BBQ Trends and What to Expect in 2022

Oh, the smokey, sweet flavor of a great barbecue. Does not it make your mouth swim right away? There is not much that rivals the delicious flavor of meat grilled over an open flame or smoked in a well-seasoned smoker. Many people take this culinary art extremely seriously.

If sitting around hot coals grilling excellent BBQ is your happy place, or if you want to improve your BBQ cuisine, you will want to learn the newest trends and ideas to make it a terrific BBQ experience for your friends. 

Here are the finest BBQ trends for 2022.

Flavors with International Fusion

Chefs worldwide are introducing new and interesting tastes that you would not associate with the BBQ lifestyle.  Asian, Middle Eastern, and South American spices will be of grater popularity with BBQ flavors in 2022.

Za’atar is a dry blend of savory herbs that includes oregano, cumin, roasted coriander, sesame seeds, and sumac for added tang. For example, a Thai red curry marinade for ribs, a chimichurri sauce as a finishing touch, or liberal use of the Middle Eastern seasoning spice za’atar.  It goes great with dry-rubbed chicken thighs over an open flame or grilled turkey legs.

Exotic and Unusual Meats

Think beyond the box when it comes to meats other than chicken breasts and ribs. This includes less common and less expensive cuts such as tri-tip, pig steak, and even beef tongue. It is all about the technique of how you BBQ, rather than getting the perfect filet mignon or St. Louis style ribs that everyone has tried a million times before.

In addition, you can take advantage of the products and services of online meat delivery companies, providing exotic and unusual meats. An online butcher offers low and slow-cooked meats for any occasion, such as birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and anniversaries. Furthermore, the best online butchers can deliver ethically-sourced restaurant-quality meats that you can grill and serve to your family and friends.  

Plant-Based BBQ

On the opposite end of the spectrum, an increasing number of individuals are turning to plant-based grilling and BBQ. Although, to most traditionalists, that may appear to be the polar opposite of a great BBQ.

Plant-based BBQ that is great enough to satisfy even your non-vegan friends. Using a BBQ smoker or burning wood chips in your gas grill is a great way to add smoky flavor to plant-based foods.

Everywhere you look, there are new BBQ restaurants

Some customers do not know how to cook the perfect BBQ at home, which is why one of the main trends of 2022 is the emergence of new BBQ restaurants. There is an infusion of brilliant young chefs who are elevating BBQ to new heights. 2Fifty Texas BBQ in the metro D.C. region, Jon G’s Barbeque in North Carolina, and Hurtado Barbeque in Texas are some of the latest spots to try in 2022.

Southern Living Magazine named each of these establishments the “Best New BBQ” for 2021.

New BBQ Grills, Accessories, and Gadgets

Every year, the popularity of BBQ cuisine grows, as do the latest trends in BBQ gear, grills, and smokers. Pellet smokers are gaining popularity, and BBQ grill manufacturers are doubling down on pellet grill invention and development. More smart technologies, such as virtual assistant integration like Alexa and more mobile app connectivity and automation, are expected to be added to these grills.