BBQ Food & Cooking Basics
Before getting started with our recipes, learn all the basics of barbecuing, from the difference between smoking and grilling to the types of equipment you can use.
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![Sous vide ribs on a plate](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/nTK57qLbqAal7zltHiR3Ov8GZek=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sous-vide-ribs-12-facba4c6fcac4a0bbeb33e3a11956502.jpg)
Sous Vide Ribs
![Slow Grilled Beef Ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/5AUDObsSDqYTkmLgmyDIh9dvEzU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/slow-grilled-beef-ribs-335856-Hero-5b8c4b33c9e77c007bc64595.jpg)
The 5 Types of Ribs
![Grilled Shrimp With Lemon recipe](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/ZTISKcaeel-63OSNEXoYUzs1VUw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grilled-shrimp-with-lemon-butter-2216616_Step_6-5bc7af5c46e0fb00583ab6db.jpg)
The Difference Between Barbecue, Grilling, and Smoking
![Grilled Pineapple](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/oL5-145YZKAqPRubw4BHCTuKqr4=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-923397038-5b19a0253418c6003667e2a9.jpg)
14 Foods You Didn't Know You Could Grill
![Maintain your charcoal grill](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/uOjSKqYoIqDRbd9SlHVny9gVWTk=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/charcoalgrill2500-5ad513273de4230037fc35e8.jpg)
Charcoal Grill Maintenance Tips
![Freshly grilled hamburgers at a fun backyard barbecue party](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/eclqYt95Q09vVATaBtI2IlGYd0c=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-699179068-5bf235a546e0fb005148897b.jpg)
Backyard BBQ Party Guide
![grill a perfect steak](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/sWTuL3_f-3QrfmnDtJB87y8Rm3g=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1178065544-3da5f73e952f4c9a9c81c92ae5597128.jpg)
How to Grill the Perfect Steak
![Charcoal Ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/_V2hZPgQIJ1Irik-phIdgV_S7r0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/charcoalribs-final-853c450933cf4599a959ce1f7ac290e7.jpg)
Barbecue Ribs on a Charcoal Grill
![](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/y1AtbzjZV7QiPZW1Lzr7kp9BI3I=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPRE_PlaceholderImage-5aeb39defa6bcc0036308805.png)
How to Grill Chicken Parts
![grills testing](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/dKtq2ge0xxRKsM4cs7okKjJxBCQ=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-primary-charcoal-grills-rkilgore-1065-f639405333854b15a2e88ef3851b50bb.jpg)
The Ultimate Guide to Grilling
![A plate of grilled halibut and vegetables](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/P3PnTTvuPu1GqY7q3UMaqHWQhYs=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Grilled-halibut-GettyImages-503337620-589dbfe85f9b58819c7d4310.jpg)
Tips for Grilling Halibut
![Angus Beef](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/C74-6CkHDm5vGFMsqxuH4gy1hyY=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/angus-beef-landscape_annotated-436041fdab6f429c9d0d7da0eceb3ccd.jpg)
What Is Angus Beef?
![Aged prime rib](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/mp9FX9VGaynoR7528V1n9L5rzxw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/86062703-589dbd7f3df78c47587cf084.jpg)
How to Dry Age and Wet Age a Great Steak
![Flat Iron Steak](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/qVXB1VsZaGw-aMzKqLaDIU763WQ=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SES-flat-iron-steak-for-the-grill-336349-blueprint-1-2778804a009d491aaf4be6dd9df8e688.jpg)
What Is Flat Iron Steak?
