BBQ is a centuries old cooking tradition that is eaten throughout the world. Without the need for special cooking equipment, BBQ is something that is enjoyed by cultures across the world. Many are familiar with a few types of BBQ but there are traditions across most of the world. These vary in meats and preparation but all focus on wood or charcoal to create that one of a kind flavour you only get by cooking on flame. They are something you should add to your bucket list to try abroad, or perhaps you can give them a go at home! Either way, these are the 11 world BBQ styles you need to try.
1. Argentine Asado
Asado is popular throughout South America but one of the best must be the Argentine Asado. Expect large portions of beef steak, pork and beef sausages that are commonly served with chimichurri, a condiment of herbs, garlic, vinegar, oil and garlic. You can expect to see all kinds of cuts and it is recommended that you go with an empty stomach so you can try as many as you can. This is a must to add to your list of world BBQ styles.
If you’re looking to have a feast at home, here is where to start: https://therealargentina.com/en/step-by-step-guide-to-the-perfect-argentine-asado/
2. Babi Guling from Bali
Cooking a whole pig over fire is something that is done across the world from the Hawaiian Kalu pig to Cuban Lechon, Asado and the Lechon in the Philippines. While all are great, Babi gulling is hard to beat. A suckling pig is smoothed in a spice mix, stuffed with another mix of spices, lemongrass, garlic, shrimp paste and other secret ingredients. It is then slow cooked over the flame to give it shard-like covering up crackling that encases moist, marvellous meat. Anthony Boudain was a great fan of pork and he proclaimed this dish one of his favourites.
Along with the meat, it is normally served with rice, a mix of vegetables, a spicy sambal condiment and sometimes sides such as blood sausage, satay skewers or cassava chips.
You’ll need to head to Bali if you want to try the real Babi Guling. However, you can make a fairly good alternative here: https://cookeatshare.com/recipes/balinese-bbq-pork-roast-babi-guling-81003
3. Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is a great communal activity. The more people you have, the more meats and side dishes you will get to try, so it’s great to do in a group. Korean BBQs are often done in restaurants in Korea and abroad but are also done in Korean homes.
Korean BBQ generally involves a grill in the middle of your group. You select your particular meats, with must-try choices including pork belly and short rib. These are cooking on the grill to your liking and shared between the group. Each place has its own specially Banchan (side dishes). All are delicious and are designed to complement the meat. Popular side dishes include Kimchee (fermented cabbage), pickles or a range of stir-fried or steamed vegetables. Was this done with a glass or two of soju (rice wine) and you’ll feel the true Seoul of Korean BBQ!
If you haven’t been before, it’s worth going along to a Korean BBQ (Ideally in Korea!). If you have, or if you’d prefer to try it home, here is a great guide: https://iamafoodblog.com/korean-bbq/
4. BBQ from the USA
Ask anyone from the USA, particularly the south what BBQ is and they will give you a fairly strong view of their interpretation of BBQ. A whole article or book could be written on the various BBQ regions and traditions and their differences but BBQ in the USA generally refers to a technique of cooking meat over a fire, often as a pit BBQ. They all agree that wood smoke and meat is required, however, some BBQ traditions will use a dry rub of spices and other a sauce, often as a type of BBQ sauce.
BBQ in the south is more than a meal but a subculture that many take pride in and it is not uncommon for the best BBQ joints to have lines with wait times of hours. Pork is the most common meat, followed by beef. Be sure to try beef brisket or pulled Pork (arguably the best pork is from a whole hog with crackling included!)
If you’re lucky enough to own a smoker, this is a great recipe: https://amazingribs.com/tested-recipes/pork-recipes/perfect-pulled-pork-recipe/
Otherwise, this slow cooker Pulled Pork is the next best thing: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/slow-cooker-barbecued-pulled-pork
5. South African Braai
For South Africans, Braai is an event, not just a meal and often involves family or friends getting together. Braai is the Africans word for BBQ and it is clear like many BBQs that meat is the star. Unlike some BBQs Braai is often varied with meats such as Borewars (farmers sausage), marinated chicken, pork, lamb and beef. You can expect sides such as Pap, a type of maize porridge, charred corn or roosterkoek (a bread cooked on the grill). Drinking at a Braai is encouraged and South Africans do not need an excuse to Braai!
