The Great Canadian BBQ Tour – Stop #5: The Prairies

While Alberta is famed for its world-class beef, the Prairie provinces as a whole offer so much more. Manitoba and Saskatchewan bring their own unique flavours and grilling traditions to the table - from the rich, lean taste of bison to the time-honoured smoking and curing methods brought by Ukrainian and Mennonite communities who settled the region.

This stop on our Great Canadian BBQ Tour celebrates the heart and history behind Prairie BBQ - a blend of hearty ranch fare and vibrant cultural influences that make every meal a story worth sharing.

Prairie-Inspired truLOCAL Products & Recipes

Smoky Maple-Bison Burgers

Bison is a lean, flavourful meat native to the Prairies. truLOCAL’s bison burger patties pair perfectly with smoky maple BBQ sauce and caramelized onions. Grill them gently to retain juiciness and top with sharp cheddar for a satisfying bite that honours the land’s heritage.

Recipe inspiration: Smoky Maple-Bison Burgers

Ukrainian-Style Smoked Sausages

Ukrainian settlers introduced a rich tradition of smoking and curing meats that continues today. truLOCAL’s smoked sausages, seasoned with garlic and pepper, are perfect for slow grilling or tossing on the smoker for that authentic smoky flavour. Serve alongside a tangy cabbage slaw for a true cultural experience.

Recipe inspiration: Smoked Sausages with Cabbage Slaw

Mennonite Baked Perogies with Bacon

Perogies are a beloved Prairie staple with roots in Mennonite communities. While not strictly BBQ, they make a perfect grilled side or appetizer when pan-fried with crisp bacon from truLOCAL and served with sautéed onions and sour cream.

Recipe inspiration: Bacon & Potato Perogies

Grilled Prairie Beef Ribeye with Herb Butter

Ribeyes can be a magical experience. Season simply with salt and pepper, grill to your preferred doneness, and finish with a dollop of fresh herb butter for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Recipe inspiration: Grilled Ribeye Steak

Smoked Beef Brisket with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Slow-smoked brisket has a special place at many Prairie BBQs. Use truLOCAL brisket, seasoned with a dry rub of paprika, garlic, and brown sugar, then smoke low and slow until tender and smoky. Serve sliced with a tangy house-made BBQ sauce on the side.

Recipe inspiration: Smoked Beef Brisket

Honouring Prairie Culture Through BBQ

The Prairies are more than wide open fields and cattle ranches - they’re home to vibrant cultural communities whose food traditions have deeply influenced the region’s BBQ scene. Ukrainian settlers arrived in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing with them time-honoured methods of smoking and curing meats. These traditions gave rise to intensely flavourful sausages and smoked delicacies that remain a cornerstone of Prairie BBQ today. Their recipes often feature garlic, pepper, and a smoky depth that speaks to generations of skill and care.

Mennonite communities, meanwhile, have contributed some of the most beloved comfort foods to the Prairie table. Known for their resourcefulness and strong agricultural roots, Mennonites introduced dishes like pierogi and hearty cabbage slaw, which perfectly complement grilled meats. Their cooking emphasizes simple, wholesome ingredients prepared with care, making these dishes the perfect accompaniment to smoky, grilled fare.

Together, the Ukrainian and Mennonite influences have helped shape a unique BBQ culture on the Prairies - one that honours heritage, celebrates community, and turns every meal into a rich culinary story.

Bring Prairie BBQ to Your Backyard

From smoky bison burgers to slow-smoked brisket and hearty pierogi, the Prairie provinces offer a rich, diverse BBQ experience you won’t want to miss. With truLOCAL, you get all the premium meats and flavours of the Prairies delivered right to your doorstep - so you can celebrate these cultural and culinary traditions wherever you are.

Next on the Tour: Maritimes Coastal Grill

As we wrap up our Prairie adventure, get ready for the grand finale of our Great Canadian BBQ Tour. We’re heading east to the Maritimes, where the ocean’s bounty shines with fresh lobster, scallops, and other seafood delights that bring a coastal flair to the grill. Stay tuned for a delicious journey through Canada’s East Coast flavours that will leave you craving more.

Article by: Steven Tippin

Posted on September 4th, 2025