BBQ Meat Guide — Best Cuts for Grilling

What Are the Best Cuts for BBQ?

The best BBQ cuts are beef short ribs and brisket for low-and-slow smoking, lamb chops and chicken thighs for quick grilling, and beef mince at 20-25% fat for juicy burgers. Match the cut to the cooking method — tough cuts need slow cooking, tender cuts need high heat.

Best Cuts for Low and Slow BBQ

Beef brisket

The classic BBQ cut. Smoke at 110°C for 6-12 hours until internal temperature reaches 88°C. Wrap in butcher paper at 70°C to prevent drying. Rest for 1 hour before slicing.

Beef short ribs

Smoke at 110°C for 4-6 hours until tender. Season with salt and pepper — let the meat speak for itself. Internal temperature should reach 88°C.

Best Cuts for Quick Grilling

Lamb chops

Quick to grill, full of flavour. Cook over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rest for 3 minutes.

Chicken thighs

Juicier than breast, great on the grill. Marinate for 30 minutes, then grill for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 75°C.

Skewers

We offer pre-marinated beef skewers and chicken skewers — ready to go straight on the grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning regularly.

Making the Perfect BBQ Burger

For the juiciest burgers, choose beef mince with 20-25% fat. The fat renders during cooking, keeping the burger moist.

Burger tips

• Form patties gently — don't overwork the meat
• Season generously with salt and pepper
• Cook over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side
• Don't press the patties — you squeeze out the juices
• Toast the buns on the grill

BBQ Food Safety

• Keep raw meat chilled until ready to cook — use a cooler with ice packs
• Use separate utensils for raw and cooked meat
• Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 75°C
• Rest beef for 5-10 minutes after cooking
• Don't leave cooked meat in the sun — keep it covered and cool

Timing Your BBQ

Start with items that take the longest, then add quicker-cooking items in the final 30-45 minutes:

1. Brisket and ribs — start 6-12 hours before serving
2. Chicken thighs — add 30 minutes before serving
3. Burgers and skewers — add 15 minutes before serving
4. Lamb chops — add 10 minutes before serving

Order BBQ-ready cuts from The Butcher's Table — fresh, butcher-selected, delivered next day.