![Pulled pork](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/_ksOhcCOUWunjkFJZbb5CDMVeb8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pulled-pork-0a772da7b51f48dab1a53ba8752a0e91.jpg)
Pulled Pork: The Smoke
Restaurant Steak Secrets
![Kalua pig cooking in an underground pit](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/5fZqkLtf0s37Ge_xYSLMTsAzxLQ=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-503132393-5c92cbed46e0fb0001376e86.jpg)
How to Cook a Pig in a Pit
![spices for jerk turkey rub](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/a4XNO5mgk-mVFW5F4ycE4jsvX4Y=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jerk-turkey-rub-2-web-5a0b4f89e258f80037daf66c.jpg)
BBQ Rubs: What They Are and How to Use Them
![Flank steak in marinade](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/aQ4OOrSn_eAnkhXtbs0Fy6iUXCQ=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/86055886-589dd02f3df78c475888d4bd.jpg)
Marinating Beef
![Barbecue Ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/O2l-tWEcAhD1kSOAkWPBWM4jMXs=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ribs1-5ae6580a3037130036d0082f.jpg)
Barbecue Ribs on a Gas Grill
![Brazilian barbecue on skewers over rice](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/QEYJMtNobdZj7R_-6VRCWwces5k=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-585193130-58ad32d05f9b58a3c91d56cb.jpg)
Guide to Brazilian Barbecue
![Steaks on the Grill](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/3LrG5YdRagzxLhRYgCF4fZJ2zOY=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Steaks-on-the-Grill-58a72a285f9b58a3c95a4a2d.jpg)
How to Grill Beef, Chicken, and Fish Perfectly Every Time
![Baked Bread](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/O290IM7-XE5-miMDn7wUvU5nfXo=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-562418505-589e64953df78c475837737b.jpg)
Bake Bread on Your Grill
![Heat a grill](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/jZvgiRJl94ALrnEdLcQZZ4JR-S4=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/how-to-grill-beets-4156720-step-02-ac054a7c492148f4a2c56da68891a96a.jpg)
Choosing the Best Charcoal to Use in Your Smoker
![Beef fillet with mixed pepper salsa](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/S6t9-L1FL0GnfH0H-musDWf1LdE=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/135590651-58a67c3d3df78c345bea4913.jpg)
Best Steak Topping Ideas
What's a Barbecue Mustard Rub?
![Grilling with lid up or down](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/4Dib00Azh4lOnIXAzvYeD7XLSnc=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sb10064408c-001-58a64c8f5f9b58a3c9663e4c.jpg)
Should You Grill With the Lid up or Down?
How to Make Barbecued Beef Ribs
![Bring water to boil](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/wejMmhiyZOzv95fpK-I1lGhRxJw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/citrus-turkey-brine-recipe-336418-step-02-a8603e22258b4a678a4cf5598f1bd665.jpg)
Salt to Brine Ratio Is Important to Know
![Venison slices on cutting board](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/MP0tkIxtGbhCo7LvF_0MhXUu8ZA=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/venison-landscape_annotated-a237ef21bc75427d9414025a88140698.jpg)
What Is Venison?
![Barbecue sauce dripping on marinated and grilled spare ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/aMie5vWOYkbUlrpBigAFH95fI14=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-717167983-5a58ca404e46ba003781105f.jpg)
Tips for Marinating Pork
![Baked burger and fries](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/p0OEB7FyZSHJN1kfFXW-OaGIXCI=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/burger-3047550_1920-90bf1e7a077844659b709ba505f820e5.jpg)
Baked Barbecued Burgers
![easy grilled veal chops](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/QaCc0iNjSik86YtPMK1EqTCAZkI=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/easy-grilled-veal-chops-333801-hero-01-0ffc22a166e041ab82819a91a0851aed.jpg)
Easy Grilled Veal Chops Recipe
![Carne asada](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/zdj7Ygg0MwoA5NJVEWHge7ARoMY=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/86526804-589dbd633df78c47587cad98.jpg)
Carne Asada
![Heavy Duty Spiral Brass Brush](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/oI5hhzIcP1rIle8DgR9dxMUo-50=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/heavy_duty_spiral_brass_brush-589dc6db3df78c4758879a09.jpg)
Choosing a Safe Grill Brush
![Barbecue Sauce on Pork Ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/azYg7jzv0zrC9OiLglmew-IjQA4=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-531282247-a37743b12718443f8becc3b6e5e0abb3.jpg)
When to Apply Barbecue Sauce
![Rotisserie chicken](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Yni4S4Uc2RYkQFSHbZu0cuz6l3A=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Rotisserie-chicken-GettyImages-157528507-58e3a7965f9b58ef7eb009f1.jpg)
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken
![Foil packet cooking with infrared burner](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/i_07wfuFiVj-HirY7hPn7Q5eSCw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-536495890-5ac03559ba6177003740482f.jpg)
Infrared Cooking and Grilling
![Greek Style Lamb Kabobs With Pita and Tzatziki Sauce on a plate](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/KNb2otq-cnruC__NrjNuyuwcNFw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/greek-lamb-kabobs-in-a-pita-with-tzatziki-335215-hero-01-de504efcaa4e4848bea3b99fa947a4e2.jpg)
Greek Style Lamb Kabobs With Pita and Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
![Foil Packet](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/RrpdZrkGZye1VjSL_X760o1RN0Y=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/halibutfinal-5b0dd4a6ff1b7800365126d0.jpg)
How to Make a Halibut Packet for the Grill
![Brisket](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/F1qFcoyKXogWJnveK8Z64t0XbaU=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brisket-5a2ac501b39d030037d82358.jpg)
What You Need to Know About German Barbecue
![Gas Grill](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/z091AIhCPcnnyy_d1wC3v5Ykp1o=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-680882766-3480424d18c3453aa87ff5513c844dc3.jpg)
Gas Grill Repair
![beef short ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/HGczNK94xo3uMnmwy8bXAOYGBls=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/uncooked-short-ribs-15-56a8bdf23df78cf772a03bb7.jpg)
Crockpot Short Ribs and Rice
![barbecue meats on a serving board](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/wGCGjMFnCEPUwXZTq8-UGmCp3aw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-bbq-platter-638164900-5af3567bff1b7800205536c7.jpg)
Barbecue Leftovers
![Barbecue Ribs](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/hbaNxq41j_R48WzlSG5kaQxyJU8=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-185110891-0aa5649827814e65b1dde997f19ac10a.jpg)
The History of Barbecue
![A small bowl of liquid smoke next to a bottle of hickory liquid smoke](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/QL0wnxzbFSd2lXpkfhH7pAqtFJc=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/liquid-smoke-overview-335486-hero-01-12847733341544ed916a79f9155ceb62.jpg)
What Is Liquid Smoke?
