A Cross-Country Tour of the Types of American BBQ

It’s grilling season! Do you think you have tried all of the types of American BBQ before?

Chances are, you probably have not, but don’t worry! We are here to guide you on a cross-country journey to show you there are more types of American BBQ than you originally thought!

American BBQ is a delicious and diverse cuisine with many variations from all over the world. There are many different types of American BBQ, each with its own unique flavors and traditions. So in true Kind of Going Places fashion, we’ll take a little road trip to some of the most iconic barbecue states in the country.

• Kansas City BBQ: This type of BBQ has a sweet and smoky sauce with the key ingredients of tomato, molasses, and brown sugar.
• Memphis BBQ: This type of BBQ uses a dry rub and a slow cooking technique over hickory wood.
• Carolina BBQ: This type of BBQ uses a vinegar-based sauce. There are two main styles of Carolina BBQ: Eastern and Western. Eastern Carolina BBQ uses a thin, vinegar-based sauce, while Western Carolina BBQ uses a thicker, mustard-based sauce.
• Texas BBQ: This type of BBQ is famous for slow-cooked meats, typically beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. The meat is cooked over a wood fire, which gives it a smoky flavor that is simply mouth-watering.

In addition to these four main types, there are many other regional types of American BBQ, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you prefer your BBQ sweet, smoky, or vinegary, there is sure to be a type of American BBQ that you will love. So fire up the grill and and get ready as we take you on a journey through the best types of American BBQ.

Carolina BBQ: A Delicious and Culturally Rich Tradition

Carolina BBQ is a delicious and culturally rich tradition that people in the Carolinas have enjoyed for centuries. As we mentioned above, it has two main styles: Eastern-style and Lexington-style. Eastern-style BBQ depicts a vinegar-based sauce, while Lexington-style BBQ uses a tomato-based sauce. Both styles are made with pork, and both are absolutely delicious.

In addition to the different sauces, there are some other key differences between the two styles. Eastern-style BBQ typically involves a whole hog, which is then cooked over a wood fire. Lexington-style BBQ uses pork shoulder and opts for an oven for the cooking.

No matter what style of Carolina BBQ you prefer, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious, smoky flavor of the meat. And if you’re looking for a truly cultural experience, be sure to visit a Carolina BBQ joint and order a plate of ribs or pulled pork. And if you do, let us know how it is!

• The first recorded mention of Carolina BBQ was in 1748.
• The Carolinas are home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including Lexington Barbecue, The Pit, and Skylight Inn.
• Carolina BBQ is a major part of the culture in the Carolinas. There are even festivals celebrating Carolina BBQ, such as the Lexington Barbecue Festival and the Eastern NC Barbecue Festival.
• Carolina BBQ is a delicious and versatile dish. You can eat on its own, or you can add it to sandwiches, salads, and other dishes.

1. Carolina Pulled Pork [Source: Epicurious]Recipe

This recipe is for a classic Carolina pulled pork, using a simple vinegar-based sauce. The pork is slow-cooked until it is fall-apart tender, and then it is shredded and served on buns with the sauce.

2. Carolina Vinegar BBQ Sauce [Source: Food Network]Recipe

This recipe is for a simple vinegar-based BBQ sauce that is perfect for Carolina-style pulled pork. The key ingredients for the sauce are vinegar, water, brown sugar, ketchup, and spices.

3. Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce [Source: The Pioneer Woman]Recipe

This recipe is for a mustard-based BBQ sauce that is a popular alternative to the vinegar-based sauce in Carolina. The key ingredients for the sauce are mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and spices.

4. Carolina Pork Ribs [Source: Allrecipes]Recipe

This recipe is for Carolina-style pork ribs, which are slow-cooked and then finished on the grill. The ribs are seasoned with a dry rub and then cooked until they are tender and fall-off-the-bone.

5. Carolina Chicken Wings [Source: Gimme Some Oven]Recipe

This recipe is for Carolina-style chicken wings, which are tossed in a vinegar-based sauce. The wings are first cooked in the oven until they are cooked through, and then they are tossed in the sauce.

Our next cross country American BBQ stop brings us to the state of Kentucky. Kentucky BBQ is a delicious and diverse tradition that people in the state have enjoyed for centuries. It has many different styles, each with its own unique flavor.

One popular style is Western Kentucky BBQ, which is characterized by its use of pulled pork that is cooked in a vinegar-based sauce. It is often served with baked beans, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Then there is Eastern Kentucky BBQ, which uses a whole hog and is cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It is often served with macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and green beans.

