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Article: What Should I Cook First? Best Starter Recipes for New BBQers

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backyard bbq

What Should I Cook First? Best Starter Recipes for New BBQers

A cook brushing melted butter onto grilled sandwich buns over a grill.

Best Starter Recipes for New BBQers

Embarking on your BBQ journey is as thrilling as it is delicious. Whether you’re an aspiring pitmaster or a backyard cook looking to wow your family, learning BBQ is an adventure worth pursuing. With a few easy starter recipes, you’ll build a foundation of skills that can take you from beginner to backyard legend.

Must-Have Tools for Beginner BBQers

Before you dive into recipes, set yourself up for success with the right gear.

Choose Your Grill

  • Charcoal grill – affordable, smoky, and perfect for learning heat control.
  • Gas grill – quick and convenient for weeknights.
  • Barrel smoker – ideal for low and slow, wood-driven BBQ.

Close-up of the top section of an assembled black BPS DIY Drum Smoker featuring a thermometer and top vent, showcasing the grill cooking grate inside.

Essential Accessories

  • Digital meat thermometer (never guess doneness).
  • Chimney starter/BBQ vortex (ditch the lighter fluid).
  • Heat-resistant neoprene gloves (protect your hands).
  • Long-handled tools (keep your hands safe from the heat).
  • Grill brush (clean grates = clean flavors).
Pro Tip: Start safe. Gloves and thermometers are just as important as the grill itself.

Brushtech BBQ Cleaning Brush, durable and effective tool for cleaning grill grates and removing tough residues

Starter BBQ Setup

  • Create a two-zone fire: one side for searing, one side for low-and-slow.
  • Keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups.
  • Organize a prep station nearby so you’re not running back and forth.

Starter Chicken Recipes

Chicken is the best training ground — forgiving, flavorful, and quick.  Start with these three recipes and then come back for more.

More chicken recipes you will love!

double stacked cheese burger with toppings

Starter Burger Recipes

Who says burgers have to be basic? These three recipes take your backyard burgers from ordinary to unforgettable.  Classic, quick, and everyone loves them.  Here are some of our favorite to start with:

More burger recipes you will love!

Saucing ribs

Starter BBQ Ribs Recipe

From backyard classics to bold new twists, these three rib recipes are the perfect place to start your BBQ journey.

More rib recipes you will love!

Tips for Mastery

  • Rubs: Start simple (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic). Add cayenne for heat or brown sugar for sweetness.
  • Temperature control: Learn airflow and venting for charcoal/smokers; steady heat wins.
  • Saucing: Apply at the end to prevent burning and to get a glossy finish.

FAQ

1. What’s the easiest meat to start with?
Chicken thighs and drumsticks — they cook quickly, are forgiving if temps fluctuate, and let you practice rubs and sauces.
2. Do I need a smoker to start BBQing?
No. A simple charcoal grill with a two-zone setup gives you smoky flavor and teaches heat management. Smokers are a great next step.
3. How do I know when meat is done?
Use a digital thermometer. Chicken: 165°F, burgers: 160°F, pork ribs: probe-tender around 200–205°F.
4. What rub should I try first?
Try a versatile, award-winning all-purpose rub (e.g., a sweet-savory blend) that works on chicken, pork, and ribs while you learn.
5. What’s the biggest mistake beginners make?
Cooking too hot. BBQ is about patience. Keep temps steady and let smoke and time do the work.


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