Do you want to learn how to cook a wider variety of food? Perhaps try out new flavours on things you already like?
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, read on as we take a look at what barbecues look like in different parts of the world.
Maybe a global or cultural themed barbecue could be part of your plans this summer…
American Barbecue
Whilst barbecues didn’t exactly originate in America, you’d be forgiven for thinking they did, given how into barbecued food many Americans are. When most people think of barbecue, they picture the classic American style.
Different areas in the country have their own unique spin on barbecue flavour and technique. You’ve probably seen sauces or even food named after locations such as Tennessee. There’s a number of main barbecue players, including Tennessee, Memphis, Kansas and Carolina.
So what food can be found at a typical American barbecue? The most popular is burgers, with a survey revealing that 65% of Americans like at least one on their plate.
In regard to toppings, a typical American barbecue burger in a bun will have a combination of:
- Cheese
- Ketchup
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Pickles
- Mayo
Other popular barbecue items according to the survey were: potato salad (with 62% mentioning the side dish), corn on the cob (55%), baked beans (52%), hot dog (49%), ribs (48%).
The above foods were the most commonly mentioned, but it doesn’t stop there. If you’re looking for more ideas for your own barbecue, other mains and sides mentioned include:
- Sausages
- Chicken wings
- Pulled pork
- Brisket
- Turkey burgers
- Chips
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Plant based burgers
Thinking of an American themed barbecue? We have plenty of different burger recipes to try out, including vegan options and a classic loaded cheeseburger.
German Barbecue
Just as the origins of the hamburger are debated between the two countries, German and American barbecuing are both similar. The main difference is that there are no burgers, instead you get many types of sausages – aka bratwurst.
Alongside this smorgasbord of sausages, there’ll also be pork chops, coleslaw and local beer. Whilst street vendors will serve you a sausage in a bun, typical German barbecues serve up naked sausages which are eaten with a knife and fork. The most popular sauce used is curry ketchup.
A large majority of Germans own barbecues – and they like to use them fast, charring a sausage within five minutes. You may also think of sauerkraut, but the truth is, it is only eaten in southern Germany during winter.
Why not try this recipe: Hot Dogs with Pimento Queso Sauce
Australian Barbecue
Australia is another place known for its love of barbecues, or “barbies” as they call them. The phrase “shrimp on the barbie” actually originates from a 1980s American advert – which featured Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan and was designed to attract US tourists to Australia.
In reality, Australians would refer to shrimps as prawns, but barbecued seafood such as prawns and crayfish has become increasingly popular in recent decades down under.
For seafood recipes you can try out on the “barbie”, click here.
Other Australian barbecue food includes lamb chops, beef steak and “snags” aka sausages. Beer is also drizzled over meat for extra flavour and tenderness. Breakfast is another popular dish to cook on the grill, as is Christmas dinner – since it’s the middle of summer for them.
Japanese Barbecue
In Japan, barbecuing is known as yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat”. Diners can visit yakiniku restaurants and sit at tables that have built-in grills. They also have a ventilation system, so you won’t get a face full of smoke and fumes.
In a twist to the usual dining experience, the food is grilled by diners themselves, using chopsticks or tongs to turn food over and dip in a sauce such as soy or miso.
You may have also heard of yakitori, a type of skewered chicken from Japan. For more recipe ideas you can use skewers with, browse here.
Korean Barbecue
Korean barbecue has continued to rise in popularity as part of the “Korean Wave” of pop culture originating from the country since the 1990s. Bulgogi, which means “fire meat”, consists of thinly sliced meat (usually beef, pork or chicken) marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and chili pepper. Similar to Japan, some restaurants will have built-in table grills.
For a Korean inspired vegetarian dish, try this recipe: Gochujang Tofu with Pajeori (Korean Spring Onion Salad)
Jamaican Barbecue
You may have already guessed, but the most popular Jamaican barbecue dish is jerk chicken. It is marinated in a spicy mixture of seasonings and spices, and then grilled or smoked over pimento wood.
Other popular dishes include jerk pork, curry goat, and seafood such as fish or shrimp. These dishes are typically served with a variety of sides, such as rice and peas, plantains, coleslaw, and festival (a type of fried bread).
Jamaican barbecues are often accompanied by music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere, as they are an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. They are also a popular tourist attraction, with many restaurants and outdoor vendors offering Jamaican-style barbecued food.
Portuguese Barbecue
Barbecuing is known as “churrasco” in Portugal, where they have a love of grilling.
One of the most popular dishes is marinated chicken that is grilled over charcoal or wood until crispy and golden brown. Another popular dish is “Espetada,” which is skewered meat, typically beef or pork, that is grilled over an open flame.
In addition to meat dishes, Portuguese barbecues often feature seafood, such as sardines, prawns, and octopus, which are grilled and served with lemon and garlic. Vegetables such as peppers, onions, and eggplant are also commonly grilled and served alongside the meat.
For a Portuguese inspired dish, try out this Piri Piri Chicken Thigh with Cucumber Salad.
Try Something New
As you can see, many places across the world share a love of barbecue. And you can share your passion too. Next time you cook up a newly inspired dish, show it off and tag us @outbackbbqs, we’d love to see it.
