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What’s the Best Meat for a BBQ?

 

The Team

by The Team

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Best Meat for a BBQ

If you’re new to the BBQ game and looking to get in on the outdoor cooking bandwagon, knowing the best steak or pork cut to throw on the grill is a must. To help you elevate your grilling skills and impress your guests at the next BBQ, we’ve put together a crash course in some of the most popular types of meat cuts as well as some tasty recipes. Let’s get stuck in!

Beef

Each cut offers a unique blend of flavours and textures that tantalise the taste buds and—if prepared correctly—leave a lasting impression. But remember, the cut is only as good as the quality of the beef it comes from. No matter what you choose, you should always check the following:

Beef popular meats for BBQ

Beef is one of the most popular meats for BBQs—and for a good reason. It’s flavourful, juicy, and can be cooked perfectly on a well-prepared grill. When choosing beef for your BBQ, the key is to select the right cut. Here are some of the best beef cuts for grilling:

Ribeye

Renowned for its exquisite marbling and robust flavour, the ribeye cut stands as a prime choice for grilling enthusiasts and is often considered the best meat for BBQ. Tender and succulent, this steak promises a delectable culinary experience.

Strip steak

Often referred to as the New York strip steak, this leaner cut retains a burst of flavour while offering a more budget-friendly option compared to the ribeye. Savour a satisfying meal without compromising on taste.

Filet mignon

The filet mignon represents the pinnacle of tenderness and leanness among beef cuts. While it may carry a higher price tag, this luxurious cut is perfectly suited for special occasions or indulgent treats.

T Bone

Hailing from the cow’s short loin, the T-bone steak is distinguished by its signature T-shaped bone, adorned with meat on both sides—tenderloin on one and strip steak on the other. Celebrated for its rich flavour and tender texture, this versatile cut is a popular selection for grilling enthusiasts.

Beef Ribs

Sourced from the cow’s rib section, beef ribs are a hearty and flavoursome cut available as either short or back ribs, depending on their point of origin. Boasting a rich, beefy taste, the beef rib lends itself to an array of cooking methods, including grilling, smoking, and braising.

Beef grilling tips

Whether you’re dealing with flank steak or a traditional T-bone, when grilling beef, make sure to season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. And don’t be afraid to use a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Slow cooking beef when barbecuing will give the best flavour especially if you do this for beef brisket.

Ribeye steak recipe

Ingredients

  • 1-2 boneless ribeye steaks
  • salt and pepper
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to high heat.
  2. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the steak and use your hands to rub it into the meat.
  4. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness.
  5. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pork

Pork meat for BBQs

Pork stands as a highly favoured meat for BBQs, and it’s no surprise why. It boasts versatility, a rich flavour profile, and adapts beautifully to diverse cooking methods. When selecting pork for your BBQ, the secret lies in choosing the ideal cut. Here are some of the best pork cuts for grilling:

Pork chops

Lean and amenable to swift cooking, pork chops are an excellent choice for grilling. To elevate their flavour, ensure the chops are seasoned generously before hitting the grill.

Pork tenderloin

As a remarkably tender cut, pork tenderloin grills to perfection. Its lean composition renders it a healthier alternative to some of the more indulgent cuts, without sacrificing taste.

Spare ribs

The quintessential BBQ pork ribs, spare ribs are beloved by many. While they require a more extended cooking time, the end result is well worth the wait. Enhance their flavour by seasoning them thoroughly and basting with BBQ sauce throughout the cooking process.

Pork Shoulder

Also referred to as pork butt, the pork shoulder cut is derived from the upper region of the pig’s front shoulder. Characterised by its high fat and connective tissue content, this relatively affordable cut is ideal for slow cooking. Grill or smoke the pork shoulder for several hours to achieve tender, effortlessly shreddable meat.

Pork grilling tips

To guarantee safety and optimal taste, use a meat thermometer to confirm that the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 63°C.

Pulled Pork

Ingredients

  • 5-pound pork shoulder
  • tablespoon salt
  • tablespoon brown sugar
  • tablespoon paprika
  • tablespoon chilli powder
  • teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 170-230°C.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, brown sugar, paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
  4. Place the pork shoulder on the grill or smoker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 90-93°C.
  5. Remove the pork shoulder from the grill or smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Use two forks to shred the pork into small pieces.
  7. Serve the pulled pork with BBQ sauce and your favourite sides.

Chicken

Chicken is an excellent option for a BBQ

Chicken is an excellent option for a BBQ because it’s lean, healthy and can be cooked in a number of delicious ways. Here are some of the best chicken cuts for grilling:

Chicken breasts

A lean cut ideal for grilling, chicken breasts benefit from marination prior to cooking. This not only infuses the chicken breast with flavour but also helps to retain its succulence during the grilling process.

Chicken thighs

With a higher fat content than chicken breasts, thighs offer a juicier and more flavoursome alternative. Additionally, their tolerance for a wider range of cooking times renders them an excellent choice for novice grillers.

Chicken wings

A fan favourite, grilled chicken wings are always a crowd-pleaser. To ensure a delectable outcome, season them thoroughly before cooking and baste with BBQ sauce as they sizzle on the grill.

Chicken grilling tips

When grilling chicken, it’s important to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

Grilled Chicken Thigh

Ingredients

  • 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • salt and pepper
  • olive oil
  • BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Season the thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and use your hands to rub it into the meat.
  4. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 74°F.
  5. Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs during the last few minutes of cooking.
  6. Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Lamb

Chicken is an excellent option for a BBQ

While lamb is perhaps a less common meat for BBQs it is delicious and flavorful nonetheless. Here are some of the best lamb cuts for grilling:

Lamb chops

Tender and ideally sized for grilling, lamb chops boast a rich, subtly gamey flavour that harmonises beautifully with a range of seasonings. Savour a delicious meal that effortlessly transcends the ordinary.

Leg of lamb

A larger and more time-consuming cut to cook compared to lamb chops, the leg of lamb is fitting for a special occasion. Marinate the lamb in advance to infuse flavour and ensure its succulence throughout the grilling process.

Lamb burgers

For a unique twist, consider grilling lamb burgers. Bursting with juiciness and flavour, these patties can be tailored to your preferences with a variety of toppings and accompaniments.

Lamb Cutlets

Derived from the rib section of the lamb, lamb cutlets are individual chops that deliver tenderness and a delectable taste. Perfect for grilling, these cutlets can be seasoned with an array of herbs and spices and cooked to your desired level of doneness, offering a personalised culinary experience.

Lamb grilling tips

When grilling lamb, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature. Lamb should be cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C for medium-rare or 72°C for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Minted Lamb Chops

Ingredients

  • 8 lamb chops/li>
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine the chopped mint, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  2. Place the lamb chops in a large baking dish and pour the mint marinade. Turn the lamb chops to coat them well with the marinade.
  3. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  4. Preheat your grill to high heat
  5. Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
  6. Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness.
  7. Let the lamb chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

All Meat is the Best!

All Meat is the Best

At the end of the day, the ideal meat choice for a BBQ hinges on personal preferences and the nature of the occasion. Beef, pork, chicken and lamb each offer a variety of cuts to suit diverse tastes. So, ignite the grill, seize your preferred cut of meat and indulge in a scrumptious meal!

Get your fresh meat from Manettas Seafood Market! We have all the meat that you need for your next BBQ.

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