South American BBQ Traditions: Asado, Churrasco, Pollo a la Brasa

Beef, sausages and achuras cook over the flames of a traditional South American grill.

Asado, churrasco and pollo a la brasa are distinct South American fire traditions. This guide is a comparison, while our Argentinian asado recipe is the practical starting point for cooking at home.

Asado, churrasco and pollo a la brasa

Argentinian asado centres on a long meal around a parrilla and embers. Brazilian churrasco is commonly associated with skewers and carved cuts. Pollo a la brasa is a Peruvian charcoal-roasted chicken tradition. They share live fire, but not the same ingredients, equipment or rhythm.

Tradition Useful starting point Read next
Argentinian asado Plan the fire, the table and the time together. Read the asado recipe
Brazilian churrasco Use skewers and a charcoal grill suited to the cuts you choose. Compare the serving style with an asado.
Pollo a la brasa Use a rotisserie or indirect heat setup for chicken. Keep this distinct from an asado rather than treating it as a substitute.

Where empanadas fit

At an asado, empanadas work well as something to share while the main cook is underway. For a home table, start with the Carnivore pack, build a mixed order from the empanada range, or use the Chef’s Box for a broader selection. Check each live product page for ingredients, availability and current price.

Plan a Sydney cookout without overcomplicating it

  1. Choose one main cooking method and give it enough time.
  2. Serve a simple starter while the fire is doing its work.
  3. Use the live Chimichurri product page for the current product details if you want it on the table.
  4. For a larger event, use the catering enquiry page rather than assuming a menu or service format.

Frequently asked questions

Is churrasco the same as asado?

No. Both are South American live-fire traditions, but they use different customary techniques and serving styles.

What should I serve before an asado?

Empanadas are a practical starter because they can be baked while the main cook is underway. Choose from the live Argentum range based on the current product details.

Where can I find an Argentinian asado recipe?

Read our Argentinian asado recipe for the dedicated how-to guide.

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