With May just around the corner, BBQ season is kicking into gear. National BBQ Day and National Brisket Day are almost here, and it’s the perfect time to get your grill fired up. Whether you're using a charcoal kettle, pellet smoker, or gas grill, choosing the right cut of meat is what takes your BBQ from average to unforgettable.
From melt-in-your-mouth brisket to flame-kissed chicken thighs, great BBQ begins with great cuts. In this guide, we’ll cover the top recommended meats for outdoor grilling and smoking, show you how to prep them like a pro, and share tips to help you cook with confidence.
Just getting started with BBQ? Ease in with cuts that are simple to handle and hard to mess up—like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or baby back ribs. These beginner-friendly options are packed with flavor and naturally deliver that juicy, tender texture. Look for good fat marbling, skip lean cuts that can end up with a chewy texture, and let tools like The MeatStick take care of tracking internal temperature for you—so you can focus on enjoying the process, not stressing over the results.
Let’s meat up and get cooking! 🔥