5 Barbecue Dishes To Add to Your Catering Menu

Barbecue catering is great for many occasions and offers delicious, smoky dishes for guests. A barbecue restaurant can serve tasty dishes that can make a memorable impression at a wedding, a corporate event, or a family reunion. From smoked meats to unique sides, here are five barbecue specialties to help enrich your catering menu:

1. Smoked Brisket

A well-established barbecue restaurant will try to have smoked brisket available on its menu. When cooked for multiple hours using wood or charcoal, the brisket becomes tender, moist, and rich in flavor. Brisket is prepared with a combination of seasonings, usually consisting of salt, pepper, and spices.

Preparation with spices also includes paprika and garlic, followed by a lengthy smoking session that infuses the meat with a strong smokey flavor influenced by the fuel used. You can prepare it thinly sliced with barbecue sauce on the side or use the meat as a filling for sandwiches or sliders. It also goes well with staple side dishes such as coleslaw and potato salad.

2. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is another barbecue staple that is full of flavor and versatile. This dish typically involves pork shoulder slow-cooked until tender enough to shred. Pulled pork works well served on its own or piled high on a bun for guests. 

Pork has a smoky and juicy taste and is best served with vinegar-based or tomato-based barbeque sauces. Since pulled pork can be made in larger batches, it makes for a good meal for when there are a lot of people to serve. Sides that pair well with pulled pork include fried pickles, onions, and coleslaw.

3. Grilled Chicken

When it comes to lighter meat options, grilled chicken recipes are one option for barbeque catering. Try using different parts of the chicken, such as thighs, breasts, and wings, and season them with an herb mixture and spices or marinate them in barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor. Grilled chicken is delicious when prepared and can also be used as a protein in foods like tacos or salads.

4. Barbecue Ribs

Ribs are an ideal dish for any occasion. Select the baby back ribs or spare ribs for the most tender meat for your guests. These ribs can be seasoned with a dry mixture before they are slow-cooked and brushed with a thick barbecue sauce. This caramelizes on the outside while maintaining the tenderness of the meat. Ribs are a good choice for barbecuing enthusiasts who love the idea of eating food with their bare hands. Various sauces and flavor profiles can accompany the ribs of your choice.

5. Vegetables

Every good barbecue should also include meals that can cater to vegetarians or those who enjoy barbecued vegetables. Cooking vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and portobello mushrooms are good choices for side dishes. Another frequent stable for barbecue catering is corn on the cob, coated with butter, and browned on the grill. These dishes can be lightly seasoned with spices and herbs or eaten with only salt and black pepper.

Visit a Barbecue Restaurant

From smoky brisket and pulled pork to tender grilled chicken and ribs, each of these options provides a different taste. Incorporating these dishes creates a rich and appetizing menu for any occasion. Visit an authentic barbeque restaurant to get a feel for all these barbeque options.