In the world of grilling, there’s a wide array of popular meat cuts that everyone seems to know and love. However, amidst all the familiar choices, there exists a hidden culinary treasure trove of unique cuts and types of meat that are perfect for grilling. These often overlooked gems offer a distinctive taste and texture, bringing a touch of excitement to your backyard barbecue. Whether it’s the tantalizing flavor of hanger steak or the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of beef cheeks, these lesser-known meat cuts are sure to elevate your grilling game to new heights. So, prepare to discover a whole new world of juicy and flavorful possibilities for your next cookout.
Beef Cuts
When it comes to grilling, beef is often the star of the show. But there are some cuts that are often overlooked, even though they are perfect for the grill. Let’s explore a few of these unique beef cuts and discover why they deserve a spot on your grill.
Shoulder Tender
The shoulder tender, also known as the petite tender or teres major, is a relatively small cut located in the shoulder of the cow. It is incredibly flavorful and tender, making it a great choice for grilling. This cut is often likened to a filet mignon in terms of tenderness and taste, but at a more affordable price. It can be marinated or simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being grilled to perfection.
Flap Meat
The flap meat, also known as sirloin tip or bavette, is a versatile cut that is perfect for grilling. This cut is located in the hindquarter of the cow and is known for its rich, beefy flavor. It has a loose texture and a good amount of marbling, which helps to keep it juicy and tender on the grill. Flap meat can be marinated for added flavor or simply seasoned with salt and pepper. It is best cooked to a medium-rare or medium doneness to ensure optimal tenderness.
Chuck Eye Steak
The chuck eye steak is often referred to as the “poor man’s ribeye” because it comes from the same area as the popular ribeye steak, but at a fraction of the price. This cut is located in the shoulder of the cow and has a similar flavor and tenderness to the ribeye, with slightly less marbling. It is best cooked to a medium doneness to ensure tenderness and is perfect for grilling. Season this cut with your favorite spices or marinade and enjoy a flavorful and affordable steak option.
Pork Cuts
Pork is a versatile meat that is often overlooked when it comes to grilling. But there are several cuts that are perfect for the grill and offer unique flavors and textures. Let’s explore a few of these delicious pork cuts.
Country Style Ribs
Country style ribs are a meaty and flavorful cut that comes from the shoulder of the pig. These ribs are perfect for grilling, as they are thick and can withstand the heat of the grill without drying out. Country style ribs can be marinated or seasoned with your favorite spices before grilling to enhance their flavor. Cook them low and slow to ensure they are tender and juicy, and finish them off with a tasty barbecue sauce for a finger-licking meal.
Boston Butt
The Boston butt, also known as pork shoulder, is a cut that is often used for pulled pork. But it is also a great option for grilling. This cut is marbled with fat, which helps to keep it moist and flavorful on the grill. Boston butt can be seasoned or marinated before being cooked low and slow on the grill. The result is a tender and succulent piece of meat that can be enjoyed on its own or used to make delicious pulled pork sandwiches.
Pork Cheeks
Pork cheeks are a lesser-known cut that is gaining popularity among grill enthusiasts. These small cuts come from the cheek area of the pig and are incredibly tender and flavorful. They have a rich and silky texture, and when grilled to perfection, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pork cheeks can be seasoned with a variety of spices and cooked quickly over high heat on the grill. They are perfect for those who are looking to try something different and explore new flavors.
Lamb Cuts
Lamb is a delicious and often underrated meat that is perfect for grilling. From ribs to breast, lamb offers a variety of cuts that are tender and packed with flavor. Let’s take a closer look at a few unique lamb cuts that you can grill to perfection.
Denver Ribs
Denver ribs, also known as lamb spare ribs or lamb racks, are a flavorful and meaty cut that is perfect for grilling. These ribs come from the lamb’s rib section and are similar to pork spare ribs in terms of taste and texture. They are marbled with fat, which helps to keep them moist and tender on the grill. Denver ribs can be seasoned with your favorite spices or marinated before being grilled to perfection. They are best cooked over indirect heat to ensure they are cooked evenly and reach the desired level of tenderness.
Lamb Neck
Lamb neck is a cut that is often overlooked but offers incredible flavor and texture when grilled. This cut comes from the neck of the lamb and is rich in collagen, which helps to keep it juicy and tender. Lamb neck can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over low heat. The slow cooking process allows the collagen to break down, resulting in a succulent and flavorful piece of meat. Lamb neck can be enjoyed on its own or used in stews and braised dishes for an added depth of flavor.
Lamb Breast
Lamb breast is a cut that is perfect for those who enjoy fatty and flavorful meat. This cut comes from the lower chest area of the lamb and offers a good amount of marbling and fat. Lamb breast can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over indirect heat. The low and slow cooking method helps to render the fat and break down the connective tissue, resulting in a tender and flavorful piece of meat. Lamb breast is perfect for those looking for a hearty and indulgent grilling experience.
