BBQ v. Grilling: What's the Difference?

Southern Living

What exactly is the difference between barbecue and grilling? Some people think barbecue is a sauce, or anything that comes off the grill, but technically, barbecue is a method of cooking just like grilling is. The only difference is the length of time and the amount of heat.

Contributing Editor Troy Black of the Big Book of BBQ shares his definitive answer on the difference.
Learn How to Barbecue Like a Pro

Barbecue
Long, low, and slow. The low temperature and the resulting length of time the meat is cooked allows for the food to soak up the smoke and rub flavors, and to become very tender and moist. Think ribs, pork shoulder, and brisket as barbecue.

Check out our Barbecue Party Guide for recipes and tips for foolproof BBQ.

Grilling
This is the method with which most people are familiar. It is the method of cooking food hot and fast on your grill. Burgers, chicken, steak, and seafood are typically grilled, but you can also grill vegetables and even fruit.

Check our out Ultimate Grilling Guide for recipes for grilled chicken, burgers, seafood, and more.

Barbecue v. Cookout
When a Southerners says "Y'all come on over for a BBQ!" it means you're going to be chowing down on juice ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and the traditional sides of coleslaw, banana pudding, and tea (the sweet version, of course). Northerners tend to use the "BBQ" term for what Southerners usually consider a cookout-hot dogs and burgers.

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