To the casual observer, all BBQ is more or less the same. However, to those who care about eating a perfect piece of meat, the cuts used in the process are essential. Below is a quick guide to help you understand how each cut can create a different BBQ experience. 

What Are the Common Meat Cuts Found in BBQ Dishes?

1. Beef Brisket

Tender meat doesn’t always come down to the type of muscle. For example, beef brisket is from the breast area of cattle. As they do not have collarbones, the pectoral muscles in this region must handle a large percentage of the cows’ weight, which requires significant connective tissue. To make the meat is nice and tender, a long slow smoke over charcoal or wood is necessary to breakdown the muscle properly. 

2. Pork Ribs

In general, pork ribs are any cut that comes from the rib cage of a pig. However, there are several different types, depending on the section of the rib. Baby back ribs come from the top of the rib cage, and will often contain up to 13 ribs with meat between and on top of the bones.

Spare ribs come from the underside of the pig near the sternum area. They tend to be flatter, meatier, and more tender than back ribs. Rib tips, which are cartilage and not bone, are the meaty sections of the ribcage near the end of spare ribs.

3. Beef Burgers

A delicious burger could come from cuts of chuck, sirloin, brisket, or round cuts. Chuck, which is from the upper shoulder, is one of the most popular options because it is well-marbled and creates a buttery flavor.

Top sirloin, cut from the back region, has a beefier flavor but is still tender. For a healthier option, choose a round cut from the rear leg. It’s more difficult to cook but has a lower fat ratio.

When you want delicious BBQ made from quality meat, head to Red’s The One & Only BBQ in Ferguson, MO. This black-owned restaurant is family-operated and has been serving fresh, tasty food in an inviting atmosphere for over 20 years. From smoking their famous ribs and wings to providing exceptional customer service, this team doesn’t believe in cutting corners. Stop by today or view their menu on their website. Call (314) 395-0513 to ask about catering in the St. Louis surrounding area.