“TheGraciousPantry.com: Exploring Regional American Barbecue Styles
From the smoky brisket of Texas to the saucy ribs of Kansas City and the tangy pulled pork of Carolina, the variety of barbecue styles across the United States is truly remarkable. Each state and region has its own unique approach to this beloved culinary tradition, making it a challenge to keep track of them all.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey across the country, highlighting the distinctive barbecue styles that define each region. Whether you’re a fan of peppery brisket, saucy ribs, or vinegar-kicked pulled pork, there’s something for everyone in the diverse world of American barbecue.
When it comes to pinpointing a single barbecue capital in the USA, the answer isn’t so straightforward. Barbecue enthusiasts in Texas, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Memphis all proudly proclaim their city as the best barbecue destination. The truth is, the entire country can be considered the barbecue capital of the world, with each region offering its own unique take on this beloved culinary tradition.
So, whether you prefer the simplicity of smoked brisket from Central Texas, the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce of Kansas City, the neatly trimmed ribs of St. Louis, or the wet or dry-rubbed ribs of Memphis, there’s no shortage of delicious barbecue options to explore from coast to coast.”
Alabama is known for its famous white BBQ sauce, a mayonnaise-based sauce heavy on vinegar and black pepper, typically served with hickory-smoked chicken. Different regions in the state offer various BBQ sauces, such as sweet & spicy tomato-based sauce in Birmingham, spicy mustard-vinegar sauce in Tuscaloosa, and mustard sauce in the southeast. However, the zippy white sauce remains Alabama’s most famous BBQ export.
Eastern North Carolina BBQ is all about whole hog, where the meat is smoked over hardwood charcoal and served with a tangy, spicy vinegar-based sauce, mixed with crispy cracklins. Western North Carolina, or Lexington-style BBQ, focuses on slow-smoked pork shoulder with a ketchup-based red sauce, centered in the town of Lexington.
In Hawaii, the traditional BBQ style features kalua pig cooked in an underground pit and huli huli chicken grilled over mesquite wood. California’s Central Coast is home to Santa Maria-style BBQ, with tri-tip steak cooked over red oak embers. South Carolina is known for whole hog BBQ with Carolina Gold mustard-based sauce, along with other vinegar and tomato-based sauces.
Chicago-style BBQ offers hot links, rib tips, and ribs cooked in aquarium smokers on the South Side, drenched in sweet tomato-based sauce. Kentucky is famous for mutton BBQ, especially around Owensboro, where the meat is smoked over hickory and served with a sauce rich in worcestershire and allspice.
In this region, you can enjoy pulled pork shoulder topped with a savory sauce, along with hickory-grilled pork steaks. Burgoo, a traditional stew made with meat and vegetables, is a popular side dish in this state.
In Georgia, BBQ joints are known for their chopped pork topped with a tangy mustard-based sauce, sweetened with brown sugar, cider, and vinegar. Brunswick stew, a tomato-based dish with lima beans and vegetables, is a common accompaniment. For a must-visit BBQ experience, head to Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q in Atlanta.
It’s clear that there is a wide variety of delicious BBQ styles to try, with the common factor being slow wood smoking. For more BBQ inspiration, check out the 10 Best Sides for the Ultimate Backyard BBQ.
For a closer look at Now’s BBQ, a renowned Texas joint featured on Netflix, read the full article originally published on Goldbelly.com and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