Poultry Cuts
When it comes to grilling, poultry is often a popular choice. But there are some cuts that are often overlooked in favor of the more commonly used cuts like chicken breasts or turkey legs. Let’s explore a few unique poultry cuts that are perfect for grilling.
Chicken Oyster
Chicken oysters are small, tender pieces of meat that are located on either side of the backbone and underneath the chicken breasts. These small cuts are incredibly flavorful and juicy, making them an excellent choice for grilling. Chicken oysters can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled to perfection. Due to their small size, they cook quickly on the grill, making them a great option for those looking for a fast and delicious meal.
Turkey Tenderloins
Turkey tenderloins are a versatile cut that is perfect for grilling. These tender cuts come from the inside of the turkey breast and are incredibly lean and flavorful. Turkey tenderloins can be seasoned with your favorite spices or marinated before being grilled to perfection. They cook quickly on the grill, making them a great option for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal. Serve them with grilled vegetables or in a sandwich for a tasty and nutritious meal.
Quail
Quail is a small game bird that offers a unique and delicate flavor. While it may not be as commonly grilled as chicken or turkey, it is definitely worth a try. Quail can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled to perfection. Due to their small size, they cook quickly on the grill, making them a great option for those looking for a fast and elegant meal. Serve them with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a gourmet dining experience.
Game Meat Cuts
Game meat offers a distinctive flavor and texture that is perfect for those who enjoy trying something different on the grill. From venison to wild boar, game meat cuts offer a unique and flavorful grilling experience. Let’s explore a few of these lesser-known game meat cuts.
Venison Shoulder Roast
Venison shoulder roast is a flavorful and tender cut that is perfect for grilling. This cut comes from the shoulder of the deer and offers a rich and gamey flavor. Venison shoulder roast can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over low heat. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and juicy, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a tangy sauce for a memorable dining experience.
Wild Boar Belly
Wild boar belly is a decadent and flavorful cut that is perfect for grilling. This cut comes from the belly area of the wild boar and offers a good amount of fat and marbling. Wild boar belly can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over low and indirect heat. The slow cooking process renders the fat and results in a succulent and melt-in-your-mouth piece of meat. Serve it with a side of crispy potatoes or a refreshing salad for a gourmet grilling experience.
Rabbit Hind Legs
Rabbit hind legs are a unique and tender cut that is perfect for grilling. These cuts come from the hind legs of the rabbit and offer a delicate and slightly gamey flavor. Rabbit hind legs can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over medium heat. The quick cooking time ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy, while the grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor. Serve them with a side of grilled asparagus or a tangy sauce for a delightful and unexpected grilling experience.
Exotic Meat Cuts
If you’re feeling adventurous and looking to try something truly unique on the grill, exotic meat cuts are the way to go. From kangaroo to alligator, these cuts offer a truly memorable grilling experience. Let’s explore a few of these exotic meat cuts.
Kangaroo Fillet
Kangaroo fillet is a lean and flavorful cut that is perfect for grilling. This exotic meat comes from the kangaroo and offers a rich and slightly gamey flavor. Kangaroo fillet can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled to perfection. Due to its leanness, it is best cooked to a medium-rare to medium doneness to ensure it stays moist and tender. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or a fruity sauce for a unique and delicious grilling experience.
Alligator Tail
Alligator tail is a unique and versatile cut that is perfect for grilling. This exotic meat comes from the tail of the alligator and offers a firm and slightly chewy texture. Alligator tail can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the meat, enhancing its unique taste. Serve it with a side of corn on the cob or a spicy sauce for a memorable and adventurous grilling experience.
Ostrich Steak
Ostrich steak is a lean and flavorful cut that is perfect for grilling. This exotic meat comes from the ostrich and offers a rich and beef-like flavor. Ostrich steak can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled to perfection. Due to its leanness, it is best cooked to a medium-rare to medium doneness to ensure it stays tender and juicy. Serve it with a side of grilled zucchini or a tangy dressing for a unique and delicious grilling experience.
Offal Cuts
Offal cuts, also known as organ meats, offer a unique and adventurous grilling experience. While they may not be as commonly used as other cuts, they are worth exploring for those who enjoy trying something different. Let’s take a closer look at a few offal cuts that are perfect for the grill.
Beef Heart
Beef heart is a flavorful and lean offal cut that is perfect for grilling. This organ meat offers a rich and slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with bold spices and seasonings. Beef heart can be marinated or simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being grilled to perfection. Due to its leanness, it is best cooked to a medium-rare doneness to ensure it stays tender and juicy. Slice it thinly and serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or in a sandwich for a unique and adventurous grilling experience.
