The Best Meats to Grill (and How to Cook Each)
The best meats to grill are steak, burgers, chicken thighs, pork chops, ribs, sausage, and shrimp. Match the heat to the cut and season every one well.
Almost anything tastes better off the grill, but some meats are made for it. These are the crowd-pleasers that are easy to cook, full of flavor, and hard to mess up. Here are the best meats to grill and a quick tip for each one.
The best meats to grill
Steak
The king of the grill. Go with a well-marbled cut like ribeye or strip, sear over high heat, and pull it at your target temp. See the best cuts of steak for grilling for the full rundown.
Burgers
Cheap, fast, and loved by everyone. Use 80/20 beef, do not overwork it, and flip once. Learn how to keep burgers juicy.
Chicken thighs
More forgiving than breasts because of the extra fat. Crispy skin, juicy meat, big flavor. Pull them around 175°F.
Pork chops
Grill thick chops over medium-high heat and pull at 145°F for juicy, tender results. A quick brine helps.
Ribs
Low and slow is the move. Cook over indirect heat for a couple hours until the meat pulls back from the bone, then glaze.
Sausage and brats
Simmer or cook over indirect heat first, then finish over direct heat for a crisp, snappy casing.
Shrimp and salmon
Fast and healthy. Shrimp take just 2 to 3 minutes per side, and salmon loves a hot, oiled grate. Great for a quick weeknight cook.
The one thing they all need
No matter what you throw on the grill, season it well. A bold all-purpose blend like Dad Spice The Classic works on every single one of these, so you only need one bottle. For grill times and pull temps on any of them, use the Meat-o-Meter. And if you still cannot decide, let our What Should I Grill quiz pick for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best meat to grill?
Steak, burgers, and chicken thighs are the top picks for flavor and ease. The best choice depends on your time, budget, and crowd.
What meat is easiest to grill for beginners?
Burgers and chicken thighs are the most forgiving. Both have enough fat to stay juicy even if you cook them a little longer than planned.
What is a good cheap meat to grill?
Chicken thighs, sausage, sirloin steak, and burgers all grill well and cost less. They feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
How do I season meat for grilling?
Pat it dry, add a light coat of oil, and season every side generously with an all-purpose blend before it hits the grill.
Make it taste better.
Grab a bottle of The Classic and season like you mean it.
