When you fire up the grill in the summer, are you grilling or barbecuing? We often use the terms “grilling” and “barbecue” interchangeably when we talk about outdoor cooking, but they’re actually quite different methods with distinct techniques, temperatures, and traditions. As you probably guess from our name, what we do at Border Brewery & Barbecue is barbecue, while what you do at home on your grill is, well, grilling. However, plenty of people also make barbecue at home, and you’ll find lots of delicious grilled food when you’re dining out in Salem, NH.
So, is that tasty meal in front of you grilled or barbecued? Here’s how you tell the difference.
Grilling: Hot and Fast
Grilling is all about high heat and speed. It typically involves cooking food directly over an open flame or hot coals, usually at temperatures between 200°F and 550°F, depending on what you’re cooking. Foods like burgers, steaks, hot dogs, and vegetables are perfect for grilling because they cook quickly and benefit from that seared exterior. Grilling is what you do on your gas or charcoal grill and is ideal for weeknight meals or casual cookouts when you don’t have hours of prep time.
Barbecue: Low and Slow
Barbecue (or BBQ), on the other hand, you cook low and slow. It’s a long process of cooking meat at lower temperatures, typically between 105°F and 275°F, for several hours. This method often uses indirect heat and wood smoke to infuse food with rich, smoky flavor. Cuts like brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs—which are tough and fatty—are ideal for barbecue because slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Take Your Time
Another key difference is the time and patience required. Grilling is fast. Depending on what you’re cooking, you can have dinner ready in less than half an hour. Barbecue is more of an event, requiring hours of attention, careful temperature control, and often specialized equipment, such as a smoker or offset grill. If you have the time and want to perfect your cooking techniques, learning to barbecue at home with a smoker can be rewarding for you and anyone you invite over for dinner.
All About the Flavor
Flavor is another clear way to tell the difference between grilling and barbecue. While grilled food gets its taste from the Maillard reaction (that savory browning), barbecue is all about smoke, rubs, and sometimes a mop sauce or finishing glaze. It’s not just cooking, it’s science!
Border Brewery & Barbecue | Dining in Salem, NH
Whether you’re cooking at home or dining out in Salem, NH, it’s crucial to know your grilling from your barbecue. Whether you crave smoky flavor or the taste of flame-grilled meat and veggies, summer is the season to perfect your outdoor cooking skills.
