Nothing beats the smell of sizzling meat on the grill. But not all cuts are created equal. Some turn out juicy and flavorful with just a little seasoning, while others need serious marinating to shine.
If you’re looking to take your backyard grilling to the next level, these 10 cuts of meat will give you the best results.
1. Ribeye Steak
Ribeye is the king of steaks for grilling. Its marbling (those little fat streaks) melts into the meat as it cooks, creating insane juiciness and flavor. Just season with salt and pepper, throw it on high heat, and let the grill work its magic.
2. Pork Chops
Bone-in or boneless, pork chops cook up beautifully on the grill. They’re leaner than steak, so they benefit from a quick brine or marinade to keep them tender. A little char and smoky flavor take them to the next level.
3. Tri-Tip
A West Coast favorite, tri-tip is a beefy, flavorful cut that loves the grill. It’s best cooked over indirect heat, then finished with a high-heat sear. Slice it against the grain for the most tender bites.
4. Chicken Thighs
Forget dry chicken breasts—thighs are where the flavor’s at. Their higher fat content keeps them juicy, even over high heat. Whether bone-in or boneless, they’re perfect for grilling and can handle bold marinades.
5. Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is packed with flavor and cooks in just minutes. It soaks up marinades like a sponge and delivers a deep, beefy taste. Just don’t overcook it—medium-rare is the sweet spot.
6. Lamb Chops
Lamb chops bring a rich, slightly gamey flavor that pairs beautifully with grilling. They cook quickly and taste amazing with a simple garlic and rosemary rub.
7. Baby Back Ribs
Low and slow is the name of the game here. Baby back ribs become incredibly tender when grilled over indirect heat. Slather on some BBQ sauce at the end for that perfect caramelized finish.
8. Flat Iron Steak
A hidden gem, flat iron steak is incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s a great alternative to more expensive cuts and grills up beautifully with just a little salt and pepper.
9. Sausages & Bratwurst
Grilled sausages bring bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you go with classic bratwurst, spicy chorizo, or Italian sausage, they get that perfect snap and smoky char on the grill.
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10. Tomahawk Steak
If you want to impress at your next BBQ, go big with a tomahawk steak. This bone-in ribeye looks as good as it tastes. It takes longer to cook, but the end result is a tender, flavorful showstopper.
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Fire Up That Grill!
No matter what meat you choose, the grill adds that smoky, flame-kissed flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re going for juicy steaks, crispy-skinned chicken, or fall-apart ribs, these cuts will have your backyard BBQ guests coming back for more. What’s going on your grill this weekend?
