What to eat with a BBQ? Best side dishes & drinks per rub
The chicken is perfectly grilled, the rub has done its job. But what do you put next to it? A good BBQ is more than just the meat. The right side dishes and drinks make the difference between a meal and an experience.
In this article, you'll find the best universal side dishes, specific combinations per rub, and the tastiest drinks for every flavor.
The best side dishes for every BBQ
These dishes work with almost any rub and any type of meat. They are easy to make and let the meat take center stage.
Coleslaw
The classic. The freshness and slight acidity of coleslaw cuts through the fat of grilled meat. Make it yourself with cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Grilled corn
Corn directly on the grill, brushed with butter and salt. Simple, quick, and delicious. Sprinkle with a little of your rub for extra flavor.
Potato salad
Warm or cold, with mayonnaise or vinaigrette. Potato salad is filling without being too heavy. Add chives and a little mustard for extra depth.
Grilled bread
A thick slice of bread on the grill with olive oil. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Perfect for soaking up sauces.
Guacamole
Creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. Guacamole works as a dip and as a sauce alongside the meat. Especially good with spicy rubs like Tex Mex and Korean.
Tomato salsa
Fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime. Ready in five minutes and gives any meal a fresh kick. Works with almost any flavor.
Always prepare side dishes in advance. As soon as the meat comes off the grill, you want to be able to serve it immediately. Cold dishes like coleslaw and potato salad even get better if they've been in the fridge for an hour.
Sauces and dips that always work
A good sauce completes the dish without overpowering the rub. The trick is to choose a sauce that has the same vibe as the rub.
Honey mustard
Sweet, slightly sharp, and versatile. Good with mild rubs like Carolina Gold and Memphis BBQ. Just mix honey and Dijon mustard in equal parts.
Garlic yogurt
Cool and creamy, perfect with spicy rubs. Plain yogurt with garlic, lemon, and a pinch of salt. Ready in two minutes.
Sriracha mayo
Creamy with a spicy kick. Mayonnaise with sriracha and a little lime juice. Ideal with Korean and Tex Mex.
Tzatziki
Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. The classic Greek dip works surprisingly well with Shawarma and Carolina Gold.
Specific combinations per rub
Each rub has its own flavor profile that calls for matching side dishes. Here are the combinations we recommend.
Carolina Gold
Mild · Sweet-spicy · MustardSide dishes
- ✓ Coleslaw with apple cider vinegar
- ✓ Potato salad with chives
- ✓ Grilled corn with butter
- ✓ Cornbread
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Honey mustard
- ✓ Tzatziki
- ✓ Apple cider vinegar BBQ sauce
Jamaican Jerk
Spicy · Caribbean · AllspiceSide dishes
- ✓ Rice and red beans
- ✓ Fried plantain
- ✓ Coleslaw with lime
- ✓ Grilled bread
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Garlic yogurt
- ✓ Mango chutney
- ✓ Coconut cream sauce
Korean Rub
Spicy · Umami · GochugaruSide dishes
- ✓ Steamed white rice
- ✓ Kimchi
- ✓ Cucumber salad with sesame
- ✓ Grilled spring onion
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Ssamjang dipping sauce
- ✓ Sriracha mayo
- ✓ Soy sauce with sesame oil
Memphis BBQ
Mild · Smoky · PaprikaSide dishes
- ✓ Classic Coleslaw
- ✓ Mac and cheese
- ✓ Baked beans
- ✓ Cornbread
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Classic BBQ sauce
- ✓ Honey mustard
- ✓ Smoked mayo
Shawarma
Mild · Warm-aromatic · CuminSide dishes
- ✓ Flatbread or pita
- ✓ Tabbouleh
- ✓ Roasted chickpeas
- ✓ Fresh tomato and cucumber
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Tzatziki
- ✓ Hummus
- ✓ Tahini sauce
Tex Mex
Spicy · Smoky · CuminSide dishes
- ✓ Tortilla wraps
- ✓ Black bean rice
- ✓ Grilled peppers and onions
- ✓ Nachos
Sauces and dips
- ✓ Guacamole
- ✓ Tomato salsa
- ✓ Sour cream with lime
Dessert after the BBQ
After all that grilled meat, you want something light and fresh. Grilled desserts are easier than you think and complete the BBQ.
Grilled pineapple
Pineapple slices on the grill for two minutes per side. The sugars caramelize beautifully. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Grilled peach
Halve a peach, place it cut-side down on the grill. Sprinkle with a little brown sugar and cinnamon. Ready in five minutes.
Banana with chocolate
Cut open a banana in its peel, stuff it with pieces of dark chocolate, and grill it for five minutes. Eat directly from the peel.
Grill the dessert while the BBQ is still warm but the meat is already done. This way you use the heat optimally and don't have to wait.
What to drink with a BBQ?
The right drink completes your BBQ. The rule of thumb: spicy rubs call for something cool and refreshing, mild rubs pair well with more complex, full-bodied drinks.
Beer
The classic BBQ choice. A chilled lager or pilsner works with almost any rub. For spicier flavors, choose a fruity wheat beer or IPA that softens the heat. A smoky Rauchbier pairs wonderfully with Memphis BBQ.
Wine
Wine and BBQ go together perfectly. A light red wine like a Pinot Noir pairs well with Carolina Gold and Shawarma. For spicy rubs, choose a crisp rosé that neutralizes the heat. White wine works well with chicken in general.
Cocktails
A mojito or gin tonic is fresh and light enough not to compete with the flavors of the rub. For Jamaican Jerk, a rum punch perfectly matches the Caribbean character. For Tex Mex, choose a margarita.
Alcohol-free
Iced tea, ginger lemonade, or kombucha are excellent alcohol-free options. Ginger lemonade works particularly well with spicy rubs. A refreshing mint-lime lemonade goes with any flavor.
Carolina Gold: wheat beer or rosé. Jamaican Jerk: rum punch or ginger lemonade. Korean: Korean rice beer or Iced tea. Memphis BBQ: lager or Rauchbier. Shawarma: dry rosé or mint-lime lemonade. Tex Mex: margarita or lemonade with jalapeño.
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