Barbecue and Grilling
Few things are more reminiscent of summer than the smell of meat on a grill. Americans in particular have an appreciation of the rich flavors of food cooked over a flame. The sites below outline the tradition of barbecue in the United States, which dates back to the Civil War. Learn about BBQ distinctions by region, how to select and set up a grill, and how to choose the best cut of meat. Finally, we’ll show you a whole mess of recipes for BBQ rubs and sauces.
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Get ready for the really juicy part of barbecuing: marinating the meat. The following resources offer various barbecue dishes, as well as sites dedicated to sauces and rubs.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Like other culinary delights, BBQ sauce differs from region to region. For a look at sauces characteristic of different parts of the U.S., have a glance at this quick guide to BBQ sauces, presented by All BBQ.
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For all-inclusive BBQ recipes…
“Barbecue University”
with Steven Raichlen is a TV show dedicated to barbecue. The show’s Web site includes a list of recipes featured on the program. Recipes are divided into type of meat, although there are also BBQ and grill recipes for vegetables and desserts. Scroll down for a section called “Sauces & Rubs.”
Barbecue America
is another barbecue show, hosted by Rick Browne. Recipes on this site range from classic BBQ favorites to more exotic dishes, like Mojo Pork Butt in a Bag and Grilled Banana Splits.
For BBQ Sauces…
The Ugly Brothers
sure do have an ugly Web site, but they have a lot of barbecue knowledge to make up for it. Browse the selection of BBQ sauce recipes to get started. Don’t miss the rest of what the Ugly Brothers have to offer: visit the Recipes section to find recipes for all kinds of meat and barbecue styles, or have a look at Grillosophy for essential grilling advice and techniques.
For BBQ rubs…
BBQ Recipe Secrets
has recipes for a few basic rubs, including an “All Purpose BBQ Rub,” a “Caribbean Jerk Rub” and more. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for other barbecue and grilling resources, including regional recipes and advice for maintaining your grill.
Grilling and Barbecuing Techniques
Cooking over open heat is one of the most straightforward methods of preparing food. But great grilling and perfectly marinated BBQ require attention to detail. The sites below outline some essential tips and techniques for proper grilling and barbecuing.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For more tips on barbecuing at home, try “Backyard BBQ: The Art of Smokology” by Richard W. McPeake.
- If you’re using this Web guide to prepare for a shindig, browse our Hosting a Party Web Guide for entertaining advice and ideas.
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For grilling basics…
The Reluctant Gourmet
is a site for people interested in cooking, but who may not have a lot of confidence in the kitchen. The “Grilling Technique” section offers straightforward explanations of grilling basics, such as knowing the hot spots on your grill, creating a proper marinade, cooking times for different cuts of meat and necessary cooking tools.
The Barbecue Bible Website
outlines “The Five Methods of Live Fire Cooking.” This article explains the distinctions and techniques behind direct grilling, indirect grilling, smoking, spit-roasting and roasting in the embers.
For BBQ techniques…
The BBQ Pit Boy’s Barbecue Web
offers barbecue video tutorials by “the World's Top Grill and Pit Masters.” You’ll find recipes for all types of meat, rubs, marinades and sauces. Watching these chefs prepare their steak, ribs, pork or seafood is the next best way to learn BBQ techniques, second only to firing up the grill yourself.
Choosing Meat to Grill or Barbecue
Make the most of your grill by making the most of your meat. These sites can help you determine which cut is best for your needs: find out how to identify the most select cuts of beef or pork, and what to ask for at the butcher’s counter.
Dulcinea's Insight
- You don’t have to buy the most expensive cut of meat for best results. Many of the more economical cuts can be tenderized and marinated to maximize flavor. This is especially true if you plan on marinating your meat in heavy BBQ sauce and cooking it for a long time.
- This section focuses on selecting beef and pork. If you want advice on picking other ingredients, ask the manager of that section of the grocery store for assistance. For example, a fishmonger can point out the best catch of the day, while someone in the produce aisle can tell you what veggies are in season.
