30 Types of BBQ: A Delicious Guide to Barbecue Styles
30 Types of BBQ: A Delicious Guide to Barbecue Styles
Barbecue is one of those foods the global population relishes in different ways. From the Texan briskets to the Indian tandoori chicken, there is a whole world of taste to be explored.
Are you feeling adventurous today and want to try something other than your usual BBQ? You have come to the right place. We have compiled a detailed guide on the most delicious types of BBQ styles worldwide. With centuries of experience behind them, they help you elevate the taste of your meat with the right marination, side dishes, and sauces.
Read on and experience a wide variety of BBQ tastes you might not have seen before.
What is Barbecue, aka BBQ?
Before we discuss the best types of BBQ meat, it is essential to understand what BBQ is.
There is a misconception that anything cooked on an open flame is BBQ, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Technically, barbecue means roasting something over charcoal or burning wood at low temperatures for an extended period. This slow roasting makes even the hardest meats tender and juicy.
The Best Types of BBQ Around the World
Today, BBQ is so popular in the US that 68% of people do not even need a special occasion to grill some meat. With this much interest in BBQ, it is exciting to see what the world can offer these enthusiasts.
So, let’s discuss some of the most delicious BBQ tastes globally (including some local ones that are loved worldwide), which will surely make you lick your fingers.
1. Texas Style BBQ
Taste: Smoky and savory
Image Title: Texas-Style-BBQ
Alt Text: Texas-style BBQ
Texas is the king among various types of BBQ in the United States. This slow-cooked smoked meat is a delight for any meat or BBQ enthusiast. The cooking method includes using charcoal or wood in an open pit to cook pork ribs, beef brisket, and sausages seasoned with a dry rub of various spices, such as garlic powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and chili powder.
2. Braai (South Africa)
Taste: Rich and smoky
Image Title: Texas-Style-BBQ
Alt Text: Texas-style BBQ
Braai is a traditional South African BBQ cuisine loved by every culture and ethnicity in the country despite its turbulent past. It is cooked even slower than American BBQ over hard, local wood called Kameeldoring wood. This wood gives Braai a distinct flavor you are unlikely to taste in a typical American BBQ.
3. Jerk (Jamaica)
Taste: Sweet, fruity, and smoky
Image Title: Jerk-BBQ-Jamaica
Alt Text: Jerk BBQ Jamaica
Jerk is a sweet, juicy, and smoky delight from Jamaica that will surely set your taste buds on fire (in a good way, of course). The chicken is marinated overnight and grilled over a medium-hot fire for 35–40 minutes until it browns.
4. Chuanr (China)
Taste: crispy, spicy, and fatty
Image Title: Chuanr-BBQ-China
Alt Text: Chuanr BBQ China
Chuanr is a Xinjiang-based street food popularized throughout China by Uyghur Muslims. To make Chuanr, skewer meat is seasoned with cumin and chili powder. The most authentic Chuanr is made with lamb meat, but you can also use chicken, beef, and pork.
5. Char Siu (Hong Kong)
Taste: Sweet, juicy, and sour
Image Title: Char-Siu-BBQ-Hong-Kong
Alt Text: Char Siu BBQ Hong Kong
Char Siu is the heart of Hong Kong cuisine and can be found on any busy street in the country. It is marinated with a delicious combination of honey, soy sauce, hoisin, and Chinese Five Spices. Although younger generations have been enjoying it with carbonated drinks, its traditional taste comes from serving it with rice.
6. Bulgogi (South Korea)
Taste: Salty and sweet
Image Title: Bulgogi-BBQ-South-Korea
Alt Text: Bulgogi BBQ, South Korea
Bulgogi is a quintessential South Korean BBQ delight made from thinly sliced meat and a marination of sesame oil, garlic onion, honey, onion, and pear or apple. Usually, the meat is marinated overnight and grilled or stir-fried the next day with scallions, sliced onions, and/or mushrooms.
7. Yakiniku (Japan)
Taste: Umami and mild sweet
Image Title: Yakiniku-BBQ-Japan
Alt Text: Yakiniku BBQ Japan
Yakiniku is a traditional Japanese BBQ dish popularized by Korean immigrants in Tokyo and Osaka around 1945. It is one of those types of BBQ that use bite-sized pieces that are usually cooked without marination and dipped in lemon juice, Japanese BBQ sauce, or simply salted.
8. Satay (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand)
Taste: Tangy and peanutty
Image Title: Satay-BBQ-Southeast-Asia
Alt Text: Satay BBQ Southeast Asia
Satay is a popular Southeast Asian BBQ dish with marinated meat or fish skewered or grilled. Other meats like pork, lamb, and chicken can also be used. Once prepared, it is served with a special peanut sauce.
