Now, I’d love to claim this idea as my own, but let’s be honest, it’s not. The credit goes to @bbqwithjake (https://www.instagram.com/bbqwithjake/), who stumbled upon this brilliant concept on a forum. Cheers, mate!
As much as I’d love to say I’m a BBQ know-it-all, I’m not. So, I teamed up with GPT-4 (that’s right, an AI!) to create the foundation for this guide. After a bit of fact-checking and tweaking, we’ve got ourselves a cracking resource for all things BBQ.
Why spill the beans? Well, honesty is the best policy eh! This guide is the result of Jake’s inspiration, my blood, sweat, and BBQ sauce, and the sheer power of AI. Teamwork makes the dream work, folks!
Now, let’s dive into the juicy stuff!
We’ve got an absolute smorgasbord of proteins to cover, from pork ribs and brisket to whole chickens and even plant-based options like tofu.
So, grab your tongs and apron, and let’s get grillin’! 🔥🍖
Pork:
Ribs (baby back, spare, St. Louis)
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 225-250°F / 107-121°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Done Temp: 190-203°F / 88-95°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Smoked jalapeno poppers (1 hour)
- Beer can chicken (1.5-2 hours)
- Grilled peaches (15-20 minutes)
- Grilled cabbage wedges (20-25 minutes)
- Smoked stuffed bell peppers (1-1.5 hours)
Pork shoulder or pork butt (for pulled pork)
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 225-250°F / 107-121°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 8-12 hours
Done Temp: 195-205°F / 91-96°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled cornbread (20-25 minutes)
- Smoked vegetable skewers (45-60 minutes)
- Hasselback potatoes (45-60 minutes)
- Smoked whole chicken (3-4 hours)
- Grilled garlic bread (10-15 minutes)
Pork fillet or tenderloin
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Done Temp: 145°F / 63°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled pineapple and red onion skewers (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled romaine lettuce (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled vegetable kabobs (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled shrimp skewers (5-7 minutes)
- Grilled Portobello mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
Pork chops
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Done Temp: 145°F / 63°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled sweet potatoes (30-40 minutes)
- Grilled asparagus (6-8 minutes)
- Grilled halloumi cheese (3-5 minutes)
- Grilled cherry tomatoes (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled zucchini and yellow squash (10-15 minutes)
Sausages
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 325-375°F / 163-190°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Done Temp: 160°F / 71°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled corn on the cob (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled vegetable skewers (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled potato wedges (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled onions (15-20 minutes)
Beef:
Brisket
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 225-250°F / 107-121°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 12-18 hours
Done Temp: 200-205°F / 93-96°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Smoked mac and cheese (2-3 hours)
- Smoked whole cauliflower (1.5-2 hours)
- Grilled cabbage steaks (15-20 minutes)
- Smoked sausage links (2-3 hours)
- Smoked whole potatoes (2-2.5 hours)
Beef short ribs
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 225-250°F / 107-121°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Done Temp: 200-205°F / 93-96°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Smoked stuffed mushrooms (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked jalapeno cornbread (1-1.5 hours)
- Grilled broccoli (8-10 minutes)
- Grilled vegetable medley (20-25 minutes)
- Smoked bacon-wrapped asparagus (30-45 minutes)
Rump or sirloin steaks
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 450-500°F / 232-260°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 130-145°F / 54-63°C (depending on desired doneness)
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled bell peppers (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled caprese salad (5-7 minutes)
- Grilled lobster tails (8-10 minutes)
- Grilled green beans (5-7 minutes)
- Grilled stuffed mini peppers (10-15 minutes)
Beef burgers
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 160°F / 71°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled vegetable skewers (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled pineapple rings (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled corn on the cob (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled portobello mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled veggie burgers (5-10 minutes)
Beef sausages or hot dogs
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 325-375°F / 163-190°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Done Temp: 160°F / 71°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled onion rings (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled stuffed jalapenos (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled sweet potato slices (15-20 minutes)
- Grilled zucchini boats (15-20 minutes)
- Grilled tomatoes with cheese (5-10 minutes)
Poultry:
Chicken (whole, spatchcocked, or in parts like wings, thighs, and drumsticks)
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 1-2 hours (depending on the size and cut)
Done Temp: 165°F / 74°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled pineapple salsa (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled red pepper salad (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled stuffed zucchini (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled cornbread (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled kabocha squash (15-20 minutes)
Turkey (whole or in parts like breasts)
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 325°F / 163°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (for parts) or 6-8 hours (for whole turkey)
Done Temp: 165°F / 74°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled sweet potatoes with maple syrup glaze (30-40 minutes)
- Grilled brussels sprouts (15-20 minutes)
- Grilled carrots (15-20 minutes)
- Grilled acorn squash (20-30 minutes)
- Grilled green bean bundles (10-15 minutes)
Duck
BBQ Temp: 275-300°F / 135-149°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Done Temp: 165°F / 74°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled figs with balsamic glaze (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled fennel (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled radicchio (5-10 minutes)
