The guide for your outdoor event: Mechoui or classic barbecue?
Are you preparing an outdoor event and hesitating between a mechoui and a classic barbecue? Both of these options promise a memorable feast, but they create completely different experiences.
The mechoui impresses with its spectacular side: a whole piece of meat roasted slowly over the flames and becomes the focal point of your party. The barbecue embodies casual conviviality with its varied grills and festive atmosphere.
This guide helps you make the right choice so that your next meal is a total success and perfectly matches the atmosphere you want to create.
The essential differences between mechoui and classic barbecue for an outdoor event in Quebec
The main difference lies in the cooking technique. The mechoui relies on slow cooking: an entire animal turns on a spit for several hours over a wood fire. The barbecue favors speed by grilling different pieces of meat on a hot surface.
A mechoui transforms your gathering into a live show. Your guests gather around the fire, fascinated by the roasting meat. Conversations become lively and anticipation rises. The classic barbecue offers a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone helps themselves at their own pace and moves around freely.
Preparation method and specific techniques
For a mechoui, the meat (often a whole lamb) is skewered over a pit filled with embers from a wood fire. It is watered regularly for hours to maintain its tenderness and develop that unmistakable juicy texture.
Traditional barbecue plays with two approaches: direct cooking (quick and intense for searing sausages and burgers) and indirect cooking (gentler for large pieces). The heat source varies: charcoal, gas or electric.
Comparison Table: Mechoui vs Classic Barbecue
| Criterion |
Mechoui |
Classic Barbecue |
| Typical accompaniments |
Corn, tabbouleh, warm vegetables, baby potatoes, pita bread |
Mixed salads (potatoes, cabbage), grilled corn on the cob, pickled vegetables (peppers, zucchini), garlic bread |
| Installation complexity |
High - Requires spindle installation, wood fire preparation, ember management |
Low to moderate - Simple grill setup, quick ignition |
| Equipment needed |
Professional spindle, rotation system, pit for embers, wood or charcoal in large quantities, broaching utensils |
Barbecue (charcoal/gas/electric), grills, tongs, spatulas, meat thermometer |
| Skill level required |
Expert - Slow cooking mastery, fire management, regular basting, precise timing |
Intermediate - Basic grilling techniques, regular supervision |
| Prep Time |
4 to 8 hours (including preparation and cooking of 2h30+) |
30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the cuts of meat |
| Ideal number of guests |
30 people or more (optimal profitability) |
10 to 50 people (full flexibility) |
| Supervision required |
Constant (3 to 8 hours) - Presence of a professional cook recommended |
Moderate (during active cooking) - Can be managed by the host |
| Outdoor space required |
Large open space, away from flammable structures, safety area around the fire |
Standard space (patio, deck, yard) |
Choose the type of meat and the side dishes for mechoui or barbecue
The choice of your meat defines the spirit of your meal. With a mechoui, you bet on an imposing centerpiece that becomes the star of your wedding or party. Whole lamb or pork loin is a real eye-catcher.
The barbecue shines with its diversity. You offer beef, chicken, pork, sausage, and even vegetarian options to satisfy every palate.
The accompaniments harmoniously complete the experience. A summer barbecue is accompanied by fresh salads. A mechoui calls for hearty dishes such as hot vegetables or baby potatoes.
Selection of popular meats: lamb, pork, beef and vegetarian alternatives
For a traditional mechoui, lamb reigns supreme. Its delicate flesh becomes extraordinarily tender after several hours of cooking on a spit. In Quebec, pork loin is also a great success. The leg of lamb is suitable for smaller groups.
Barbecue opens up a world of possibilities: beef steaks, ribs, marinated chicken, artisanal sausages.
For the mechoui : Whole lamb, piglet, pork loin, wild boar.
For the barbecue: Hot dog, beef steaks, chicken skewers, homemade burgers.
Vegetarian alternatives: Grilled vegetable skewers, veggie burgers, grilled pizzas.
Typical side options for each formula
The side dishes of a mechoui draw their inspiration from North African traditions. Vegetables or baby potatoes create the perfect balance.
For a barbecue, favor freshness: potato salad, coleslaw, tabbouleh. Add grilled corn on the cob, pickled vegetables, or garlic bread.
For the mechoui: Corn on the cob, tabbouleh, hot vegetables, baby potatoes
For the barbecue: Mixed salads, grilled corn on the cob, pickled vegetables (peppers, zucchini), garlic bread.
Herbs to use: Thyme, rosemary, garlic, paprika to flavour your dishes.
Find the perfect formula for your outdoor event
Choosing between a mechoui and a classic barbecue depends on the number of guests, your budget and the atmosphere you are looking for. The mechoui is suitable for events where you want to make an impression. The barbecue shines with its flexibility and accessibility.
Opt for a classic barbecue if:
- You're on a budget : The barbecue is more economical and allows you to better control costs by easily adjusting the quantities according to your guests.
- You are organising an event for less than 30 people : The barbecue offers the perfect flexibility for small groups without waste.
- You lack outdoor space : A simple patio or terrace is enough, without the need for a large open area.
- You want to handle the cooking yourself : Basic barbecue techniques are accessible, even for hobby cooks.
- You are looking for a relaxed atmosphere : Your guests help themselves at their own pace and move freely in an informal atmosphere.
- You have time constraints : Prep and cooking are quick, ideal for an impromptu or last-minute event.
Choose a mechoui if:
- You want to impress your guests : The spectacle of a whole beast roasting over the fire creates an unforgettable moment and becomes the focal point of your celebration.
- You receive 30 or more people : The mechoui becomes profitable and convenient to feed a large crowd with a single piece of meat.
- You are celebrating a milestone event : Wedding, milestone anniversary, corporate celebration - the mechoui adds a spectacular and memorable touch.
- You have a large safe outdoor space : Your property allows for the installation of a spit and fire management in complete safety.
- You prefer to delegate to professionals : Call on Traiteur Tiguidou frees you completely and guarantees perfect cooking.
- You are looking for a unique experience : The mechoui transforms your party into a real festive event where everyone gathers around the fire.
Find the perfect formula for your outdoor event
Choosing between a mechoui and a classic barbecue depends on the number of guests, your budget and the atmosphere you are looking for. The mechoui is suitable for events where you want to make an impression. The barbecue shines with its flexibility and accessibility.
Whatever you choose, the main thing is to create a warm atmosphere. And if the organization stresses you out, call on Traiteur Tiguidou allows you to enjoy your party to the fullest.
Don't let this decision stress you out! Contact us for your event. Don't hesitate to request a free consultation for personalized advice.