What is BBQ? The Top 4 Definitions of “BBQ”

Basics of BBQ #1

Courtesy of http://www.BBQCateringConfidential.com

What is BBQ?

When you think about it, this could one of the World’s Greatest Mysteries. How did the word “BBQ” spread across the planet? Could it be with our language differences, it is just easier to say “BBQ” to describe tasty food? This all-inclusive term is used regionally around the United States, and in countries all over the world. It would take written volumes to describe all of the different styles. For the purposes of this Series, we will go over some the more common ways food considered BBQ is prepared around the world.

 The Top 4 Ways the Word “BBQ” is Used:

1. Seasoned Foods– Many of these come nowhere near a grill, but are seasoned with dry mixtures that possess the familiar sweet and smoky flavors; i.e. BBQ Potato Chips, Pork Rinds, Sunflower Seeds, etc…

2. BBQ Sauces– They come in a wide variety of flavors and colors all over the world. Most are commonly added to Grilled or Smoked foods. May also be used on Broiled, Baked, Slow Cooker, Fried dishes, or as a Condiment; i.e. Baked BBQ Chicken. Fried BBQ Chicken Wings, Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, etc…

3. Grilled Foods– There are a vast array of cooking styles and techniques that people consider Grilling. From using a Griddle, to a Grill Pan, charring food in a Skillet or Wok, Stovetop and Countertop Grilling Devices. Of course there is outdoor cooking with Open Flame, on a Grill or in a Pit.

4. Smoked Foods– For some people, food isn’t BBQ unless it has been infused with some form of smoke flavor. This can be done with Liquid Smoke, Wood Chips, Wood Chunks or cooked in a Wood Burning Oven, Terrine or Pit.

Of course, there are many exceptions. For some reason, when it comes to Vegetable and Seafood dishes, people tend to refer to them as “Grilled” or “Smoked”, as opposed to BBQ. This is true even when they are cooked using the same techniques as the Meats. The popular dish BBQ Shrimp in New Orleans is sautéed in a skillet and served with a pan BBQ sauce. A big food chain in Korea is called BBQ Chicken. For them, the term “BBQ” stands for “Best of the Best Quality”. While Grilled Chicken is on thier Menu, the chain is best known for Fried Chicken. Go Figure…

Until next time, Eat and Be Well.

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Thanks for being among the first to visit the new “Basics of BBQ” Series. I am happy to preview it here on the Blog. Some material will be used for a current book project, tentatively called “The BBQ Catering Confidential Cookbook”.  A version will also be shared on the California Gold BBQ Rubs Recipes pages, under the New Owner’s Manual. Stay tuned, next time we will start answering the question-  “What’s Grilling?”.

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Mick Brown is a Food Blogger/Purveyor based in Los Angeles, with over 30 years BBQ and Grilling experience. Aside from Caterer and Private Grilling Instructor, his passions are creating Easy Grilling Recipes and searching for the World’s Best Flavors. General Manager of Tastee BQ Grilling Co. and the new California Gold BBQ Rubs. He is also author of web serial blog “The Adventures of Tastee BQ.” Email- Mick@TasteeBQ.com