No matter what style of Kentucky BBQ you prefer, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious, smoky flavor of the meat. If you find yourself at a Kentucky BBQ joint, be sure to order a plate of ribs or pulled pork to see for yourself.

• The first recorded mention of Kentucky BBQ was in 1775.
• Kentucky is home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including Moonlite Bar-B-Que, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, and Mark’s Feed Store.
• Kentucky BBQ is a major part of the culture in the state. There are even festivals celebrating Kentucky BBQ, such as the Kentucky State BBQ Festival and the Owensboro Barbecue Festival.
• Kentucky BBQ is a delicious and versatile dish. Just like Carolina BBQ, you can eat on its own, or you can add it to sandwiches, salads, and other dishes.

• Western Kentucky Pulled Pork[Source: Notable Kentcky]Recipe

This recipe is for a classic Western Kentucky pulled pork, using a vinegar-based sauce. The pork is slow-cooked until it is fall-apart tender, and then it is shredded and served on buns with the sauce.

• Eastern Kentucky Mutton Dip[Source: Amazing Ribs]Recipe

This recipe is for a unique Eastern Kentucky dish, made with mutton that is cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The mutton is shredded and served on buns with the sauce.

• Kentucky Burgoo[Source: Taste of the South]Recipe

This recipe is for a hearty Kentucky stew, made with beef, pork, mutton, and vegetables. The stew is cooked slowly over a low heat, and it is typically served with cornbread.

Continuing on our tour, we find ourselves in Alabama. Alabama BBQ is a delicious and unique tradition that people in the state have enjoyed for centuries. What makes it a little different is that Alabama BBQ traditionally uses a white sauce. Key ingredients for this sauce include mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. This results in a flavorful and tangy sauce that is perfect for dipping or smothering your favorite meats.

Alabama BBQ is typically made with pork, but other meats, such as chicken and beef, can also be used. Ribs, shoulder, and chicken are the most popular cuts of pork for Alabama BBQ. Ribs are cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, shoulders are cooked until they are juicy and flavorful, and chicken is cooked until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Alabama BBQ is a major part of the culture in the state. There are even festivals dedicated to Alabama BBQ, such as the Big Bob Gibson World Championship Barbecue Contest. This contest is held every year in Decatur, Alabama, and it attracts over 20,000 people from all over the world.

• The first recorded mention of Alabama BBQ was in 1870.
• Alabama is home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Dreamland Bar-B-Que, and Archibald’s BBQ.
• Alabama BBQ is a major part of the sports scene in the state. Many famous athletes, such as Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban, have been known to enjoy Alabama BBQ.
• The city of Decatur has the nickname the “Barbecue Capital of Alabama.”
• Alabama BBQ is a popular dish at the Iron Bowl, and is often served on hot dogs and hamburgers.

• Alabama White Sauce Chicken[Source: Food Network]Recipe

This recipe is for a delicious and easy-to-make Alabama white sauce chicken. The chicken is cooked in a tangy and flavorful white sauce that is made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. It is then served with your favorite sides, like macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread.

• Alabama White Sauce Pork Ribs[Source: Postal Barbeque]Recipe

This recipe is for fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs that are cooked in a delicious Alabama white sauce. The ribs are first smoked over hickory wood, and then they are finished in the oven with the white sauce. They are then served with your favorite sides, like baked beans, potato salad, and hush puppies.

• Alabama White Sauce Pulled Pork[Source: I Believe I Can Fry]Recipe

This recipe is for a flavorful and easy-to-make Alabama white sauce pulled pork. The pork shoulder is cooked low and slow until it is fall-apart tender, and then it is shredded and mixed with the white sauce. It is then served on buns with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw, pickles, and onions.

• Alabama White Sauce Chicken Sandwiches[Source: Slice of Jess]Recipe

This recipe is for a delicious and easy-to-make Alabama white sauce chicken sandwiches. The chicken is cooked in a tangy and flavorful white sauce, and then it is served on buns with your favorite toppings, like cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Next stop, Memphis! Memphis BBQ is a delicious, centuries old tradition, characterized by its use of dry rub and its slow cooking over hickory wood. This method results in flavorful and tender meat that is simply mouth-watering.