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For selecting beef…
Barbecue’n On The Internet
has a complete rundown of what to look for when selecting beef. You’ll also find explanations of the different cuts of meat, like rib, t-bone and club. This site has a lot to offer on other aspects of barbecuing and grilling: browse the content for information on BBQ techniques, grill types, recipes and more.
For selecting pork…
Farmer John
is a pork product company that offers tips on choosing a cut of pork with an eye toward grilling and smoking. Learn how to choose the right ribs (such as pork back ribs, spareribs and country-style ribs) and find grilling tips for pork chops and pork roast.
Grills and Tools
These days, most people barbecue on charcoal, gas or electric grills and smokers. Unless you plan on cooking with a pit or spit, you’re likely to use one of these conventional grills. The following sites show you how to select and procure the best grill for your needs, whether you want to heat some steaks over an open flame, or slowly smoke pulled pork.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Before you splurge on a grill via the Web, visit an actual store to compare grill styles and sizes. You may be surprised by how different grills look in person. Talking face-to-face with a retailer can also help you narrow down the options.
- Keep an eye out for department store sales: annual and semi-annual catalogs often feature a broad selection of grills and grill tools, even if the store isn’t known for its grilling accessories.
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For help choosing a grill…
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
is a great resource for basic grilling information. Visit Choosing the Right Grill for help determining what kind of grill will work best for you. Go to Knowing Your Fuels to learn about gas, charcoal and pellet grills. This site also offers detailed safety information for various grills, cleanup and maintenance tips, and some interesting grilling facts and stats.
Weber
is one of the best-known grill makers on the market. Use the Buyer’s Guide to learn what to look for in both charcoal and gas grills. The information is comprehensive and helpful, no matter what brand of grill you plan to buy.
For grill retailers…
BBQ.com
lets you shop by grill brand and includes grills by nearly 40 companies. You’ll also find BBQ Accessories, BBQ Smokers and Grill Repair Parts. This exhaustive resource is a good place to browse many of the available grills and grill tools on the market.
Chef’s Resource
is geared toward the serious home griller and offers a wide selection of outdoor accessories, including grills and grill tools. This is a good place to find knives, tenderizers and other tools to for meat prep. The site’s “Outdoor Living” section has accessories designed for use outside, and includes a selection of grills and smokers.
For grill care and maintenance…
Kalamazoo
is a grill company that offers advice on grill maintenance. Although the information is intended for owners of Kalamazoo gas grills, anyone with a stainless steel grill can benefit from the tips provided. Learn how to care for your grill immediately after use, and get advice on long-term maintenance.
Better Homes and Gardens Australia
offers seven grill maintenance and cleanup tips.
History and Types of Barbecue
Before you assume barbecue means squirting red sauce out of a bottle and onto a rack of ribs, have a look at these resources detailing BBQ’s history in America. The modern culture of barbecue evolved from the Southern preference for pork; in the 19th century, barbecue was the main attraction at church picnics and at rallies for eager politicians who courted voters by roasting meat in a pit.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Although this Web guide covers both barbecue and grilling, the two are not necessarily synonymous. You’ll find overlapping discussions on tools, cuts of meat and cooking techniques, but a rough distinction is that barbecue is a means of preparing meat, while grilling is primarily a cooking method.
- For a look at barbecue and grilling styles across America, try “BBQ USA: 425 Fiery Recipes from All Across America,” by Steven Raichlen. The book offers recipes, photos and grilling instructions collected from Raichlen’s quest to discover the nuances of barbecue styles around the United States.
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The University of Virginia
Department of American Studies hosts a guide to BBQ by graduate student Laura Dove. Start with The History of Barbecue in the South for a history of BBQ culture in the American South. Barbecue By Region covers the varieties of BBQ available in various areas of the American southeast, from North Carolina to Louisiana.
The South Carolina Barbeque Association
president wrote “A Very Brief History of the Four Types of Barbeque Found In the USA.” The article explains that the four styles of BBQ across the U.S. can essentially be broken down into the types of sauce used: “in order of historical emergence … Vinegar and Pepper, Mustard, Light Tomato and Heavy Tomato.” The article then explores the emergence of each type of sauce and the region where it can be found.
© 2008 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
