10 Must-Try BBQ Recipes You'll Love!

1. Classic BBQ Pulled Pork

A low-and-slow favorite, this recipe results in tender, flavorful meat perfect for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt), 6-8 lbs
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry spices together to create a rub. Generously coat the pork shoulder with the rub.
2. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). Place the pork shoulder on the grill and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
3. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 30 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce, mixing well. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

 

2. Smoky BBQ Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone ribs that are both sweet and smoky.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of St. Louis or baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• BBQ sauce for basting

Instructions:

1. Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. Mix the dry spices to create a rub and apply it generously to both sides of the ribs.
3. Preheat your grill to 250°F (120°C). Cook the ribs using indirect heat for 2-3 hours.
4. Wrap the ribs in foil with a little apple juice or cider vinegar and continue to cook for another 1-2 hours until tender.
5. Unwrap the ribs, baste with BBQ sauce, and grill for a final 15 minutes to set the sauce.

3. Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

The king of BBQ, this brisket is simple in its ingredients but requires patience and skill.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole beef brisket (10-12 lbs)
• Coarse salt
• Coarse black pepper

Instructions:

1. Trim the excess fat from the brisket, leaving about a 1/4-inch fat cap.
2. Mix equal parts salt and pepper to create a rub. Generously apply the rub to all sides of the brisket.
3. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the brisket fat-side up on the grill.
4. Smoke for 6-8 hours, or until a dark "bark" forms. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C).
5. Remove from the smoker and let it rest for at least one hour before slicing against the grain.

4. Grilled Chicken Wings

Crispy skin with a juicy interior, perfect for any BBQ gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and crispy.
4. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the wings with BBQ sauce and let it caramelize.

5. BBQ Chicken Skewers

Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, these skewers are a great way to serve chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread the chicken, onion, and bell pepper chunks onto skewers.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Grill the skewers for 15-20 minutes, turning and basting with BBQ sauce every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

 Grilled Steak

A simple but delicious classic, best with a good cut of meat.

Ingredients:

• 2 large ribeye or New York strip steaks, 1.5 inches thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Coarse salt
• Coarse black pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat the steaks dry and brush with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Preheat your grill to high heat.
3. Grill the steaks for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness.
4. Let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

7. Grilled Corn on the Cob

A simple side that goes with everything.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husks and silk removed
• Melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place the corn directly on the grill grates.
3. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are tender and lightly charred.
4. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.

8. BBQ Salmon

A healthy and flavorful option, with a sweet and tangy glaze.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and honey to create a glaze.
2. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes, then flip.
5. Brush the top with the BBQ glaze and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

9. Grilled Burgers

The quintessential backyard BBQ food.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 ratio is best)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns and your favorite toppings

Instructions:

1. Gently mix the ground beef with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing.
2. Form the mixture into 4-6 patties, about 1 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
5. Toast the buns on the grill for a minute, then assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings.

10. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

A delicious vegetarian alternative to pulled pork.

Ingredients:

• 2 (20 oz) cans of young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Burger buns

Instructions:

1. Shred the drained jackfruit with your fingers, discarding the core and seeds.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic powder and smoked paprika and cook for one minute.
3. Add the shredded jackfruit and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the jackfruit is soft and tender.
5. Serve the BBQ jackfruit on buns with coleslaw, just like pulled pork.