The Ultimate Guide to BBQ Cuts for Summer Grilling

There’s nothing quite like a Kiwi summer BBQ, the sizzle of the grill, the smell of smoky meat in the air, and good company gathered around with a cold drink in hand. But whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just the family, the right cut of beef can make or break your barbecue. This guide will walk you through the best BBQ beef cuts in NZ and help you choose the right options for every kind of grilling occasion.

What Makes a Great BBQ Cut?

Before diving into specific cuts, it helps to know what qualities make meat ideal for grilling. The best BBQ beef cuts typically:

• Have good marbling (intramuscular fat) for flavour and moisture

• Cook evenly over high heat or low-and-slow

• Deliver bold flavour when grilled, smoked, or seared

• Hold their texture well without drying out

Some cuts are made for a quick sear, while others are perfect for long, smoky sessions over indirect heat. Let’s explore both.

Fast-Cooking Cuts for the Grill

These are the crowd-pleasers that can be cooked quickly over high heat — ideal for weeknight BBQs, entertaining on the fly, or filling platters with variety.

Sirloin Steak

A Kiwi classic and for good reason. Sirloin is tender, well-balanced, and holds up well on the grill with minimal prep. Our Premium Dry-Aged Sirloin offers an elevated take on this staple — bold in flavour thanks to 30+ days of dry-aging.

Picanha

A favourite in South American BBQ culture, picanha (also known as rump cap) has a rich fat cap that crisps beautifully on the grill. It’s a standout choice for anyone seeking something a little different yet still approachable.

Flat Iron Steak

This lesser-known gem is perfect for quick grilling. It’s lean, cooks fast, and has a beautiful beefy flavour when seared hot and sliced against the grain.

Slow BBQ Cuts Worth the Wait

For BBQ purists, the joy lies in low and slow. These cuts require time but reward you with deep, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results.

Beef Brisket

Arguably the king of slow BBQ. Brisket takes hours of gentle heat to break down properly, but when it’s done right, it’s unbeatable. Our beef brisket is perfect for this purpose, with the ideal fat content for long cooking.

Short Ribs

A hearty, indulgent cut that’s full of connective tissue and marbling. When smoked or braised over a low flame, short ribs offer fall-off-the-bone results and a rich depth of flavour.

Something for Everyone: Burgers, Koftas & Sausages

Not everyone wants a big steak on their plate — and that’s where variety matters.

Our Premium Dry-Aged Mince is the secret weapon behind unforgettable burgers and koftas. With just the right ratio of fat, it stays juicy and flavourful — and unlike ordinary mince, it's dry-aged to intensify flavour. You can order it directly through our online store or pick it up from our Butchery and Showroom in Heretaunga Street East, Hastings.

You’ll also find a rotating selection of handcrafted sausages in our store, making it easy to feed a group with something for every preference.

Build Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Box

For a no-fuss way to stock up on grilling favourites, explore our Hidden Champions and summer-ready meat boxes . Each box includes a range of premium cuts like sirloin, picanha, brisket or short ribs, and burger-ready mince, all vacuum-sealed and delivered to your door or ready for pick-up from our Hastings Butchery.

Final Thoughts

Summer BBQ season is about simplicity, generosity, and flavour — and the right cut of beef makes all the difference. Whether you prefer to fire up for a quick weeknight dinner or host an all-day feast with smoked brisket and ribs, having quality meat on hand is the key.

If you’re unsure where to start, our expertly curated meat boxes and collections make it easy to mix and match the best cuts for your grill — from fast to slow, lean to indulgent.