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