Chicken Gizzards
Chicken gizzards are a versatile offal cut that is perfect for grilling. These small meaty organs offer a chewy and flavorful texture that can be enhanced with spices and seasonings. Chicken gizzards can be marinated or simply seasoned before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the gizzards, making them even more delicious. Serve them with a side of roasted potatoes or a tangy sauce for a unique and satisfying grilling experience.
Pork Liver
Pork liver is a rich and flavorful offal cut that is perfect for those who enjoy strong and distinctive flavors. This organ meat offers a unique taste that can be enhanced with spices and seasonings. Pork liver can be marinated or simply seasoned before being grilled over medium heat. The quick cooking time ensures that the liver stays tender and slightly pink in the center. Serve it with a side of grilled onions or in a sandwich for a memorable and adventurous grilling experience.
Seafood Cuts
Seafood is often associated with grilling, but there are some cuts that are often overlooked in favor of more popular options like shrimp or salmon. Let’s explore a few unique seafood cuts that are perfect for grilling.
Halibut Cheeks
Halibut cheeks are a unique and tender cut that is perfect for grilling. These small cuts come from the cheeks of the halibut fish and offer a delicate and sweet flavor. Halibut cheeks can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the cheeks, enhancing their unique taste. Serve them with a side of grilled asparagus or a lemony sauce for a delightful and unexpected grilling experience.
Swordfish Collar
Swordfish collar is a flavorful and meaty cut that is perfect for grilling. This cut comes from the upper section of the swordfish and offers a rich and slightly oily flavor. Swordfish collar can be seasoned with spices or marinated before being grilled over medium-high heat. The quick cooking time ensures that the collar stays juicy and tender. Serve it with a side of grilled pineapple or a spicy salsa for a satisfying and delicious grilling experience.
Octopus Tentacles
Octopus tentacles are a unique and tender seafood cut that is perfect for grilling. These long and meaty tentacles offer a delicate and slightly sweet flavor that can be enhanced with spices and seasonings. Octopus tentacles can be marinated or simply seasoned with salt and pepper before being grilled over high heat. The quick cooking time ensures that the tentacles stay tender and slightly charred. Serve them with a side of grilled potatoes or a tangy sauce for a memorable and flavorful grilling experience.
Vegetarian Options
Grilling isn’t just limited to meat and seafood. There are plenty of delicious vegetarian options that can be grilled to perfection. Let’s explore a few vegetarian cuts that are perfect for grilling.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a popular choice for vegetarians and omnivores alike when it comes to grilling. These large and meaty mushrooms offer a hearty and earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. Portobello mushrooms can be brushed with olive oil and seasoned with spices before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the mushrooms, making them even more delicious. Serve them with a side of grilled vegetables or in a burger for a satisfying vegetarian grilling experience.
Eggplant Steaks
Eggplant steaks are a delicious and versatile vegetarian option for the grill. These thick slices of eggplant offer a creamy and slightly sweet flavor that can be enhanced with spices and seasonings. Eggplant steaks can be brushed with olive oil and seasoned with spices before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the steaks, making them even more delicious. Serve them with a side of grilled polenta or a tangy sauce for a flavorful vegetarian grilling experience.
Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks are a unique and flavorful vegetarian option for the grill. These thick slices of cauliflower offer a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that can be enhanced with spices and seasonings. Cauliflower steaks can be brushed with olive oil and seasoned with spices before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the steaks, making them even more delicious. Serve them with a side of grilled asparagus or a creamy sauce for a satisfying vegetarian grilling experience.
Alternative Protein Sources
If you’re looking to explore alternative protein sources or cater to specific dietary restrictions, there are several options that can be grilled to perfection. Let’s explore a few alternative protein sources that are perfect for grilling.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a popular alternative to meat and offers a unique and nutty flavor. This fermented soybean product is packed with protein and can be seasoned or marinated before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the tempeh, making it even more delicious. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or in a salad for a satisfying and plant-based grilling experience.
Seitan
Seitan, also known as wheat meat, is a protein-rich alternative to meat that offers a hearty and chewy texture. This meat substitute can be seasoned or marinated before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the seitan, enhancing its taste. Serve it with a side of grilled potatoes or in a sandwich for a flavorful and vegan-friendly grilling experience.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that can be used as a meat substitute in savory dishes. This tropical fruit has a fibrous and meaty texture that can be seasoned or marinated before being grilled over medium heat. The grill adds a smoky and slightly charred flavor to the jackfruit, making it even more delicious. Serve it with a side of grilled corn or in tacos for a satisfying and plant-based grilling experience.
In conclusion, when it comes to grilling, there are a variety of unique meat cuts, seafood options, and alternative protein sources that are often overlooked but deserve a spot on your grill. From shoulder tender to kangaroo fillet, there are plenty of delicious options to explore and expand your grilling repertoire. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or looking to try something truly exotic, there is a cut or type of meat that is perfect for your grilling adventure. So fire up the grill, experiment with these overlooked cuts, and discover a whole new world of flavors and textures. Happy grilling!