9. Lechon (Puerto Rico, Philippines, Cuba, Spain)
Taste: Crispy, aromatic, and salty
Image Title: Lechon-BBQ
Alt Text: Lechon BBQ
Those who love to try different types of BBQ should check Lechon, a spit-roasted over coal using a whole suckling pig. It is flavored with oils and spices and served on special occasions like birthday parties and Christmas dinners. What sets Lechon apart from other pig-roasted BBQs is its crunchy and shiny skin that stays like that for several hours if the ‘lechoneros’ (the Lechon master) does a good job.
10. Khorkhog (Mongolia)
Taste: Smoky
Image Title: Khorkhog-BBQ-Mongolia
Alt Text: Khorkhog BBQ Mongolia
Khorkhog is a Mongolian BBQ dish made with mutton or lamb meat cooked on a stove with stones. The container is heated outside until the meat is tender and cooked. The right way is to heat the stones for over an hour before putting them in the container, but most people just put them alongside the meat and everything at once.
11. Tandoori Chicken (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
Taste: Spicy and smoky
Image Title: Tandoori-Chicken
Alt Text: Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is one of the most beloved spicy dishes in the Indian subcontinent. Marinated in yogurt or butter, the generous doze of spices gives it a distinct red color after roasting it in a tandoor. People love to eat it with different types of BBQ sauce and chutneys, and some squeeze a lemon on it.
12. Souvlaki (Mediterranean)
Taste: Juicy and smoky
Image Title: Souvlaki-BBQ-Mediterranean
Alt Text: Souvlaki BBQ Mediterranean
Souvlaki (Soov-la-kee) is a traditional Greek dish that has existed since the 17th century BCE. It consists of small pieces of pork, beef, or lamb grilled or skewed over a spit.
A special Mediterranean marination made of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and other spices gives Souvlaki its unique flavor.
13. Shashlik (Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus)
Taste: Sweet and sour
Image Title: Shashlik-BBQ
Alt Text: Shashlik BBQ
Shashlik is a meat and vegetable delicacy popular in Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. A simple Shahslik recipe uses meat on skewers, but you can also add veggies. It is among the types of BBQ that the longer you marinate the meat, the better it tastes. People usually marinate it overnight for 10–12 hours.
14. Kebab (Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, South Asia)
Taste: Greasy and chewy
Image Title: Kebab-BBQ-Middle-East
Alt Text: Kebab BBQ Middle East
Kebab is a Middle Eastern dish popular worldwide, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Meat or fish is first marinated with special masalas and grilled over coal or fire until the oils ooze out. Today, there are several varieties named shish, doner, and kofta, and they are often served with chutneys and sauces.
15. Carne Asada (Mexico)
Taste: Buttery, juicy, and rich
Image Title: Carne-Asada-Mexico
Alt Text: Carne Asada Mexico
Carne Asada (literal translation: roasted or grilled meat) is a grilled beef cuisine popular in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Mexican spices like jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt marinate the beef. Afterward, it is seared or grilled to give it a distinct charred flavor and sliced across the grain to make it more tender.
16. Asado (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay)
Taste: Smoky and salty
Image Title: Carne-Asada-Mexico
Alt Text: Carne Asada Mexico
Asado is a traditional Argentinian BBQ dish popular in Paraguay and Uruguay. It is cooked over a wood fire, and the final taste depends on the kind of wood you use. Once prepared, it is served with a special sauce called chimichurri, made from garlic, oregano, parsley, chilis, pepper flakes, salt, and vinegar.
17. Churrasco (Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Nicaragua)
Taste: Zesty and smoky
Image Title: Churrasco-BBQ
Alt Text: Churrasco BBQ
One can call Churrasco a Brazilian love affair, given how popular it is within the country and outside its borders. It is prepared using large cuts of meat skewered with slow rotations on open flames. Since it is prepared using only salt and flame, the final taste depends upon the kind of meat you use.
18. Turkish Style BBQ
Taste: Smoky and flavorful
Image Title: Turkish-BBQ
Alt Text: Turkish BBQ
The Turkish often refer to BBQ as kebab, and they have more variations of kebabs than one might think. Since they use halal meat, lamb, beef, and chicken are the most popular options. The meat is usually marinated with lemon juice, spices, and olive oil and slowly cooked over low or medium heat until it is juicy and tender.
19. German Style BBQ
Taste: Rich and tangy
Image Title: German-BBQ
Alt Text: German BBQ
The German-style BBQ involves roasting or grilling sausages and pork/beef over charcoal. In the most authentic German style, the meat is marinated with good old beer, garlic, and onion before roasting it over gentle flames. Once cooked, it is served with sauerkraut, potatoes, kraut salad, Spätzlesalat, and more.
20. Israel Al Haesh Style BBQ
Taste: Spicy and rich
Image Title: Al-Haesh-BBQ-Israel
Alt Text: Al Haesh BBQ, Israel
Al Haesh is a traditional Israeli BBQ cooked over open flames or a charcoal grill. The meat is usually lamb, beef, fish, or chicken, and vegetables like onions are cooked for added flavor. Several spices like paprika, turmeric, and cumin are added thanks to Middle Eastern influences.
