Creating the Perfect BBQ Plate: Pairing Meat with Sides

When it comes to BBQ, there's no denying that the star of the show is the perfectly grilled, smoked, or barbecued meat. However, to elevate a BBQ meal, you need the right sides to complement those flavorful cuts of meat. A well-balanced BBQ plate is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and even spicy elements.

At This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q, we understand that the right pairing can take your BBQ experience to the next level. Whether you’re indulging in our smoky ribs, tender brisket, or juicy pulled pork, we’ve got the perfect side dishes to complete your meal. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create the perfect BBQ plate by pairing various meats with the right sides to enhance and complement their flavors.

1. Smoked Brisket: Rich and Tender

The Meat: Smoked brisket is the pinnacle of BBQ perfection. Its tender, juicy, and rich flavor profile, with that crispy bark on the outside, demands sides that balance its intensity. Brisket has a deep, smoky flavor, which is why lighter, acidic, and refreshing sides work best with it.

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Coleslaw: The crisp texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw cut through the richness of the brisket, offering a refreshing contrast. Opt for a vinegar-based slaw to add a tart finish.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the tenderness of the brisket while adding a cooling effect to the meal.
• Pickles: A sharp, tangy pickle adds a bright pop of acidity that pairs beautifully with the smoky depth of brisket.

Optional Additions:

• BBQ Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans mirror the flavors of the brisket, while their sweetness balances out the intensity of the meat.

2. Pulled Pork: Tender and Versatile

The Meat: Pulled pork is juicy, tender, and a BBQ staple, especially when it’s slow-cooked and doused in BBQ sauce. Its versatility makes it perfect for a variety of side pairings.

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Cornbread: The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is an excellent companion to the savory and smoky pulled pork. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the tanginess of BBQ sauce, creating a balanced bite.
• Collard Greens: Southern-style collard greens add an earthy bitterness that contrasts well with the sweet and tangy flavors of pulled pork.
• Mac and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy side like mac and cheese offers a rich, indulgent pairing that elevates the comforting nature of pulled pork.

Optional Additions:

• Pickled Red Onions: These tangy and slightly sweet onions cut through the richness of pulled pork, offering a refreshing element to the plate.
  
  

3. Ribs: Smoky and Succulent

The Meat: Whether they’re baby back, spare, or St. Louis-style, ribs are a BBQ favorite, known for their smoky flavor and tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. To complement ribs, sides that offer contrast in texture and flavors work best.

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob provides a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the charred, savory taste of ribs. Adding a little butter and seasoning brings out the best in this simple side.
• Baked Beans: The sweet, molasses-rich flavor of baked beans enhances the smoky, caramelized crust of BBQ ribs, making this an ideal combination.
• Sweet Potatoes: Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that balances the rich, savory flavors of BBQ ribs.

Optional Additions:

• Hush Puppies: These deep-fried, golden cornmeal bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a satisfying texture contrast to the tender ribs.

4. BBQ Chicken: Light and Flavorful

The Meat: BBQ chicken is a lighter option compared to other meats, but its smoky, juicy flavor still packs a punch. Chicken pairs well with sides that are both light and hearty, depending on the cooking method and seasoning.

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions complement the lighter flavors of BBQ chicken. This side keeps the plate light and healthy.
• Coleslaw: Once again, coleslaw’s tangy and crunchy nature works beautifully with the juiciness of BBQ chicken.
• Cucumber Salad: A cool, refreshing cucumber salad with a vinegar dressing is perfect for balancing the smoky and slightly spicy flavors of BBQ chicken.

Optional Additions:

• Rice Pilaf: A side of seasoned rice pilaf offers a hearty option that soaks up the juices from the chicken, adding a satisfying, savory element to the meal.
  
  

5. Sausage: Spicy and Bold

The Meat: BBQ sausages are packed with spices and flavors, making them a bold and hearty choice. They pair well with sides that have strong flavors but also offer a bit of relief from the spice.

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Sauerkraut: The tanginess of sauerkraut is a classic pairing with sausage, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing bite.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a cool, starchy base that balances out the boldness of sausage.
• Grilled Peppers and Onions: The sweetness of caramelized onions and peppers pairs well with the spiciness of BBQ sausage, creating a balanced bite.

Optional Additions:

• Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce: If you're serving sausage, a tangy, mustard-based BBQ sauce can elevate the flavors, adding a sharp contrast to the richness of the sausage.
  
  

6. Beef Ribs: Hearty and Rich

The Meat: Beef ribs are known for their rich, beefy flavor and hearty portions. They need robust sides that can hold their own against the intensity of the meat.

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic offer a smooth, comforting side that complements the hearty flavor of beef ribs.
• Green Beans: Lightly sautéed or steamed green beans add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich beef ribs.
• Cornbread: Once again, the sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread is a perfect match for the savory beef ribs.

Optional Additions:

• Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra brings a unique texture and slight bitterness to the plate, balancing out the richness of the beef ribs.

Tips for Building the Perfect BBQ Plate

• Balance is Key: When creating the perfect BBQ plate, aim for a balance of textures and flavors. Pairing smoky, rich meats with lighter, acidic sides can create a harmonious meal.
• Portion Control: While it’s tempting to overload the plate, a balanced portion of meat and sides ensures that each element can shine.
• Don’t Forget the Sauce: BBQ sauce can tie everything together, so make sure you have a variety of sauces available to suit different preferences—whether sweet, tangy, or spicy.
  
  

Conclusion

At This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q, we believe that creating the perfect BBQ plate is an art form. By pairing the right meats with complementary sides, you can enjoy a full-flavored BBQ experience that excites the palate. Whether you're serving smoky brisket, tender pulled pork, or spicy sausages, the right side dishes make all the difference. Explore our menu for a wide range of perfectly paired BBQ meals, and take your BBQ game to the next level!