- Smoked pears (30-45 minutes)
- Grilled polenta (20-25 minutes)
Game birds, such as quail or pheasant
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Done Temp: 160°F / 71°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled endive (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled baby potatoes (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled asparagus wrapped in prosciutto (5-8 minutes)
- Grilled beet salad (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled leeks (15-20 minutes)
Fish and seafood:
Salmon
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 130-135°F / 54-57°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled lemon and herb couscous (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled vegetable medley (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled avocado halves (5-7 minutes)
- Grilled romaine hearts (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled watermelon salad (5-10 minutes)
Trout
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 325-375°F / 163-190°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 135°F / 57°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled green beans (5-7 minutes)
- Grilled cherry tomatoes (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled eggplant (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled zucchini (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled new potatoes (20-25 minutes)
Tuna
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 125°F / 52°C (for medium-rare)
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled vegetable skewers (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled pineapple and red onion (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled bell peppers (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled baby bok choy (3-5 minutes)
- Grilled cauliflower steaks (10-15 minutes)
Prawns
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 120-130°F / 49-54°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled stuffed mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled corn on the cob (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled vegetable kabobs (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled clams (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled scallops (5-7 minutes)
Scallops
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25 hour
Done Temp: Opaque and slightly firm to the touch
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled asparagus (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled artichokes (15-20 minutes)
- Grilled pineapple (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled halved bell peppers (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled lemon wedges (2-3 minutes)
Mussels, clams, or oysters
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25 hour
Done Temp: Opened shells and cooked through
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled ciabatta bread (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled garlic butter corn (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled cherry tomatoes (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled zucchini slices (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled shrimp (5-7 minutes)
Lamb:
Lamb chops
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 145°F / 63°C (medium-rare)
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled potato and onion packets (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled fennel (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled halloumi cheese (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled radicchio (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled eggplant (10-15 minutes)
Leg of lamb
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 325°F / 163°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Done Temp: 145°F / 63°C (medium-rare)
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Smoked new potatoes (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked carrots (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked whole onions (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked beets (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked whole garlic heads (1-1.5 hours)
Rack of lamb
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 400-450°F / 204-232°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: 145°F / 63°C (medium-rare)
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled broccolini (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled sweet peppers (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled parsnips (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled cherry tomatoes (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled stuffed mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
Lamb shoulder
Smoked or Grilled: Smoked
BBQ Temp: 250-275°F / 121-135°C
Cooking Method: Indirect
Avg. Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Done Temp: 195-205°F / 91-96°C
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Smoked butternut squash (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked whole red cabbage (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked Brussels sprouts (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked stuffed bell peppers (1-1.5 hours)
- Smoked cauliflower (1-1.5 hours)
Plant-based proteins:
Tofu
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: Firm and golden brown
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled vegetable skewers (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled corn on the cob (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled marinated mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled stuffed zucchini (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled pineapple (5-10 minutes)
Tempeh
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: Golden brown and slightly crispy
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled vegetable kabobs (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled sweet potato wedges (20-25 minutes)
- Grilled bell pepper halves (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled red onion slices (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled asparagus (5-10 minutes)
Veggie burgers or sausages
Smoked or Grilled: Grilled
BBQ Temp: 350-400°F / 177-204°C
Cooking Method: Direct
Avg. Cooking Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Done Temp: Firm and heated through
Complimentary Items to Cook:
- Grilled vegetable skewers (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled pineapple rings (5-10 minutes)
- Grilled corn on the cob (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled portobello mushrooms (10-15 minutes)
- Grilled avocado halves (5-7 minutes)
