26 delicious barbecue recipes from around the world
Authentic Xinjiang-style lamb skewers, featuring tender lamb and rich lamb fat grilled over high heat, generously coated in a fragrant cumin and chili spice blend. A true taste of the bustling night markets.
Khorkhog is a unique and traditional Mongolian barbecue dish where meat (typically mutton or goat) and vegetables are cooked in a sealed container with the help of intensely heated river stones. This method imparts a distinct smoky flavor and ensures the meat is tender and succulent.
Poulet Dibi, also known as chicken afra, is a popular Ivorian grilled chicken dish characterized by its flavorful marinade and smoky char. The chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of spices, herbs, and often mustard and lime, then grilled or roasted until tender and slightly charred. It's typically served with grilled onions and a side of spicy sauce or mustard.
A classic Brazilian-Portuguese dish featuring a whole chicken, butterflied and marinated in a fiery blend of African bird's eye chilies, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then grilled to achieve a delicious char. This recipe balances intense flavor with a satisfying smoky char.
Shisa Nyama, meaning 'burn the meat' in Zulu, is more than just a meal; it's a vibrant social tradition and a cornerstone of township gatherings. This recipe outlines the essentials for a classic braai (barbecue) featuring a variety of grilled meats, served with traditional accompaniments like pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).
The quintessential Argentine street food, a Choripán is a grilled chorizo sausage nestled in a crusty bread roll, generously slathered with vibrant chimichurri sauce. Perfect for game days, barbecues, or any casual gathering.
A centerpiece of any Argentine Asado, these beef short ribs are slowly grilled over wood embers, allowing the smoke and fat to render into incredibly tender and flavorful meat. This recipe focuses on the traditional, minimalist approach, highlighting the quality of the beef and the primal method of cooking.
Mouan Ang, or Cambodian Grilled Chicken, is a flavorful dish characterized by its aromatic marinade and smoky char from grilling. Typically made with chicken pieces marinated in a blend of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, turmeric, fish sauce, and sugar, it's grilled to perfection, often served with a zesty lime and pepper dipping sauce. This dish is a popular choice for gatherings and everyday meals.
A classic marinade that tenderizes lamb and infuses it with aromatic spices, perfect for grilling succulent shashlik.
Tender and flavorful lamb chops, expertly grilled over hot coals, a quintessential element of any South African braai (barbecue).
Mititei, often called 'Mici', are small, skinless grilled sausages that are a quintessential Romanian street food and barbecue favorite. Made from a flavorful blend of ground meats, garlic, and a unique mix of spices, they are juicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Authentic Cape Malay sosaties are tender lamb kebabs marinated in a fragrant, sweet and savory curry sauce, then grilled to perfection. Traditionally made with lamb, they are skewered with dried apricots and sometimes onions, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a braai (barbecue).
Uzbek Shashlik is a quintessential Uzbek barbecue dish, featuring marinated cubes of meat grilled to perfection. Traditionally made with lamb or beef, it's known for its tender texture and smoky flavor, often enhanced by lamb tail fat and a simple yet effective marinade.
A quintessential South African farmer's sausage, this coiled beef and pork sausage is infused with the aromatic warmth of coriander and other spices. It's an absolute essential for any braai (barbecue).
A quintessential Serbian barbecue experience, featuring a variety of grilled meats, often including ćevapi, pljeskavica (though we'll focus on the mix components here), pork ribs, and sausages, typically served with onions, ajvar, and somun bread.
Kabab Koobideh is the quintessential Persian ground meat kebab, renowned for its incredibly juicy and flavorful texture. Typically made with lamb, this dish is considered the king of Persian kebabs, best enjoyed grilled and served with traditional accompaniments.
Ntaba Ya Bandundu is a popular Congolese dish of grilled or roasted goat meat, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, ginger, and sometimes chili. It's often prepared for gatherings and celebrations, showcasing the rich flavors of Congolese barbecue.
Tender, succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a creamy, yogurt-based mixture infused with ginger, garlic, green chilies, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with warm, flaky parathas, this dish is a delightful balance of rich flavors and comforting textures, often enjoyed as a popular barbecue or appetizer item.
Sveshtarnik refers to marinated pork pieces grilled on skewers, often with vegetables. This dish is a popular choice for outdoor gatherings and celebrations in Bulgaria, known for its smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat.
A quintessential Polish summer dish, grilled kielbasa is smoky, savory, and perfectly complemented by the sharp bite of traditional mustard. This recipe focuses on achieving a beautifully charred exterior while ensuring the sausage is cooked through.
Moldovan 'mititei' (plural of 'mititel') are small, grilled skinless sausages, typically made from a mixture of ground meats seasoned with garlic, thyme, and other spices. They are a popular dish, often enjoyed at outdoor gatherings and celebrations.
Tender cubes of marinated beef threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables, then grilled to perfection. This dish, often referred to as 'Nyama Yakagochwa' (grilled meat), is a popular choice for gatherings and barbecues in Zimbabwe.
A flavorful Uruguayan-style grilled lamb, marinated and served with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This dish highlights the quality of Uruguayan lamb and the popular South American condiment.
Slow-cooked beef ribs, often grilled or roasted, served with tender boiled or fried yuca (manioc). A quintessential Paraguayan barbecue dish, highlighting the country's love for grilled meats and staple root vegetables.
