Barbequing is a great way to get the whole family together, celebrate an event, or even enjoy the nice weather. And while traditional barbeque methods never fail, some BBQ trends can significantly elevate your grilling technique.
Integrating small, new BBQ types and ingredients into your cookout is sufficient to enhance your skills and impress your guests!
Needless to say, the BBQ trends in 2024 are extensive. We’ve made things simpler by rounding up some of our favorite grilling trends of the year.
Popular and Affordable Meat Cuts
1. Tenderloin
The tenderloin is a prized steak cut, stretching from the ribs to the sirloin. As the name suggests, it's incredibly tender. This means you can cook it any way you prefer and still get the mouthwatering texture.
This cut also has a milder flavor compared to other meats. So, you can cut it into smaller filets, seasoning each one differently. This way, the entire family will have a special barbeque!
Alternatively, you can simply season the tenderloin with salt and pepper. It'll perfectly absorb the simple flavors. Then, pair your grilled steak with numerous sauces, making for a budget-friendly barbeque.
2. Sirloin
Similar to the tenderloin, the sirloin has the ideal tenderness for grilling. You won't need to baste it every five minutes, nor let it marinate overnight. Just some salt and pepper is enough to bring out the distinct beefy flavor of this cut.
The sirloin is also an affordable option, while still tasting similar to premium steaks. So, if you don't want steak, sirloin is a great option for skewers and small strips.
The trick is to get the top cut of the sirloin. You should also only sear the meat on direct heat, before letting it finish cooking on indirect heat. Doing so makes for an exceptionally juicy cut.
3. Ribeye
A ribeye steak is the king of steaks. This cut of meat comes from the ribs but is completely boneless with rich flavour.
The amazing marbling on the ribeye makes it ideal for grilling. As the meat heats, the fat maze slowly melts, basting the meat from the inside.
For this reason, ribeye is also one of the easiest steaks to grill. Regardless of how you season or grill it, the flavor will be perfect every single time.
4. Porterhouse
The porterhouse is another exceptional cut for barbeques. It has both the tenderness of the tenderloin and the flavor of the strip steak.
The marbling on porterhouse cuts is unparalleled. You'll barely need to season the steak! The best way to prepare this cut is to ensure you get a thick piece of meat.
Additionally, you must allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. This way, the meat will reabsorb all the tasty juice.
Seafood on the Grill
1. Salmon
There's no wrong way to prepare this versatile fish, and you'll also be getting a healthy dose of omega-3!
Marinating the salmon is the way to go with a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Make sure to properly oil the grill grates before placing the salmon. If the fish sticks, give it a couple of minutes and it should release naturally. Start by grilling the skin side down for five minutes. Then, flip the salmon and let it cook for another five minutes.
2. Shrimp
Shrimp tastes wonderful regardless of the cooking method! It’s one of the best seafood addition to your barbecue.
Not only does shrimp cook within minutes on the barbeque, but the smoky flavor brings out sweet notes in the shrimp that I bet you’ve never experienced before.
Go for jumbo shrimp, as it’s less likely to overcook. Afterward, devein and peel the shrimp, only leaving the tail for handling. You can place the shrimp on skewers if you like.
3. Halibut
Grilling halibut is easy enough for beginners and sophisticated enough for expert grill cooks.
First, you should ensure you have fresh halibut fish by looking for the distinct ocean smell. Next, trim the excess fat and remove the bone.
Marinating the halibut is essential so the fish can absorb plenty of flavors. When it’s time for grilling, monitor it closely so it doesn’t burn. The flesh should be flaky and opaque.
BBQ for Plant-Based
1. Veggie Skewers
Skewers are the ultimate barbequing hack. You can place peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and all types of vegetables on them, and it'll seem like you spent hours preparing the elaborate meal.
The best part is that skewers allow all the different flavors to intertwine. Veggie skewers are also easy and fun to eat!
2. Tofu
Who said tofu is boring? This versatile vegan choice is the ideal flavor absorbent. For this reason, you can grill it, imparting a smoky flavor, and then serve the tofu alongside a variety of dips.
As for the texture, grilling tofu creates a crispy exterior, and a soft, juicy interior. Even children won’t be able to resist this yummy mouthfeel.
3. Seitan
Seitan is the ultimate meat alternative. Not only does it have a texture identical to chicken, but you can also season it in various ways, making it a flavorful addition to the barbeque.
The only downside to seitan is it takes some elbow grease to make. Fortunately, this grilling trend is available in many grocery stores, significantly cutting down on prep time.
4. Vegan Steak
Seasoning your vegetables the right way as well as smoking them on the grill is a perfect way to satisfy your steak cravings.
If you don't want to feel left out at the next barbeque, try some of the following veggie steaks:
- Cauliflower
- Portobello Mushroom
- King Oyster Mushroom
- Eggplant
Sustainable Barbequing
The 2024 outdoor cooking trends are all about sustainability. After all, you don’t want to host a barbeque at the expense of the climate! So, here are some ways to integrate sustainability into your cookout:
- Coal Alternatives: Coal might be a popular grilling method, but it has a significant carbon footprint. Instead, you should invest in an electric or gas grill for a clean, environmentally-friendly barbeque.
- Avoiding Plastic Utensils: Plastic utensils significantly help while cleaning up. However, using single-use utensiles can be detrimental to the environmental so instead, host a barbeque with reusable cutlery, plates and glasses.
- Stock Up on Sides: Firing up the grill for a long time is incredibly wasteful. For this reason, make sure the grill is only active while you’re grilling. Reduce the grilling time by using less meat, and adding more sides and salads.
Fusing Flavors
Experimenting with barbequing is an excellent way to discover new flavors and hone your culinary skills.
In particular, fusing different international flavors with traditional barbeque methods creates one-of-a-kind meals. You might even discover your new signature dish!
For example, why not barbecue a brisket seasoned with mouthwatering Indian spices? Alternatively, you can push the limits by using new ingredients like miso paste, harissa, and gochujang.
Technology Integration
Recent technological advancements have made grilling much more accessible. Grilling isn’t only convenient now, but the recipes have also become fool-proof.
Some excellent technology you can add to your barbeque include:
- Digital Thermometers: Even if you’re not into grilling, a digital thermometer is a lifesaver in the kitchen. These nifty tools are particularly great for measuring the internal temperature of meats, so you can avoid over or underbooking your meat.
- Smart Grills: You can get by just fine without a smart grill. However, these digital barbequing tools allow you to control the temperature with a click of a button, as well as monitor the smoke and humidity. Some grills also connect to your phone via Bluetooth, so you won’t even need to get up!
- Grill Cleaning Tools: Cleaning up after a cookout is everybody’s least favorite part. You can choose between tools like cleaning brushes or high-pressure washers and steam to clean the grates, dependong on your preferences and equipment.
Veggies and Sides for BBQ
An outdoor cookout isn’t complete without the sides and veggies. These add a much-needed kick to the smoked meats and vegetables. They also significantly reduce the guilt after eating such rich food!
Almost any food pairs greatly with smoky dishes. If you’re not sure where to start, though, here are a couple of options you could include at your next barbeque:
- Coleslaw
- Cornbread
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Salad
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Baked Beans
TL;DR
BBQ trends in 2024 are extensive. Some cooks might feel discouraged to even try anything but traditional grilling techniques. The new outdoor cooking trends integrate technology and borrow flavors from all over the world, making for exciting new recipes and flavours.
With tasty meat cuts, grilled fish and vegetables, many sides options, and an array of BBQs and grills to choose from, there’s always something for everyone for your perfect summer barbeque.