Memphis BBQ is typically consists of pork, but other meats, such as chicken and beef, taste just as good. The most popular cuts of pork for Memphis BBQ are ribs, shoulder, and ham. Ribs are cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, shoulders are cooked until they are juicy and flavorful, and hams are cooked until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Memphis BBQ is a major part of the culture in the city. There are even festivals dedicated to Memphis BBQ, such as the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which is held every year in Memphis and attracts over 200,000 people from all over the world.

• The first recorded mention of Memphis BBQ was in 1867.
• Memphis is home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, Payne’s Bar-B-Q, and Cozy Corner.
• Memphis BBQ is a major part of the music scene in the city. Many famous musicians, such as Elvis Presley and B.B. King, have been known to enjoy Memphis BBQ.
• The city of Memphis has the proud nickname of the “Barbecue Capital of the World.”
• The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is the largest BBQ festival in the world, and it attracts over 200,000 people each year.
• Memphis BBQ is a popular dish at the Beale Street Music Festival, and it is often served on hot dogs and hamburgers.

• Memphis-Style Dry Rub Ribs[Source: Serious Eats]Recipe

These ribs are cooked low and slow over hickory wood, and they are coated in a delicious dry rub made with spices like paprika, brown sugar, and chili powder.

• Memphis-Style Pulled Pork[Source: Curious Cuisiniere]Recipe

This pulled pork is cooked in a sweet and smoky sauce made with tomato paste, molasses, and vinegar. It is then shredded and served on buns with your favorite toppings.

• Memphis-Style Chicken Wings[Source: Grillseeker]Recipe

These wings are coated in a dry rub made with spices like paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. They are then grilled or baked until they are crispy and cooked through.

Hello Missouri! (We hope you’re not getting too sleepy or full yet!) Kansas City BBQ consists of a sweet and smoky sauce, with the key ingredients of tomato, molasses, and brown sugar. The result is a flavorful and tender meat that is simply mouth-watering.

Kansas City BBQ is typically consists of pork, but other meats, such as chicken and beef will work. The most popular cuts of pork for Kansas City BBQ are ribs, shoulder, and brisket. Ribs are typically cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, while shoulder is cooked until it is juicy and flavorful. Brisket is typically cooked until it is tender and smoky.

Kansas City BBQ is a major part of the culture in the city. BBQ Festivals include the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. It is an annual contest in Kansas City, and it attracts over 400,000 people from all over the world.

• The first recorded mention of Kansas City BBQ was in 1876.
• Kansas City is home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
• Kansas City BBQ is a major part of the sports scene in the city. Many famous athletes, such as George Brett and Patrick Mahomes, have been known to enjoy Kansas City BBQ.

• Kansas City-Style Burnt Ends[Source: Hy Vee]Recipe

These burnt ends are made from the point cut of a brisket, which is cooked until it is fall-apart tender and then chopped up and coated in a sweet and smoky sauce. This is a classic Kansas City BBQ dish that is sure to impress your guests.

• Kansas City-Style Ribs[Source: Kevin is Cooking]Recipe

These ribs are cooked low and slow over hickory wood, and they are coated in a delicious sweet and smoky sauce. They are then finished with a quick sear to create a crispy bark.

• Kansas City-Style Beans[Source: Eats by the beach]Recipe

These beans are cooked with bacon, onions, and spices like chili powder and cumin. They are then topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of shredded cheese.

It’s not just the stars that are big and bright, Texas BBQ is a staple in the heart of Texas. It usually involves slow-cooked meats, like beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, which are cooked over a wood fire to give them a smoky flavor.

Beef is the most common ingredient in Texas BBQ, but other meats, such as pork, chicken, and lamb, will work just the same. The most popular cuts of beef for Texas BBQ are brisket, ribs, and sausage. Brisket is typically cooked until it is tender and smoky, while ribs are cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Sausage is typically cooked until it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Texas BBQ is a major part of the culture in the state. Festivals include the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The contest runs every year in Austin, Texas, and attracts over 200,000 people from all over the world.

• The first recorded mention of Texas BBQ was in 1836.
• Texas is home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including Franklin Barbecue, Snow’s BBQ, and Pecan Lodge.
• Texas BBQ is a major part of the music scene in the state. Many famous musicians, such as Willie Nelson and George Strait, have been known to enjoy Texas BBQ.
• The city of Austin is known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.”
• The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is the largest BBQ festival in the world, and it attracts over 200,000 people each year.
• Texas BBQ is a popular dish at the Texas State Fair, and it is often served on hot dogs and hamburgers.

