I was curious and tried to find out the answer to the question what is the most popular meat for BBQ? I was a little surprised by the answers I found.
Pork Was The Big Winner!
Pork
According to a poll, more Americans prefer pork as their BBQ meat of choice.
In this Gallup telephone survey conducted on June 24-25, 2019, with a random sample of 1,028 adults in all 50 states, 32% said they ate chicken at their last BBQ while 30% stated that they had eaten beef at their latest cookout.
Twenty-four percent enjoyed lamb or mutton the last time they hosted a gathering where people brought dishes to share.
The pork came first with 27%, followed by ham/turkey/other at 13%. The remaining 6% said that they had never hosted a cookout before.
Man and Woman
Interestingly, there was a significant difference in BBQ meat preferences between men and women.
Thirty-six percent of men said they ate pork at their last BBQ, compared to only 22% of women.
In contrast, 31% of women said they had cooked chicken at their latest cookout, versus 26% of men.
Many different types of meat can be used for BBQing, but it looks like pork is the most popular choice overall!
Popular Cuts
Some of the most popular meats for BBQ include chicken, pork ribs, beef brisket, and sausage. Each of these meats has its unique flavor and texture, making it perfect for BBQing.
Chicken is a great option because it can be marinated and cooked so that you can easily remove the meat from the bone after it has been barbecued.
You can read all about my chicken leg marinade and how to use it on this page.
Pork ribs are also delicious, as long as they’re carefully barbecued so that they retain their moisture and don’t dry out.
Beef choice brisket requires just the right amount of heat and time to make it tender and moist, but it’s worth the wait.
Sausage is also a great choice because it can be cut up small and used as an ingredient in various dishes, such as chilies or stews.
Chicken
Chicken is a popular choice because it is relatively lean and cooks quickly. Pork ribs are also popular because they are flavorful and tender.
Beef brisket is a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts because of its rich flavor and fatty texture. And sausage is a classic BBQ meat that is always a hit with guests.
Chickens are butchered around ten weeks old, cows are butchered at 9 to 12 months old for meat production, while pigs take about 5 to 7 months to reach butchering age. Fish takes about 9 to 36 months for full maturity before being harvested.
My Tips
If you want your next BBQ to be a success, it might be worth considering not just looking at the best grill you can find but also looking at how much meat you should be cooking for your party.
Most of the time I also use some pork ribs or pulled pork! Pork ribs are versatile because they can be cooked in either dry or wet heat methods.
If you are wondering how and what to cook on the grill or smoker just have a look at my best grill recipes.
If you would like to know what the best places are to order meat online you can have a look at it by clicking on this link.
I also suggest you to read my how to prevent Salmonella article to avoid food born illnesses.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken brings years of experience from running a full-service restaurant, where he honed his skills with all types of kitchen equipment. His expertise extends to mastering the art of outdoor cooking, utilizing the right recipes to enhance flavors on grills and smokers. Eddie’s in-depth knowledge allows him to provide comprehensive grill reviews and valuable outdoor cooking tips, helping enthusiasts make the most of their grilling adventures. You can read more on the About page for Eddie van Aken