A Comprehensive Guide from John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill
When it comes to creating unforgettable BBQ, the cut of meat you choose is just as important as your rubs, sauces, and smoking techniques. At John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas, we’ve spent decades helping customers pick the perfect meats for grilling and smoking. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard BBQ enthusiast, understanding your cuts will help you elevate your BBQ game.
This comprehensive guide covers the best cuts of beef, pork, poultry, and specialty meats, including pro tips on what to look for when shopping. Let’s fire it up!
Best Cuts of Beef for BBQ
1. Brisket
One of the kings of BBQ, brisket is a large, tough cut that becomes incredibly tender when smoked low and slow over several hours. It’s loaded with flavor and is ideal for Texas-style BBQ.
BBQ Tip: Look for a brisket with good marbling and a flexible “flat” section. USDA Choice or Prime are great options.
2. Beef Ribs (Short Ribs or Plate Ribs)
Beef ribs are meaty, flavorful, and ideal for smoking. Short ribs are rich in connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
BBQ Tip: Smoke them at 225°F–250°F for several hours until the meat pulls back from the bone.
3. Ribeye, Sirloin, and T-Bone Steaks
For quick, high-heat grilling, nothing beats a well-marbled steak. These cuts are tender and juicy, perfect for searing and finishing with compound butter or BBQ seasoning.
BBQ Tip: Let steaks rest at room temperature before grilling and always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Best Cuts of Pork for BBQ
1. Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt)
This is your go-to cut for pulled pork. It’s rich in fat and connective tissue, making it perfect for slow smoking or braising.
BBQ Tip: Smoke for 1.5–2 hours per pound until internal temp hits around 195°F–205°F for easy shredding.
2. Baby Back Ribs
These ribs are leaner and more tender than spare ribs. They’re faster to cook and deliver great flavor with less fat.
BBQ Tip: Use the 3-2-1 method (3 hours smoke, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour unwrapped with sauce) for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.
3. Pork Belly
Famous for bacon, pork belly is also gaining popularity for BBQ pork belly burnt ends—rich, caramelized, bite-sized pieces of flavor-packed meat.
BBQ Tip: Cut into cubes, season generously, and smoke until crispy edges form.
Best Poultry Cuts for BBQ
1. Chicken Thighs
Juicier and more forgiving than breasts, thighs offer more flavor and handle high-heat grilling or smoking like a champ.
BBQ Tip: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best results, and try brining for extra moisture.
2. Whole Chicken
Smoking a whole bird allows you to infuse flavor throughout. Great for family meals or BBQ platters.
BBQ Tip: Spatchcock the chicken (remove the backbone) for even cooking and crisper skin.
3. Turkey Legs
These make a hearty and flavorful BBQ option, especially popular at festivals. They’re best slow-smoked until fall-off-the-bone tender.
BBQ Tip: Brine the legs first to keep them moist throughout the long cook.
Specialty BBQ Cuts
1. Lamb Shoulder & Ribs
Lamb offers a savory, slightly gamey flavor. The shoulder is great for slow-roasting or smoking, while the ribs are a unique treat.
BBQ Tip: Use Mediterranean-inspired marinades with garlic, rosemary, and lemon.
2. Game Meats (Venison, Elk, Boar)
For adventurous BBQ fans, game meats bring bold flavors and lean proteins to your grill.
BBQ Tip: Since they’re leaner, marinate game meats overnight to retain moisture and grill to medium rare.
What to Look for When Buying BBQ Meat
Choosing the right cut is only half the battle—you also want the best quality meat for the job. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Know Your Source
Always buy from a reputable butcher or meat market. At John Mull’s Meats, we ensure that every cut is hand-selected for freshness, quality, and consistency.
Look for Marbling
Those thin white lines of fat running through the meat (called marbling) melt during cooking, adding moisture and deep flavor. The more marbling (within reason), the better the taste and texture.
Size & Thickness
For steaks and chops, even thickness ensures even cooking. For roasts, size affects cook time, so plan accordingly.
Smell and Color
Meat should be bright and clean-smelling. Beef should have a rich red hue, pork should be pink, and poultry should look pale and clean—not dull or gray.
Matching Cut to Cooking Method
Not every cut is suited for every style of BBQ. Use this quick guide:
| Cut | Best Method | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket | Smoking | 10–16 hours |
| Pork Shoulder | Smoking, Braising | 8–12 hours |
| Ribeye Steak | Grilling | 6–10 minutes |
| Chicken Thighs | Grilling, Smoking | 25–35 minutes |
| Baby Back Ribs | Smoking, Grilling | 4–6 hours |
| Pork Belly Burnt Ends | Smoking | 3–5 hours |
| Turkey Legs | Smoking | 3–4 hours |
Where to Buy the Best BBQ Cuts in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for premium meat in Las Vegas, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill is your one-stop shop. We offer expertly trimmed cuts, butcher-quality service, and the same meats we use in our award-winning restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend BBQ or a big event, we’ve got everything you need to BBQ like a pro.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best cuts of meat for BBQ is the foundation of a successful cookout. With the right knowledge and the right butcher (hey, that’s us!), you’ll be well on your way to BBQ greatness.
From brisket to baby back ribs, turkey legs to tri-tip, the options are endless—and delicious. Stop by John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas for top-tier meat, expert advice, and everything you need to fire up the smoker or grill.
Happy grilling!