolina Gold rub →Chicken Wings
Grilled Side Dish1 kg chicken wings with Jamaican Jerk or Korean rub for those who like it spicy. 60g rub per 1.5 kg, sesame oil as a binder for Korean.
Korean rub →Grilled Vegetables
From the grillCorn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sprinkle with a pinch of Tex Mex rub and a drizzle of oil. Grill for 10 minutes.
Tex Mex rub →Side Dishes
Prepared coldColeslaw, potato salad with chives, and a tomato salsa. Everything ready the day before, so you can relax on the day itself.
Prepare two different rubs to offer a choice: one mild (Carolina Gold) and one spicy (Korean or Jerk). This way, there's something for children and something for the true BBQ enthusiast. Label the dishes clearly so no one accidentally bites into the 7,000 SHU Jerk wings.
The timeline: how to plan the day
The secret to a relaxed Father's Day BBQ is preparation. Here's the timeline that ensures everything is ready at the right time and you're not stressed all day.
Apply rub
Apply the rub to the chicken thighs and wings. Cover and refrigerate. Overnight resting time provides the deepest flavor.
Prepare side dishes
Make coleslaw, potato salad, and tomato salsa. Cold side dishes are better if they sit in the fridge overnight.
Chicken out of the fridge
Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
Light the BBQ
Allow the BBQ 20 to 30 minutes to come to temperature. Goal: 175 to 185°C for chicken thighs with Carolina Gold or Memphis. Wings can be slightly higher.
Chicken thighs on the grill
Indirect grilling, 30 to 35 minutes. Lid closed. Flip halfway through.
Add wings
Chicken wings take less time. After 20 minutes, add the wings so everything finishes at the same time.
Finish directly
Last 5 minutes over direct heat for the bark. Vegetables on the grill. Check internal temperature: 74°C.
Rest
Rest for 5 to 8 minutes under foil. Place side dishes on the table. Pour drinks.
Dinner is served
Done. Dad gets to enjoy.
Which rub to choose for Father's Day?
Your choice of rub sets the tone for the day. Here are our recommendations per type of father.
The classic BBQ dad
He loves smoky and savory. Choose Memphis BBQ for his chicken thighs and Carolina Gold for the wings. Classic American, deep in flavor.
The adventurer
He loves heat and new flavors. Jamaican Jerk (7,020 SHU) or Korean (5,450 SHU) are his rubs. Not for the faint-hearted BBQ palate.
The flavor connoisseur
He appreciates complexity over heat. Shawarma with its 12 ingredients and Middle Eastern profile is for him. Serve with flatbread and tzatziki.
With young children
Carolina Gold (825 SHU) and Memphis BBQ (2,050 SHU) are mild enough for children. The little ones eat along, the adults fully enjoy.
Choose the Starter Pack and let dad choose three flavors himself. Or go all-in with the All-in Pack and discover all six flavors together.
The perfect Father's Day gift
Not sure what to give as a gift? Here are The Rub Kitchen's three options that are perfect for Father's Day.
Starter Pack
€26.953 flavors of your choice. Perfect for those who want to discover their favorite. Enough for 3 BBQ sessions.
OrderAll-in Pack
€54.95All 6 flavors. For the true BBQ enthusiast who wants to try everything. The most complete gift.
OrderGift Voucher
Any amountNot sure what flavors he likes? A gift voucher lets him choose for himself. Can be sent digitally immediately.
OrderThe Rub Kitchen prepares fresh to order. Order by Wednesday, June 17, at the latest for guaranteed delivery before Father's Day on June 21. Free shipping via DHL within the Netherlands.
Tips for an unforgettable day
Cold beer or lemonade
Chill drinks the night before. A good cold pilsner pairs well with Memphis BBQ. A Korean rice beer or ginger ale with Korean.
A playlist
Each rub has its own vibe. Jamaican reggae with Jerk, Korean pop with Korean rub. Or simply his favorite music.
Photo of the bark
A perfect bark is a work of art. Take a photo before slicing and share it on Instagram with #therubkitchen.
Grilled dessert
Grilled pineapple or peach with a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Ready in 5 minutes while the BBQ is still hot.
Make it an unforgettable day
Order by Wednesday, June 17, for guaranteed delivery. Freshly blended to order, free shipping via DHL.
Starter Pack · €26.95 View all rubs