When it comes to mouthwatering BBQ, pork delivers every time!
In this roundup, I’m sharing 6 of my favorite pork BBQ recipes, including smoky pulled pork, juicy grilled chops, and tender, saucy ribs.
Try them and bring some bold BBQ taste to your backyard—these pork recipes are about to steal the show!
1. Chinese Grilled Pork Tenderloin
This Chinese-inspired grilled pork tenderloin delivers restaurant-quality flavor, but it’s not too difficult for even beginners!
The pork is marinated in a mouthwatering blend that includes hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is a deeply flavorful, caramelized crust with tender, juicy pork inside.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily cook it in less than two hours (even if it’s your first time), and the recipe works just as well for a casual BBQ as it does for an impressive dinner.
Why you’ll love it:
- ✅ Bold, umami-packed marinade with an authentic Chinese flavor profile
- ✅ Doesn’t take too long to cook
- ✅ Tenderloin is lean but juicy when cooked properly
- ✅ Easy to slice and serve for family-style meals or entertaining
Serving ideas: Serve it over steamed jasmine rice, wrap it in lettuce with pickled vegetables, or stuff it into bao buns with slaw and chili mayo.
👉 Get the full recipe and grilling guide here!
2. Foil-Wrapped BBQ Ribs on a Gas Grill
Think you need a smoker for fall-off-the-bone ribs? Think again.
This foil-wrapped method is a gas grill game-changer. It locks in all the moisture during a slow-cook phase, then finishes with direct heat and your favorite BBQ sauce for that sticky, caramelized finish.
You don’t need any fancy tools—just heavy-duty foil, a two-zone setup on your gas grill, and some patience.
The payoff is racks of tender, juicy ribs that taste like they came off a professional smoker!
Why this method works:
- ✅ Foil traps in moisture for ultra-tender ribs
- ✅ Perfect for gas grill users—no smoker needed
- ✅ Great for beginners or low-maintenance BBQ days
- ✅ Works with any rib rub and sauce combo you love
Pro tip: Let the ribs rest after grilling to let the juices settle, and serve with grilled corn, slaw, or baked beans for a classic BBQ meal.
👉 See the full step-by-step recipe here
3. Juicy Pork Skewers
These grilled pork skewers are everything you want in a quick, flavorful BBQ dish—tender, juicy, and packed with char-grilled flavor in every bite!
Marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, herbs, vinegar, soy sauce, and spices, the pork absorbs layers of flavor before being threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.
These skewers are versatile and perfect for everything from casual cookouts to weeknight dinners. Plus, they cook fast and pair beautifully with dipping sauces, rice, or grilled veggies.
Why these skewers are a must-try:
- ✅ Great for meal prep and marinating in advance
- ✅ Fast grilling time—just a few minutes per side
- ✅ Easy to scale up for feeding a crowd
- ✅ Delicious with Filipino, Mediterranean, or BBQ-style flavor twists
Serving idea: Serve with garlic rice and spicy vinegar dip for a Filipino-style feast, or plate them with a side salad and flatbread for a Mediterranean touch.
4. Traeger Smoked Pork Shoulder
If you’re a fan of classic pulled pork, this smoked pork shoulder recipe is the real deal!
Cooked low and slow on a Traeger (or any pellet smoker), the pork develops a deep smoky flavor and falls apart effortlessly after hours on the grill. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or just piled onto a plate.
The recipe uses a flavorful dry rub and lets the smoker do the heavy lifting. With a little patience and the right temperature control, you’ll be rewarded with BBQ that rivals your favorite smokehouse.
Why this recipe is a backyard BBQ staple:
- ✅ Deep smoky flavor from real wood pellets
- ✅ Perfect texture for shredding
- ✅ Ideal for making large batches for gatherings
- ✅ Pairs well with coleslaw, pickles, and tangy sauces
Serving suggestion: Make pulled pork sandwiches with brioche buns and creamy slaw, or serve with mac and cheese and cornbread for a full southern-style plate.
👉 Full smoking instructions here
5. Grilled Pork Chops with Mediterranean Relish
These grilled pork chops are far from ordinary. Juicy, bone-in chops are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil—then kissed with fire for that perfect golden sear.
What takes them to the next level is the Mediterranean relish: a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, and lemon juice that adds brightness and balance to every bite!
This dish is perfect when you want something hearty but fresh. It’s a great option for summer grilling when you’re craving bold flavor without heavy sauces.
Why you’ll crave these pork chops:
- ✅ Simple seasoning lets the pork shine
- ✅ The fresh relish adds a juicy, zesty contrast
- ✅ Great for keto, Mediterranean, or gluten-free diets
- ✅ Elegant enough for a dinner party, easy enough for weeknight grilling
Serving tip: Pair with grilled zucchini or a light couscous salad, and serve with a glass of wine for a complete Mediterranean BBQ experience.
6. Smoked Pork Steaks
Pork steaks are an underrated gem in the world of BBQ—and this smoked version proves it.
These thick, flavorful cuts from the pork shoulder are dry-rubbed with a bold blend of spices, then slowly smoked until tender. A quick baste or sauce glaze near the end adds a sweet-savory finish and a beautiful crust.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels like comfort food and backyard BBQ rolled into one!
Why smoked pork steaks deserve a spot on your grill:
- ✅ Rich marbling = tons of flavor and juiciness
- ✅ Easier and faster than smoking a whole shoulder
- ✅ Perfect for feeding a hungry crew on a budget
- ✅ Great with bold BBQ rubs and sauces
Serving idea: Plate with baked potatoes, grilled onions, and a side of tangy pickles—or shred leftovers for sandwiches the next day.
👉 Fire up your smoker and try it here
It’s BBQ Time!
These 6 pork BBQ recipes are some of my absolute favorites because they bring bold flavor, juicy texture, and serious satisfaction to any cookout!
From sticky Asian-style tenderloin to smoky pork steaks and vibrant Mediterranean chops, there’s something here to suit every craving and grilling style.
Hungry yet?
Let the pork party begin!
-Joonas