While Sausages are very popular, these skewers are a popular feature and are great to try: https://www.carolinescooking.com/sosaties-south-african-lamb-kebabs/
6. Japanese Yakatori
Japanese Yakatori is chicken skewers that are seasoned or marinated and then cooked over charcoal grills. Just because the skewers are made from chicken, does not mean that there is a lack of variety. Over 20 different combinations are ranging from chicken thigh to live, chicken meatballs as well as crispy chicken skin. They can be seasoned either with salt or the sweet and savoury yakitori sauce, which has similarities to teriyaki sauce but a greater depth of flavour. If you’re in Japan, you can try these at an izakaya (an informal bar).
Expect a night with locals and plenty of drinks!
These are also easy ones to make at home to up your BBQ game. Give it a go here: https://www.wandercooks.com/yakitori-chicken-skewers/
7. Jerk
No, I’m not calling you a jerk! Jerk is a term for the Jamaican method of cooking, as well as the spice rub/marinade used. Meat is covered in a spice rub or wet marinade and is traditionally slow-cooked over fire. The spice mix itself contains a flavoursome mix of ingredients like the fiery scotch bonnet peppers, allspice and thyme. These are traditionally smoked over pimento wood, adding to the flavour of the meat and making it one of the top world BBQ styles.
If you’re looking to learn more about Jerk or to try and make it yourself, be sure to check out this article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/brief-history-jamaican-jerk-180976597/
Australian BBQ
When people from outside of Australia think of BBQ, the phrase “throw another shrimp on the barbie” may come to mind. As famous as the saying is, shrimp is not something that is commonly cooked at Australian BBQs. Typically, Australian BBQs are a social event where food is cooked upon a grill. Typically beef steak is served alongside beef or pork sausages and sometimes marinated chicken. Other meats and seafood do make an appearance along with vegetarian options and side salads. Australian BBQs are relaxed and may also include a game of backyard cricket and course some ice-cold beers or wine. In beach areas and parks, you can often find free public gas/electric BBQs to enjoy (just make sure you clean it after use!)
If you’re in Australia, you can use this website to find your nearest free public BBQ: https://www.meatinapark.com.au
9. Brazilian Churrasco
You can’t have a list of the 11 world BBQ styles you need to try without a mention of Brazilian BBQ, or Brazilian Churrasco. If you have never been to a Brazilian Churrasco, then I recommend not eating before. Generally, meat is served tableside on skewers and is sliced for you. You can usually pick from a range of different cuts and preparations, typically as all you can eat. These are generally served with yucca flour for sprinkling on the top, along with condiments such as Molho Campanha (a flavoursome salsa-like mix of tomatoes, onions and peppers).
No BBQ in Brazil would be complete without Picanha. You can make this one at home with a few simple tips: https://braziliankitchenabroad.com/picanha-brazilian-culotte-steaks/
10. Turkish BBQ
Like many other food cultures, A Turkish BBQ or Mangal brings people together in a celebration of food, family and friends. A Turkish BBQ will often contain Kebab or perhaps even Kofta. These are often served with a fresh salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and parsley topped off with lemon and olive oil.
If you’re looking for a dish that will impress on your next BBQ, try this one! https://vidarbergum.com/recipe/turkish-lamb-shish-kebab-from-gaziantep/
11. Germany
There is a special energy throughout Europe when the weather starts to warm up. People flock outside to courtyards and squares to soak up the sunshine, drink and eat. In Germany, people also head outdoors for Grillen, the German word for BBQ. German BBQs almost always include an array of German sausages such as Bratwurst, Kransky or Knackwurst. These are often served with potato salad and some good German beer. Check out some other sides and German dishes for a feast here: https://atasteofabroad.com/the-16-best-german-foods-you-must-try/
A good German Potato Salad is one of the best sides you can have for any BBQ. Learn how to make it here: https://www.daringgourmet.com/restaurant-style-schwabischer-kartoffelsalat-swabian-potato-salad/
Summary of world BBQ styles
As seen above, the ingredients of BBQ and preparation of meats can differ greatly between regional areas. However, there is a commonality in how it is cooked (either grilled or cooked low and slow). Perhaps most importantly, all BBQ styles share an almost ritualistic sense of community and sharing. A ceremony that brings people together around a flame to enjoy delicious food and the best of company.
What are some of the essential elements for you when you have a BBQ? Let me know in the comments below!
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