This collection features the most beloved recipes from our community—the ones that are simple to master and guaranteed to deliver incredible flavor every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grill master, these recipes for Picanha, chicken thighs, pulled pork, and BBQ ribs will be your new go-to for any gathering.
Our Most Popular Recipes: Grilling Favorites for Any Occasion
Some meals are more than just food; they’re a reason to gather, to celebrate, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of great cooking. These are the recipes that have become our community favorites—the ones that are simple to master and guaranteed to deliver incredible flavor every time.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a foolproof starting point or a seasoned grill master in need of fresh inspiration, this collection of our most popular recipes is your go-to guide for a successful cookout.
The Perfect Picanha (Sirloin Cap)
A staple of Brazilian churrasco, the Picanha is revered for its incredible flavor and iconic fat cap. It’s a surprisingly simple cut to master, requiring only a generous amount of coarse salt.
- Ingredients:
- One 2-3 lb Sirloin Cap (Picanha)
- Coarse salt (Maldon or Kosher)
- Instructions:
- Score the fat cap in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat.
- Liberally coat all sides of the Picanha with coarse salt.
- Grill the Picanha over high, direct heat, fat side down, until the fat cap is golden and crispy.
- Flip and sear the meat side, then move to a lower, indirect heat zone to cook to your desired doneness.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Pro Tip: For a deeper dive into this incredible cut, check out our Sirloin Cap (Picanha): The Ultimate Guide.
Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are incredibly forgiving and packed with flavor, making them the perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil and all the seasonings until fully coated.
- Grill the thighs over medium-high heat, skin-side down, until the skin is golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Flip the thighs and continue to grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The Best Pulled Pork
For a true taste of low-and-slow BBQ, nothing beats a juicy, tender pulled pork. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or enjoying on its own.
- Ingredients:
- One 4-5 lb pork shoulder (Boston Butt)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ rub
- Instructions:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry and coat all sides with a thin layer of mustard as a binder.
- Liberally apply your BBQ rub, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- Smoke or cook the pork shoulder using indirect heat at 225°F (107°C) for 1.5-2 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C).
- Remove and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. The bone should pull out cleanly.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix in a little of your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Pro Tip: For a deeper look at this classic, read our guide on Pulled Pork Perfection.
Classic BBQ Ribs
Whether you prefer Baby Backs or St. Louis Style, mastering ribs is a hallmark of any true grill master. The key is low-and-slow cooking until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Ingredients:
- 1 rack of pork ribs (St. Louis or Baby Back)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- Your favorite BBQ rub
- Apple juice or cider vinegar (for spritzing)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Instructions:
- Remove the membrane from the bone-side of the ribs.
- Coat the ribs in mustard and generously apply your BBQ rub.
- Grill or smoke at a consistent 250°F (121°C) using indirect heat.
- Cook for 4-5 hours, spritzing every hour to maintain moisture.
- Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce in the final 30 minutes of cooking to create a delicious glaze.
- Pro Tip: For a complete breakdown of each cut and cooking method, read our Pork Ribs Guide.
These recipes are just a taste of the incredible flavors waiting to be discovered on your grill. The secret to their popularity lies in their simplicity and consistency. Try one for your next meal and see for yourself!
For more recipes and grilling inspiration, check out our Ultimate BBQ Recipe Collection and other guides on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different cuts of meat for these recipes? A: Yes! While these recipes are tailored to specific cuts, you can absolutely experiment. For example, the Picanha recipe’s principles of a fat cap and high-heat sear apply to other premium cuts like Ribeye. The pulled pork recipe’s low-and-slow method is perfect for other tough cuts like chuck steak or beef tongue.
Q: What’s the best way to choose a BBQ rub? A: The best way to choose a rub is to match the flavors to the meat. For beef, a simple rub with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is a classic. For pork, a rub with a little brown sugar and paprika works well. For more guidance, check out our guide on How to Season Meat: Rubs, Marinades, and Brines Explained.
Q: Why do I need to rest the meat after cooking? A: Resting meat is crucial for a juicy result. When you cook meat, the internal juices are forced to the center. Cutting it immediately will cause those juices to spill out, leaving you with dry meat. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the cut, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Q: Can I cook these recipes in a regular oven instead of on a grill? A: You can, but you’ll miss out on the distinct smoky flavor and char that a grill provides. For recipes like pulled pork, an oven works perfectly for the low-and-slow cooking process. For grilled chicken or Picanha, using a hot oven and then a cast-iron pan to sear can mimic the effect, but the true BBQ flavor comes from the fire.
These recipes are beloved for a reason—they are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. By mastering just a few core techniques, you can bring the joy of a perfect grilled meal to your family and friends.
Ready to find the right gear to make these recipes even better? Check out our guides on the Best BBQ Grills and Top-Rated Meat Thermometers to continue your journey toward culinary mastery.
Internal Links:
- Sirloin Cap (Picanha): The Ultimate Guide
- Pork Ribs Guide: Baby Back, Spare & St. Louis
- Pulled Pork Perfection: Low & Slow Cooking Tips
- The Ultimate Guide to Steak Cuts
- BBQ Recipes Guide
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