Global Grilling: International Recipes for BBQ Around the World
Barbecue is an age-old tradition beyond language, country, and cultural boundaries. This global cuisine can be traced back to prehistoric times when the first meal was cooked using fire. Over 80% of global cuisine uses grilling or barbecue in some way. Through the years, cultural practices have shifted and changed grilling from a cooking method to a part of culinary heritage. Nearly all BBQ practices center around a social ritual and community event with variations influenced by local customs.
Check out these grilling techniques from 6 different regions and try your hand at an international recipe for your next cookout.
American bbq (Southern United States)
Culture & Cuisine
Typically associated with American tradition, Southern BBQ is a popular form of grilling. In the U.S., barbecue specialties differ by region. In Texas, slow-smoked beef brisket with a thin, tangy sauce is the primary choice, while in Memphis, pork ribs are smoked using a dry rub and covered with tomato-based barbecue sauce. The standard for barbecue in the United States is low-and-slow cooking with smoky wood flavors. Southern BBQ is a tradition of bringing communities together with backyard cookouts, food festivals, and family gatherings.
Traditional Methods
The meats of American BBQ are smoked at low temperatures for long periods, typically using hardwoods like hickory or mesquite. Popular cuts of meat include beef brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, and chicken seasoned with dry rubs and topped with sweet or tangy sauces.
On the Side
Southern BBQ is typically paired with local comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and potato salad. Some regions specialize in collard greens, fried okra, and cornbread. In addition, grilled vegetables like corn on the cob are a classic pairing. Traditional desserts include banana pudding, peach cobbler, and pecan pie.
How to Replicate at Home
- Equipment:
- Accessories:
- Recipe:
- Dry rub (paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne)
- Smoking tip: Maintain a temperature of 225–250°F for tender meat.
Argentine Asado
Culture & Cuisine
South of the United States, Argentine Asado includes slow-grilled meats and vegetables. Asado means both the act of grilling and the event itself. Asado is a social gathering where high-quality beef, sausages, and organ meats are cooked over an open flame. Marked by wood-fire and natural flavors, Argentine Asado is a simple but power-packed grilling technique.
Traditional Methods
In a traditional asado, meats are cooked slowly over wood embers. Argentine asado is typically cooked on a parrilla (grill) or asador (spit) using hardwoods. While primarily made with premium beef cuts like flank steak, brisket, sirloin, and rib-eye, pork ribs, chorizo sausage, and even sweetbreads are common choices. Asado meats are typically lightly seasoned and paired with vibrant and bold sauces like chimichurri.
On the Side
Asado meats are served with chimichurri, provencal or salsa criolla. Along with the meats common sides include potatoes, eggplant, red peppers, and other grilled vegetables. Provoleta is grilled provolone cheese topped with oregano and olive oil and served warm and melting. A common appetizer is a choripan which is a chorizo sandwich made with crusty bread and dipped in chimichurri. Flan with dulce de leche usually rounds out a meal.
How to Replicate at Home
- Equipment:
- Accessories:
- Hardwood logs
- Wood Pellets like oak or mesquite
- Recipe:
- Chimichurri (parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar).
- Grilling tip: Let meat rest after cooking for juicy slices.
South African Braai
Culture & Cuisine
In South Africa, the Braai is a huge social and cultural event. Braai, pronounced “bry,” comes from the word “braaivleis” meaning “roasted meal.” These occur every week, with larger ones for special occasions, and bring all languages and cultures of South Africa together. Slow-cooked meat over hardwood fires accompanied by local beverages and conversation are what make a Braai so unique.
Traditional Methods
The South African Braai involves an open fire, typically hardwood, using cast-iron grids. Typical cuts consist of Boerewors sausage, lamb chops, and sosaties (skewers). Meats are typically marinated and then braised for several hours.
On the Side
Popular side dishes for a South African Braai include Braai bread, garlic bread cooked on the grill, and pap (maize porridge). Braaibroodjie are grilled cheese sandwiches with cheese, tomato, and onion that are often served at a Braai. Malva pudding is often served as dessert
How to Replicate at Home
- Equipment:
- Charcoal kettle grill or fire pit with a cast-iron grill grate.
- Accessories:
- Braai-style wood such as acacia or oak.
- Recipe:
- Marinade with coriander, paprika, and cumin
- Grilling tip: Keep the fire hot and adjust the grid height for control.
Japanese Hibachi
Culture & Cuisine
Hibachi is a Japanese grilling method that has risen in popularity in the Western world. “Hibachi” means “fire bowl” and began as an ancient portable cooking method. Hibachi grilling is usually done on a flat-top grill or a griddle. Hibachi meals are prepared and shared in a communal setting.
Traditional Methods
The main characteristic of hibachi is the high heat and quick cooking. Ideal meats for this method include steak bite or thinly sliced beef, as well as chicken and seafood (shrimp, scallops, etc.). Meats are sliced very thin to aid in the cooking process and paired with soy sauce-based sauces like teriyaki or sesame.
On the Side
Japanese hibachi pairs freshly grilled meat with fried rice, usually made on the same flat-top grill. Yakisoba noodles and grilled vegetables are also commonly seen. Miso soup and edamame are prominent appetizers in the hibachi style. Most meals finish with green tea ice cream or mochi (rice cake).
How to Replicate at Home
- Equipment:
- Accessories:
- Recipe:
- Soy sauce, mirin, garlic, sesame oil (quick sauce)
- Grilling tip: Keep your surface hot and well-oiled for the perfect sear
Conclusion
Family, friends, good food, grilling, and barbecue are ingrained in the human experience. Cultures around the world have developed unique grilling techniques that you can replicate at home with the right tools and ingredients. Try these international BBQ styles and travel the world in your backyard.
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