Seasonal Grilling Guide: Best Meats for Summer BBQs
Summer is grilling season—and there's nothing quite like firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting to explore outdoor cooking, having the right cuts of meat on hand is key to hosting a successful summer cookout. This guide breaks down the best meats for grilling, shares easy BBQ ideas, and helps you build a lineup of flavors that everyone will love.
Why Grilling is the Star of Summer
Grilling brings out bold, smoky flavors that you just can't replicate indoors. It's fast, it's flavorful, and it's made for entertaining. When you choose the right meats, you get juicy, tender results that make summer meals unforgettable.
Best Meats for Grilling
1. Ribeye Steak
With beautiful marbling and rich flavor, the ribeye is a BBQ classic. Grill it hot and fast for a charred crust and tender center.
Grilling Tip: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
2. Picanha
A favorite in Brazilian barbecue, picanha offers a perfect balance of tenderness and beefy flavor. Its fat cap bastes the meat as it grills.
Grilling Tip: Cook whole and slice after grilling, or skewer chunks for traditional churrasco-style.
3. Flat Iron Steak
Underrated but incredibly tender, the flat iron is ideal for quick grilling. It has a deep, beefy taste and stays juicy.
Grilling Tip: Season simply with salt and pepper and grill to medium-rare for best results.
4. Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is thin, quick-cooking, and great for high-heat grilling. Its loose texture soaks up marinades beautifully.
Grilling Tip: Grill no more than 2-3 minutes per side and slice against the grain.
5. Tri-Tip
This triangular cut is perfect for grilling whole and slicing for sandwiches or platters. It offers a great chew and robust flavor.
Grilling Tip: Sear over high heat, then finish over indirect heat to medium-rare.
6. Sirloin Steak
Sirloin is leaner and more budget-friendly than ribeye, but still flavorful when grilled right.
Grilling Tip: Marinate before grilling to keep it tender and juicy.
7. Burgers (Ground Beef)
You can’t talk about summer BBQ without burgers. A good beef patty, properly seasoned and grilled, is always a crowd-pleaser.
Grilling Tip: Use 80/20 ground beef for a juicy, flavorful burger that holds together well.
8. Pork Spare Ribs
Pork spare ribs are a backyard BBQ essential, known for their rich flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness when cooked low and slow.
Grilling Tip: Use indirect heat and grill them slowly over a couple of hours, basting with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Easy Grilling Ideas for Summer
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Steak & Veggie Meal Prep Bowls: Grill several cuts in one session and pair with grilled zucchini, corn, and potatoes.
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Build-Your-Own Burger Bar: Offer a variety of toppings and sauces for a customizable burger experience.
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Taco Night on the Grill: Use grilled skirt or flank steak for tacos with fresh salsa and grilled peppers.
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Family-Style BBQ Platter: Slice ribeye, tri-tip, and picanha for a mixed grilled meat tray.
What to BBQ This Summer: Tips from the Butcher
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Choose high-quality, pasture-raised meats for the best flavor and tenderness.
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Keep it simple: Salt, pepper, olive oil, and the right cooking time go a long way.
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Invest in a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking (medium-rare is 130-135°F).
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Rest your meat before slicing so juices stay in the meat, not on the cutting board.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to summer grilling, great meat makes great memories. Whether you’re flipping burgers for the kids or slicing picanha for a crowd, the right cuts and a little know-how will make your next BBQ unforgettable.
Stock up on all the best meats for grilling at Simpson’s Meats—from juicy ribeyes to tender sirloin, we’ve got everything you need to make this summer your most flavorful yet.
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