Barbecue Has Room for More Than the Usual Favorites
With summer just around the corner, we know many Americans have their patios and grills locked and loaded for cookout season. If you're looking to host the barbecue of the year, we've got a few ideas to help you level up your offerings. Instead of sticking to only the iconic American staples, why not venture out to the rest of the world? Here are 20 foreign dishes that would make great options at any barbecue.
1. Korean Bulgogi
Tender, easy to share, and with the perfect sweet and savory marinade, Korean bulgogi is an Asian favorite that deserves to be served in American barbecues. It's a nice change from the usual smoky flavors of the American meats, which can make your spread feel exciting and new.
2. Mexican Elote
Fans of corn on the cob will definitely love this elevated Mexican treat. Elote is grilled corned dressed heavily in all the best fixings: mayo, lime juice, cheese, chili powder, and cilantro. It's messy to eat, but in the best way possible. And with each bite being so flavorful and delicious, who cares about the mess over your mouth?
3. Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jerk chicken brings heat, smoke, and deep seasoning to the grill, which means it'll fit right in at any American barbecue. The marinade usually consists of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and ginger, creating a bold flavor that have people going back for seconds every time.
4. Argentine Choripán
For something a bit heartier and filling, choripán is a grilled sausage sandwich from Argentina that's about as barbecue-friendly as food gets. It’s made with mouthwatering chorizo tucked into crusty bread and topped with chimichurri. It's like a fancy burger or hot dog, but with a brighter, punchier flavor that feels special.
5. Thai Chicken Satay
Who doesn't love food on a stick at cookouts? Easy to serve, easy to hold, and perfectly tasty, Thai chicken satay is made with the most fragrant marinade, paired with a rich and creamy peanut sauce that ties all the flavors together. It's the kind of barbecue food that'll seriously wow your guests.
6. Greek Souvlaki
Sometimes, fresh and simple is the way to go, and no one knows that better than the Greeks. Souvlaki is a perfect example of letting meat shine on its own, marinated in an easy sauce made of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
7. Indian Tandoori Chicken
For a blast of flavor, tandoori chicken brings color, spice, and a tangy marinade that pairs amazingly well against the rest of your smoky barbecue dishes. Even without a traditional tandoor oven, the grill does a fine job of giving the chicken a slightly charred finish, which gives it that necessary special touch.
8. Brazilian Pão de Queijo
It might be a mouthful to say, but this Brazilian dish is so scrumptious, you'll be eating it by the mouthful yourself. This cheese bread is small, chewy, and absolutely belongs on the barbecue table. It's the ultimate side or snack to munch on as you enjoy the other meats.
9. Vietnamese Grilled Pork
Vietnamese grilled pork is fragrant, savory, and slightly sweet, which makes it a strong option for summer cookouts. The pork is often marinated with fish sauce, garlic, sugar, shallots, and lemongrass, giving it an especially aromatic smell and taste that'll stand out among the smokier meats.
10. German Currywurst
Currywurst would be a fun addition to an American barbecue because it takes grilled sausage in a different direction no one would expect. A curry-spiced ketchup at a cookout? Now that sounds exciting and fun!
Richard Mischau, Britta Mischau on Wikimedia
11. Filipino Pork Skewers
Filipino pork skewers are sweet and savory, made from a marinade that often includes soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, garlic, sugar, and banana ketchup. They’re especially good when grilled over high heat, imparting that delicious charred flavor.
12. Turkish Köfte
These patties or meatballs made from ground meat seasoned with onion, parsley, cumin, paprika, and other spices, will bring your barbecue to a new level. You can make them with either beef or lamb depending on your guests' preferences, and watch as they enjoy the dish with utter delight.
13. Spanish Patatas Bravas
Barbecued meats are only as good as the sides, and the Spanish patatas bravas definitely needs to make an appearance. Put simply, what could possibly be better than crispy potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and a creamy garlic aioli? Sounds like a match made in heaven to us.
14. Japanese Yakitori
The Japanese definitely know how to cook, and if there's one thing they're great at, it's griling meat. Japanese yakitori is perfect for American barbecues because it's already designed around grilling small pieces of chicken. It's flavored with the most delicious sauce named tare, a marinade made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
15. Peruvian Anticuchos
Anticuchos are grilled skewers from Peru that are packed with smoky, tangy flavor. Sounds like they're perfect for barbecues already, right? They’re traditionally made with beef heart, though you can also use steak if you want a more familiar option for guests.
16. Lebanese Grilled Kafta
Made from ground meat mixed with parsley, onion, and tons of warm spices, Lebanese kafta can be shaped into skewer or patties for grilling. It’s flavorful without being too heavy, and it pairs well with hummus, pita, tomatoes, cucumbers, and garlic sauce if you want something more bright.
17. South African Boerewors
Boerewors is a coiled sausage from South Africa that was practically made for a grill-centered gathering. It’s usually seasoned with coriander, cloves, nutmeg, and vinegar, which gives it a distinctive flavor we're sure barbecue lovers can appreciate.
18. Indonesian Beef Rendang
Beef rendang isn’t a quick grill dish, but it would be a wonderful barbecue centerpiece if you're willing to put in the effort and time. Simmer some beef with coconut milk, chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and spices until the sauce and meat come together as one, and you're left with the most flavorsome dish.
19. Moroccan Grilled Lamb Chops
For something a bit fancier and luxurious feeling, Moroccan grilled lamb chops can make a barbecue feel a little more special without too much extra work. These cook quickly, look impressive on a platter, have explosive flavor, and pair nicely with couscous, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.
20. Italian Arrosticini
Another lamb dish you can cook up are these delicious Italian lamb skewers called arrosticini. They're simple yet packed with flavor, and above all else, are perfect for outdoor cooking. They’re usually seasoned with salt and grilled until the edges are browned, allowing the meat itself to remain the focus.
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