Take the Barbecue Quiz to Test Your Knowledge of Grilling, Food Safety and BBQ Terminology

The barbecue quiz puts your knowledge of grilling, food safety and BBQ terminology to the test.

Whether it’s hamburgers on the hibachi, brisket on the smoker or a sweet ketchup-based sauce on the table, almost all food lovers love to barbecue. But there are many ways to spell barbecue (barbecue, barbeque, b-b-que, b-b-q) and even fewer people agree about its definition. Some argue that barbecue is only pork. Others insist that chicken and beef can be barbecued, too. The Kansas City Barbeque Society, which sanctions hundreds of competitions, says a rib can only be called barbecue if it is cooked from the bone-in.

A survey by reputable data analytics firm YouGov asked 7,680 American adults, “What main dishes are part of your ideal barbecue plate? Select all that apply.” Burgers and hot dogs were cited by the highest percentage of respondents, followed by ribs. Brisket was a close third, and pulled pork was fourth. The most popular sauce was ketchup, followed by mustard.

Some experts recommend that you allow meat to cool before you barbecue it, which allows the fat to separate and become more tender. Also, if you’re using a smoker, it’s good to clean the device after each use. This doesn’t mean a thorough scrubdown, but making sure that all the ash and grease is removed to prevent future flavors from being imparted. You should also season your smoker with a rub or oil after cleaning, to keep it in prime condition for next time.