Seems like spring is set to arrive early as NOAA forecasts above-average temperatures for swathes of the American South in the coming months. Naturally, you can count on places like Florida to warm up soon, but others like the Northeast are somewhat of a surprise.
But whether Punxsutawney Phil will call it right this year or not, everyone can agree that spring is the season to fire up the grill. Warm temperatures are ripe for families to enjoy their flame-grilled smorgasbords outdoors, either by themselves or alongside friends and relatives. Nothing like savoring sizzling meat to start the year.
While it’s still too early to call the trends, signs pointing to them are already manifesting. If you’re looking to spice up your outdoor BBQ party this year, considering the following BBQ trends may just be what it needs:
More Protein In Diets
A few weeks ago, Time reported an explosion in high-protein dietary fads on social media. While not the first time protein has piqued the interest of more Americans, it’s interesting to know they’re looking beyond the usual protein shakes and supplements.
Kylie Sakaida, a registered dietitian and content creator whom Time interviewed, believes the reason is that protein is considered the “healthiest” among the three macronutrients. Unlike carbs and fat, which are the two other macros, you’re less likely to be called insults when you consume excess protein.
Regardless of a person’s preference for protein sources, there’s no denying the fact that meat on the BBQ is the best one. Not only are they rich in protein, but they also possess the nine important amino acids that the body can’t produce. Some plant foods, while also rich in protein, don’t provide all said amino acids.
That doesn’t make plant foods any less essential for your and your family’s health. What they lack in amino acids, they make up for it in high fiber and healthy fats. Sakaida even makes it a habit to tell her followers to add plant protein to their diet if they haven’t yet.
Long story short, meat and veggies are worth grilling together. Grill chicken breast along with cauliflower or arrange skewers of beef sirloin chunks, mushrooms, and bell peppers. The list of possibilities is endless.
Budget-Friendly Cuts
High meat prices are expected this year, according to price data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In December 2024, the average cost of a beef sirloin steak per pound closed at USD$11.67 and ground beef per pound at USD$5.61. While a slight decrease from prices in the previous month, the price of beef has been on a skyward trend since 2014.
A recent NerdWallet report points to rising grain prices and interest rates, as well as last year’s drought, as the reasons for the price hikes. Cattle farmers have been prompted to shrink their herds, resulting in the lowest number of cattle since the 1950s.
But with demand rising and supply tightening, you may have to get creative with your BBQ and use more affordable cuts of meat. Although not as flavorful and tender as the pricier cuts like ribeye, these cuts still offer a great taste for their cost. Here are some examples from Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner, an info site on all things beef.
- Sirloin tip side: a lean cut from the inexpensive round portion
- Sirloin tip: a boneless cut great for kabobs and cubed steaks
- Top blade steak: a cut from the chuck that’s not only tender but packed with flavor
- Chuck eye steak: a low-cost alternative to ribeye, also known as Delmonico Steak
- Back ribs: widely used for BBQ ribs, a staple in American BBQ
If beef is simply too expensive, pork and chicken are great alternatives. Despite also seeing price increases, pork cuts are a fraction of the cost of beef. Even the most expensive pork cut, the four-muscle ham to blue, is currently averaging USD$2.24 per pound. Meanwhile, chicken is currently averaging USD$2.06 per pound.
Don’t underestimate the experience pork and chicken can provide. Pork, for instance, is a key ingredient in Memphis-style BBQ, a style known for its spiced dry rubs, tangy tomato-based sauce, and, of course, pulled pork. Pitmasters in this part of Tennessee know how to make every part of the pig count—and tasty.
Influence From Other Cultures
Regardless of your stance on immigration, America’s history is intertwined with immigrants from all across the globe. Pew Research revealed that immigrants comprised 14.3% of the U.S. population in 2023, more than any other nation on Earth. The proportion is just shy of the record of 14.8% in 1890.
Along with their capabilities, immigrants also brought their culture—their cuisine being no exception. Many BBQ houses in the country are no strangers to integrating foreign cuisine into their local-style BBQ, from pork ribs doused in sweet Thai chili sauce to ribs rubbed with Korean gochujang.
This isn’t to say that American-style BBQ has nothing to offer, but it pays to experience exotic flavors from time to time. Consider experimenting with Korean-style BBQ, Argentinian asado, and Jamaican jerk to start with.
These trends are only the tip of the iceberg (or sirloin, in this case). Spring is still a few months away from the date of this write-up, so you have plenty of time to prepare your meats, rubs, and grill.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!