21. Taiwanese Style BBQ
Taste: Savory and umami-rich
Image Title: Taiwanese-BBQ
Alt Text: Taiwanese BBQ
Taiwanese-style BBQ is unique because it uses pork belly for a distinct aroma and flavor. It is marinated with a special sugar sauce, rice wine, garlic, and garlic, and intense heat is used for deep cooking. This style of BBQ is cooked over hot coals or a gas grill and served inside steamed buns, also known as “gua bao.”
22. Australian Style BBQ
Taste: Char-grilled flavor
Image Title: Australian-BBQ
Alt Text: Australian BBQ
Australians call their BBQ Barbie, which makes more sense in the wake of a super hit movie. Seafood, steaks, sausages, and chicken are the most popular cuts in the country, often prepared outdoors over open flames at a party setup. Aussies use a whole assortment of sauces and marination for their BBQ and serve it with coleslaw, beetroot, and potato salad.
23. Lebanese Style BBQ (Shish Tawook)
Taste: Sweet and spicy
Image Title: Lebanese-BBQ
Alt Text: Lebanese BBQ
Lebanese cuisine usually lacks meat, making their BBQ even more prominent. It has all the popular halal meats like lamb, beef, and chicken prepared with halloumi cheese and vegetables. Lebanese BBQ is marinated with a healthy dose of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and occasionally lemon juice. Sauce enthusiasts love having it with tahini and tzatziki.
24. Vietnamese Style BBQ
Taste: Tangy, smoky, and sweet
Image Title: Vietnamese-BBQ
Alt Text: Vietnamese BBQ
Pork is Vietnam's most popular BBQ meat, often served with traditional rice paper wraps, lettuce, herbs, and pickled veggies. Vietnamese love having bold BBQ flavors prepared using fresh ingredients. Their BBQ has a smoky and hard-hitting flavor, including seafood, innovative marination, and open-flame cooking.
25. Hawaiian Style BBQ
Taste: Tropical, sweet, and sour
Image Title: Hawaiian-BBQ
Alt Text: Hawaiian BBQ
Hawaiians also love pigs, so Kalua pork is their favorite meat. They use an underground oven (imu) to cook the pig on slow flames, then shred it into small pieces or serve in large pieces. Chili pepper water, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce give the tasty final touch.
26. Fiji BBQ (Lovo)
Taste: Spicy
Image Title: Fiji-BBQ
Alt Text: Fiji BBQ
If you want to enjoy laid-back types of BBQ style, Fiji is the place to visit. They prepare their BBQ in an earthen oven called Lovo, with super hot stones at the bottom to heat the meat slowly. The meat is packed inside banana leaves with other ingredients like taro root, seafood, and vegetables and heated for 2–3 hours for the best taste.
27. Samoa BBQ (Umu)
Taste: Strong and spicy
Image Title: Samoan-BBQ
Alt Text: Samoan BBQ
Umu is usually made from fresh fish or pig. The meat is mixed with taro leaves, breadfruit, and palusami from coconuts. Palusami is a unique Samoan mixture of coconut cream, lemon juice, onions, and spices wrapped in taro leaves. It makes for a calorie-rich meal that is hard to resist.
28. Pachamanca (Peru)
Taste: Juicy and smoky
Image Title: Pachamanca-BBQ-Peru
Alt Text: Pachamanca BBQ, Peru
Not many people know about under-the-radar types of BBQ, of which Pachamanca is a prominent example. It involves digging the ground and lining the hole with fire-heated stones. Peruvians place marinated meats, legumes, potatoes, corn, and much more in this earthy oven and wait for the magic to happen.
29. Kansas BBQ
Taste: Sweet and tangy
Image Title: Kansas-BBQ
Alt Text: Kansas BBQ
America has different types of BBQ food, and Kansas is another major example. The meat is slowly roasted over hickory after being given a dry rub for the best taste. The city is known for its tangy tomato-based sauces that go well with its traditional BBQ. Some Kansas residents love to slowly smoke the ends of their BBQ to make them crispy and caramelized.
30. Memphis BBQ
Taste: Tangy and spicy
Image Title: Memphis-BBQ
Alt Text: Memphis BBQ
Memphis uses pork most heavily for BBQ, typically ribs and pulled pork shoulder. Before cooking, the meat is given a dry rub of black pepper, brown sugar, salt, and other spices. They love spicy, zingy tomato-based sauces with paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
Conclusion
As you can see, different countries and regions have developed unique types of BBQ over centuries of experimentation and refinement. BBQ isn’t just about putting meat in an oven and cooking; it involves carefully creating flavors and balancing every ingredient.
Who knows it better than Smoking Earls BBQ, the leading Texan BBQ house trusted by scores of tasteful customers? We bring you the authentic and world-renowned Texan taste with the most tender meat and exquisite, secret sauces you won’t find anywhere else.
So, plan your next party with us, and let us tingle your taste buds like you have never experienced.