When people talk about great BBQ states, Indiana isn’t always the first place mentioned—but it should be. The Hoosier State has a deep, underrated BBQ tradition, and it’s all about pork.
From slow-smoked pork shoulders to Indiana’s famous pork tenderloin sandwiches, this state is a pork lover’s paradise. Let’s take a deep dive into Indiana’s smoked pork culture, its unique flavors, and the best places to try it!
🔥 What Makes Indiana BBQ Unique?
Indiana BBQ is heavily influenced by its Midwestern farming roots, meaning pork reigns supreme. Unlike the beef-heavy BBQ of Texas or the rib-focused BBQ of Memphis, Indiana pitmasters focus on:
✅ Pulled pork & pork shoulders – Smoked low and slow, often with a tangy tomato-based sauce.
✅ Pork ribs – Usually dry-rubbed and smoked over hickory wood.
✅ Smoked pork chops – A specialty in small-town BBQ joints.
✅ Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich – Indiana’s signature sandwich, often found at BBQ joints.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re in Indiana and don’t order pork, you’re doing it wrong!
🔥 1. Indiana’s Signature BBQ Dish: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork is the heart and soul of Indiana BBQ. Pitmasters in the state slow-smoke pork shoulders for up to 12 hours, then serve the tender, juicy meat piled high on a soft bun.
🔥 What Makes Indiana Pulled Pork Unique?
✔️ Smoked low & slow over hickory or applewood.
✔️ Served with a mildly sweet, tomato-based BBQ sauce (not as thick as Kansas City sauce).
✔️ Often topped with pickles, onions, or coleslaw for extra crunch.
💡 Pro Tip: Unlike Carolina BBQ, Indiana’s pulled pork leans toward a thicker, tangier sauce rather than a vinegar-based one.
🔥 2. Hoosier Pork Ribs: Smoked, Dry-Rubbed, & Saucy
While pulled pork is king, Indiana’s pork ribs are just as delicious. Indiana pitmasters season their ribs with a dry rub, then smoke them over hickory wood until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender.
🔥 Hoosier BBQ Rib Styles:
✔️ Dry Ribs – Coated in a savory spice rub, smoked, and served without sauce.
✔️ Wet Ribs – Glazed in a tangy, tomato-based BBQ sauce during smoking.
💡 Pro Tip: Indiana ribs strike a balance between Kansas City’s sweetness and Memphis’ dry rub style.
🔥 3. The Breaded Pork Tenderloin: Indiana’s BBQ Icon
You can’t talk about Indiana pork without mentioning the famous Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.
🔥 What Is It?
✔️ A pounded-thin pork tenderloin that’s breaded and deep-fried.
✔️ Served on a bun that’s way too small (on purpose).
✔️ Topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo or mustard.
💡 Pro Tip: The best pork tenderloin sandwiches are found at BBQ joints & diners across the state.
🔥 Where to Get the Best BBQ in Indiana
If you’re visiting Indiana, here are the best places to try authentic Hoosier-style BBQ:
✔️ Hog Heaven (Franklin, IN) – Famous for hickory-smoked pulled pork & ribs.
✔️ Squealers Barbeque Grill (Mooresville, IN) – Known for award-winning smoked meats & homemade sauce.
✔️ GT South’s Rib House (Indianapolis, IN) – One of the best ribs & pork BBQ spots in the city.
✔️ Nick’s Kitchen (Huntington, IN) – The birthplace of Indiana’s breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.
✔️ Shigs In Pit BBQ (Fort Wayne, IN) – A modern take on classic Hoosier BBQ flavors.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want authentic Indiana BBQ, order a pulled pork sandwich with a side of baked beans & cornbread.
🔥 How Indiana BBQ Compares to Other BBQ Styles
| BBQ Style | Meat Choice | Sauce Type | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana BBQ | Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Tenderloin Sandwiches | Mildly sweet, tangy tomato-based | Smoked low & slow over hickory |
| Carolina BBQ | Whole Hog, Pork Shoulder | Vinegar-based (Eastern) or Tomato-based (Western) | Low & Slow Smoking |
| Kansas City BBQ | Ribs, Burnt Ends, Pulled Pork | Thick, molasses-based | Low & Slow Smoking |
| Texas BBQ | Brisket, Beef Ribs, Sausage | Dry rub, minimal sauce | Low & Slow Smoking |
💡 Conclusion: If you love slow-smoked pulled pork with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, Indiana BBQ is your perfect match.
🔥 Why Indiana BBQ Deserves More Recognition
Indiana BBQ might not be as famous as Texas or Memphis BBQ, but true BBQ lovers know that it’s a hidden gem in the Midwest.
✅ It’s a pork-lover’s dream – pulled pork, ribs, and pork tenderloin sandwiches.
✅ It blends sweet & tangy flavors – perfect for those who love balanced BBQ sauces.
✅ It has deep BBQ roots – dating back to old-school pitmasters and small-town BBQ joints.
🔥 If you haven’t tried Indiana BBQ, you’re missing out on one of America’s best-kept BBQ secrets.
🔥 Have You Tried Indiana BBQ?
What’s your go-to Indiana BBQ order? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇🔥