Five Amazing Barbecue Dishes to Try from Around the World

Every country has its unique twist on barbecue, ranging from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy. Here are five of the best barbecue dishes to try from around the world that will take your taste buds on a delicious adventure, especially while the weather stays good:

1. American Barbecue Ribs – USA

American barbecue is legendary, and ribs, especially from the southern states, are a staple. Slowly smoked over wood for hours, ribs are basted with a savoury-sweet barbecue sauce that caramelizes as the meat cooks. The most famous varieties include:

Kansas City Ribs: Known for their thick, sticky, and sweet tomato-based sauce.

Memphis-Style Ribs: Dry-rubbed with spices and herbs before being smoked, allowing the meat's flavour to shine through.

In the U.S., ribs are often served with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread. The tenderness of the meat, which falls off the bone, and the complex, layered flavours of the sauce make American barbecue ribs a must-try.

2. Churrasco – Brazil

Brazil’s churrasco is a carnivore’s dream. Originating from the southern region of Brazil, churrasco is a variety of barbecued meats, typically cooked on large skewers over an open flame. The most popular meats include:

Picanha (Top Sirloin): Renowned for its juicy texture and thick cap of fat.

Linguiça (Sausage): A flavourful sausage often seasoned with garlic and herbs.

Churrasco is traditionally served at Brazilian steakhouses, called "churrascarias," where servers slice the meat right onto your plate in an all-you-can-eat style. The rich, smoky flavours paired with sides like farofa (toasted cassava flour) and chimichurri sauce elevate the experience.

3. Satay – Indonesia/Malaysia

Satay is a Southeast Asian street food favourite, particularly popular in Indonesia and Malaysia. These bite-sized pieces of marinated meat, typically chicken, beef, or lamb, are skewered and grilled over an open flame. The key to satay’s deliciousness is the marinade and the peanut dipping sauce. Common ingredients include:

Turmeric and Lemongrass: Giving the meat an aromatic, golden crust.

Sweet Soy Sauce and Coconut Milk: Adding a layer of richness.

Satay is often served with a spicy peanut sauce, ketupat (rice cakes), and cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat. The combination of smoky, charred meat with the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce makes satay an unforgettable barbecue dish.

4. Asado – Argentina

In Argentina, barbecue, or asado, is not just a meal but a cultural event. Asado refers to a technique of grilling beef (and other meats) over an open flame, often on a large parrilla (grill) or iron cross. Argentine beef, world-renowned for its quality, is the star of this dish. Cuts of meat such as:

Bife de Chorizo (Sirloin Steak): Known for its juiciness and bold flavour.

Costillas (Short Ribs): Slowly grilled to perfection.

Argentine asado is typically seasoned simply with coarse salt and paired with chimichurri, a zesty green sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. With its emphasis on simplicity and quality, asado offers a perfect balance of smoky, juicy, and flavourful bites.

5. Korean BBQ – South Korea

Korean barbecue, known as Gogi-Gui, is an interactive dining experience where diners grill their own meat at the table. The meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, are thinly sliced and marinated with bold flavours like soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and sugar. Popular choices include:

Bulgogi (Marinated Beef): Sweet, tender, and bursting with umami.

Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly): Unmarinated but grilled until crispy, and often eaten with a dipping sauce.

What sets Korean barbecue apart is the array of side dishes, or banchan, that accompany the meal. Kimchi, pickled vegetables, lettuce wraps, and sauces like ssamjang (spicy-sweet paste) add flavour and texture. This communal way of cooking and eating creates a lively, social dining experience that is uniquely Korean.