• Texas-Style Brisket[Source: Amazing Ribs]Recipe

This recipe is for a classic Texas-style brisket that is cooked low and slow over oak or hickory wood. The brisket is seasoned with a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and it is cooked until it is fall-apart tender. It is then served with your favorite sides, like potato salad, coleslaw, and beans.

• Texas-Style Ribs[Source: How to BBQ Right]Recipe

This recipe is for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs that are cooked in a smoky and flavorful Texas-style sauce. The ribs are first smoked over hickory wood, and then they are finished in the oven with the sauce. They are then served with your favorite sides, like cornbread, potato salad, and coleslaw.

• Texas-Style Pulled Pork[Source: All Recipes]Recipe

This recipe is for a flavorful and easy-to-make Texas-style pulled pork. The pork shoulder is cooked low and slow until it is fall-apart tender, and then it is shredded and mixed with a tangy and smoky sauce. It is then served on buns with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw, pickles, and onions.

• Texas-Style Sausage[Source: Hunt Gather Cook]Recipe

This recipe is for a simple and delicious Texas-style sausage that is seasoned with a blend of spices. The sausage is grilled or smoked until it is cooked through, and then it is served with your favorite sides, like grilled vegetables, potato salad, and beans.

Our last stop is one of our favorite, the islands of Hawaii. Hawaiian BBQ uses tropical flavors, such as pineapple, coconut, and soy sauce. The meat is often grilled or roasted, and it is typically served with rice, poi, or macaroni salad.

Pork is the most common meat used in Hawaiian BBQ, but other meats, such as chicken, beef, and fish, can also be used. The most popular cuts of pork for Hawaiian BBQ are kalua pork, pulled pork, and chicken long rice. Kalua pork is typically cooked in an underground oven called an imu, while pulled pork is typically cooked in a slow cooker. Chicken long rice is typically made with chicken that has been cooked in a soy sauce-based sauce.

Hawaiian BBQ is a major part of the culture in the state. Hawaiian BBQ festivals include the Polynesian Cultural Center Luau. The luau runs every day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and it attracts over 3,000 people each day.

Fun Facts

• The first recorded mention of Hawaiian BBQ was in 1820.
• Hawaii is home to some of the most famous BBQ joints in the country, including L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Zippy’s, and Rainbow Drive-In.
• Hawaiian BBQ is a major part of the music scene in the state. Many famous musicians, such as Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and Amy Hanaialiʻi Gilliom, have been known to enjoy Hawaiian BBQ.
• The city of Honolulu is known as the “Barbecue Capital of Hawaii.”
• The Polynesian Cultural Center Luau is the largest luau in the world, and it attracts over 3,000 people each day.
• Hawaiian BBQ is a popular dish at the Waikiki Beach Walk, and it is often served on skewers.
• Hawaiian BBQ is a delicious and versatile dish, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Hawaiian BBQ recipes that you can try at home:

• Kalua Pork[Source: Lil Luna]Recipe

This recipe is for a traditional Hawaiian dish that is made with pork that is cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The pork is slow-cooked and becomes very tender and flavorful. It is then typically served with poi, macaroni salad, and cabbage.

• Chicken Long Rice[Source: All Recipes]Recipe

This recipe is for chicken that is cooked in chicken broth with rice noodles. The chicken is shredded and the noodles are then tossed in a soy sauce and vinegar dressing. It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.

• Hawaiian Style Pulled Pork[Source: The Foodie Affair]Recipe

This recipe is for a flavorful and easy-to-make Hawaiian-style pulled pork. The pork shoulder is cooked low and slow until it is fall-apart tender, and then it is shredded and mixed with a sweet and tangy sauce. You can then serve it on buns with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw, pineapple, and onions.

• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken[Source: Munchkin Time]Recipe

This recipe is for a delicious and easy-to-make Hawaiian BBQ chicken. The chicken marinates in a sweet and tangy sauce, and then is grilled or baked until it is cooked through. It goes well with your favorite sides, like rice, macaroni salad, and pineapple.

The End of Our Journey through the types of American BBQ

We hope you enjoyed our cross country journey today on the different types of American BBQ!

In this article, we have compared four of the most popular types of American BBQ: Kansas City BBQ, Memphis BBQ, Carolina BBQ, and Texas BBQ. Each type of BBQ has its own unique flavor profile, and each is sure to please BBQ lovers of all kinds.

So, which type of American BBQ is your favorite? If you’re still not sure, we suggest it’s time to fire up the grill and start exploring the delicious world of American BBQ!

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