Barbecue (BBQ) is a cooking method that involves cooking meat and vegetables over indirect heat, often smoking the food over wood chips or charcoal. BBQ has become a wildly popular cuisine across the United States, with various regional styles and techniques. To celebrate this beloved cooking tradition, National BBQ Day recognizes barbecue fans and pitmasters nationwide.
When is National BBQ Day?
National BBQ Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in May. In 2023, National BBQ Day falls on May 20th.
This tasty holiday encourages everyone to fire up the grill or smoker and enjoy delicious barbecue dishes. From tender pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone ribs, BBQ enthusiasts look forward to this day to showcase their best grilling recipes and techniques. Backyard cookouts with family and friends make for a perfect way to celebrate the day.
History of National BBQ Day
The origins of National BBQ Day are unclear, but barbecue has a long and storied tradition in the United States. Different styles emerged in the South, Midwest, and Southwest, ranging from slow-smoked brisket in Texas to vinegar-based pulled pork in North Carolina. While backyard grilling gained popularity after World War II, barbecue purists kept regional traditions alive at competitions starting in the 1980s.
As interest in barbecue grew, National BBQ Day was likely established to commemorate this cooking method. The day gives grill masters a chance to share their skills and for families and friends to bond over perfectly cooked barbecue. From smoked ribs to grilled burgers, National BBQ Day honors the flavors, recipes, and culture around American barbecue.
How to Celebrate National BBQ Day
There are so many delicious ways to celebrate National BBQ Day! Here are some ideas:
Host a Backyard BBQ Party
Gather friends and family for a cookout in your backyard or local park. Cook up classic barbecue dishes like pulled pork, smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, sausages, and more. Make sure to include traditional sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and biscuits. Don’t forget the BBQ sauce!
Try a New BBQ Recipe
In honor of the holiday, challenge yourself to attempt a barbecue recipe you’ve never made before. Look up competition-style techniques for ribs or brisket. Or explore a regional BBQ style like Santa Maria tri-tip from California or mutton from Kentucky.
Visit a Local BBQ Restaurant
Support barbecue joints in your community by visiting for lunch or dinner on National BBQ Day. Order sampler platters so you can taste a variety of smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and sausage.
Enter a Barbecue Competition
Put your barbecue skills to the test in a local or state competition. Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctions events across the US. Compete in categories like ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, chicken, and more.
Watch a BBQ-Themed Movie or TV Show
What better way to celebrate than by watching movies and shows about barbecue? Some options include Chef, TheBBQ, BBQ Pitmasters TV show, and many mouthwatering cooking shows and documentaries.
Popular BBQ Dishes & Styles
Barbecue differs across the United States, leading to regional specialties. Here are some of the most popular dishes and styles:
Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City is known for saucy, slow-smoked barbecue. Signature meats include pork ribs, burnt ends, smoked brisket, and pulled pork. Sauces range from sweet to tangy using tomato, molasses, and vinegar.
Memphis BBQ
Memphis specializes in pork barbecue, especially ribs and pulled pork shoulder. A characteristic Memphis dry rub consists of spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauces are tomato or vinegar-based.
Texas BBQ
Texas barbecue is all about beef brisket, cured for 12+ hours over oak or mesquite wood. Simple salt and pepper or spice rubs flavor the meat. Sauce options include tangy tomato-based or sweeter molasses sauces.
North Carolina BBQ
North Carolina barbecue typically uses the whole hog or just the pork shoulder. The pork is pulled or chopped and served with a thin vinegar and pepper sauce. Some regions add ketchup or brown sugar.
South Carolina BBQ
In South Carolina, smoked pulled pork shoulder is drenched in a spicy, tangy mustard sauce, sometimes served along with a red barbecue sauce. Whole hog cooking is also traditional.
California BBQ
California draws barbecue influence from around the country. Signature meats are tri-tip beef and Santa Maria-style barbecue cooked over red oak in a pit. Sauces vary from tangy to slightly sweet.
5 FAQs about National BBQ Day
What is the date for National BBQ Day 2023?
In 2023, National BBQ Day is Saturday, May 20th. It’s always the third Saturday in May.
What meat is traditionally cooked for National BBQ Day?
National BBQ Day celebrates all kinds of barbecue, but classic meats are pork, beef, chicken, ribs, sausages, and more.
Where was National BBQ Day first celebrated?
The origins are unclear, but it celebrates barbecue traditions across the United States.
How can you participate in National BBQ Day?
Cook barbecue at home or visit restaurants. Attend public cook-offs. Share recipes and grill techniques with others.
What are the most popular BBQ side dishes?
Classic sides are baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, mac and cheese, cornbread, rolls, and fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
National BBQ Day recognizes an essential part of American culture – delicious barbecue. Backyard grill masters, professional pit-smokers, and barbecue enthusiasts can all participate in the holiday by cooking up their favorite recipes. Spending the day enjoying smoked or grilled meats, regional styles, and addictive sauces is the perfect way to celebrate.
So fire up your smoker or grill to observe National BBQ Day! Invite family and friends over to enjoy outstanding barbecue. And don’t forget sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, coleslaw, beans, and potato salad to complement your succulent brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or other smoked delicacies. Happy National BBQ Day!