![Assorted smoked fish](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/cDZ49vNgR7GDOF_Wp73EpN6D7xw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/126549844-589dbdba5f9b58819c79e36c.jpg)
Smoking 101: How to Smoke Meat
![Grilling patties on a charcoal grill](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/daDOyBOy_kk2wMKDGQ9LslSB-p4=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/77817906-589dbd275f9b58819c788c09.jpg)
How to Build Your Own Custom Gas or Charcoal Grill
![A person removes meat from the Bradley Smoker 4-Rack Outdoor Electric Smoker, Natural Draft Smoker (BS611)](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/fKSrKZ0YtXKLmLZdIGxqC-GQkWo=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-electric-smokers-test-bradley-smoker-4-rack-outdoor-natural-draft-wdickey-080-c042f920cc92454a92351762470fa46e.jpeg)
Plug in, Turn on, Make Barbecue: We Found the 6 Best Electric Smokers
![Seasoning Steaks](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/E2mVWehrscwtZZuA0Q9LbuugTV0=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Stocksy_txp57b371d0Llu100_Medium_765908-5ad0de48a18d9e00367ad605.jpg)
Preparing Steaks for the Grill
![Five pieces of steak ranging from well-done to rare laid out on a slate surface](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/lccRk-tMw4frZAnRtQTi8pzhKAI=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/steak-doneness-from-rare-to-well-336362-hero-01-55cd6d6c83b844cc8a920d6cf2a20dc9.jpg)
Your Guide to Steak Doneness
![illustration showing best steaks for grilling](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/4HEw1OyiCxNubieZrXqj3eI2QZg=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-steaks-to-grill-478983-final-e349b6478bf945bb975075ff978dce39.png)
The 10 Best Cuts of Steak to Grill
![Smoked Brisket](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/sPbgnvUkDFCrt1jN7TFwWYgjfyA=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-brisket-687240068-5b049e12119fa8003a682900.jpg)
The Best Cuts of Meat for Smoking
![Ground beef patties with flavorings and seasonings](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/EgOMmd-eytDtZwuEsctngzu1Jys=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/groundbeefpatty2500-5af0d11f04d1cf0037094dcd.jpg)
Choosing the Best Meat for Hamburger Patties
![Burgers](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/KTHmM7kvqBClppqUdTQtTl-Wg-s=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/burger-GettyImages-484823830-5772d6795f9b585875f3253a.jpg)
10 Tips for Perfect Burgers
![Gas Grilling Tips](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/3DY1BXMizv4LkYmZWYok1hz0FCw=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/gas-grilling-tips-334991_final-de0dfbc540214f7b917ca2dcde988077.png)
10 Tips to Optimize Your Gas Grilling
![Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/JWzqm7733Ht3VVJ6xZK92oSD3vs=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-product-nexgrill-4-burner-propane-side-burner-rkilgore-112-0015842e64fa4cce83c04f3ac29b5f6c.jpg)
Gas Grill Maintenance and Cleaning
![Grilling Steaks](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Vx7Z9Ih1_b3HNg8U_uXircSQ6V4=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Steaks-on-Grill-5855ab4a3df78ce2c3a7cd87.jpg)
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Steak
![Grilled shrimp](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/fN7OcfM_p440RYC-XulAMgldb7w=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grilled-shrimps-510492932-5af591f7119fa800374915f0.jpg)
How to Grill Shrimp to Perfection
![Fresh fish on a cedar plank](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/DXH4QXPgMrHfJTAXtAxJBP9PmTc=/300x225/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fresh-fish-on-a-cedar-plank-675834151-589de6ca5f9b58819c8d3139.jpg)
How to Grill Fish on a Cedar Plank