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Barbecue

True mastery of barbecue comes from knowing what's happening, why it’s happening, what factors go into achieving specific results, and how we can affect and control those things...and that’s where this section of the site comes in.

Below we look at things from what the BBQ stall is and how we can charge through it, to what the smoke ring is and how to get one. We look at why and how we inject meat, to the reasons for spritzing and mopping foods on the barbecue.

You should head on over here for smoker reviews and buying guides, but for everything else ‘low n slow,’ please browse below.

me sitting with my arm resting on my new Masterbuilt electric smoker.
BBQ Guides

How to Season an Electric Smoker — In Just a Few Simple Steps

Before using your electric smoker for the first time, you should burn off the residues leftover from manufacturing, as well as coat the insides with a thin film oil that after heating helps to protect it and ensure a longer life. Here’s how in our new smoker seasoning guide.

BBQ mop sauce being smeared all over a porchetta on a grill.
BBQ Theory

BBQ Mop Sauce — What is it? What Does it Do? Plus 4 Favorite Recipes

You often see pitmasters mopping their meats partway through cooking. But why? What are the benefits? Is it recommended for all cooks, or only for certain meats, or during the use of specific BBQ methods? Let’s find out, and look at some of our favorite mop sauce recipes.

Close up of nice, moist beef ribs with a smoke ring and peppery rub crust.
Recipes

Smoked Beef Ribs Recipe — BIG, Rich, Moist and Tender Short Ribs

Beef ribs are one of my all-time favorite meats to BBQ! Similar taste to brisket, easier to cook and ready in half the time, while also being cheaper to buy. What’s not to like? So here’s how I turn these ‘brisket on a stick’ behemoths into a wonderful beefy treat.

A smoked and sliced wagyu brisket on a cutting board.
Brisket

What is Wagyu Beef? What Makes it so Special and so Loved?

Wagyu beef is widely regarded as the best in the world, and it’s certainly up there with the most expensive! Epic marbling and flavor, it’s a luxury and a treat. Combine that with the king of low n slow smoked meats to get Wagyu brisket? Now we’re talking epic!

Close up of some smoked beef short ribs on a wooden chopping board.
Ribs

Types of Beef Ribs — Their Differences and What to Tell Your Butcher

Beef ribs have a real caveman element about them, are unctuous, flavor-packed, and are always real crowd-pleasers. But did you know there are different types, that are very different in size and how you would cook and present them? Learn all about these BBQ’ers favorites in this guide.

Close up of a pork butt, fat side up, on a wooden chopping board with a kitchen knife in.
Pulled Pork

Pork Butt Fat Side up or Down? We Settle this Once and for All!

There’s a lot of disagreement on cooking pork butts fat side up or down. We put the debate to rest by discussing the pros and cons of each way, as well as flipping part way through, and whether your type of smoker affects things. Have a read and make your own mind up.

Close up of brisket with a deep BBQ bark, some of it sliced.
BBQ Theory

What is BBQ Bark? Why Do You Want it? How Can You Get it?

BBQ bark is a wonderfully tasty, desirable, chewy crust that forms on meat after hours of low n slow smoking. So it’s something we really want to aim for, and we can plan and do things to help make it happen. Learn how to get the best bark in the following guide.

Close up of brisket burnt ends.
Brisket

How to Make Burnt Ends — Melt in Your Mouth, Cubed Brisket Candy

Burnt ends are the point end of the brisket, cubed, sprinkled with sugar, then coated in sauce and returned to the smoker until they become melt-in-your-mouth, beefy candy bites. There are many methods and recipes you can follow to produce your own. Here’s our take on them, which we’re sure you’ll love.

Brisket on a smoker.
BBQ Theory

The Stall — What is it? Why Does it Happen? How to Beat it

Learn all about the stall in BBQ, the science behind it, why you shouldn’t hate it, and how to get around it if you so desire. In a short reads time, you will know EXACTLY what’s happening and be guided through wrapping at the right time to cut down on cooking time dramatically.

Close up of the membrane of pork ribs being removed by being pulled off gripped with paper towel.
Ribs

How to Remove the Membrane from Ribs — And Why You Should do it!

Rib membrane is tough and chewy, even after a long smoke when the meat is tender, and it spoils the presentation of the final cooked product. Some people like it, most don’t, so let’s get rid of it. Here’s how to remove rib membrane before cooking, in a few simple steps.

Overhead view of charcoal snake set up in a weber kettle grill with smoking wood on the snake.
BBQ Guides

The Charcoal Snake Method: Smoking on a Grill — In a Few Easy Steps

The charcoal snake method of fire management is one you need to learn if you want to do low n slow smoking on your standard kettle-style grill. It’s an easy-to-use, reliable, and highly effective way to smoke food controllably for many hours. So, brisket and ribs, here we come!

Close up of reheating pulled pork in a sous vide bath.
Pulled Pork

How to Reheat Pulled Pork — Keeping it Moist and Delicious

Reheated food often suffers a loss of quality, and particularly moisture. But it doesn’t have to if you follow the tips in this guide to reheating pulled pork. If you store it properly, then reheat it carefully, it can be as good as if you just cooked it. Here’s how.

A brand-new smoker on decking, ready to be seasoned.
BBQ Guides

How to Season Or Cure your New Smoker in 7 Easy Steps

Curing — or seasoning — A new smoker, is a must-do process before cooking your first food that burns off all the oils and contaminants picked up or leftover after manufacturing. The seasoning also helps protect your smoker from corrosion, so it lasts longer. Here’s how to do it correctly.

Moist looking sliced smoked brisket with a smoke ring.
Brisket

How to Slice a Brisket for Max Tenderness (Cut Across the Grain)

After hours of nursing a brisket through a low n slow smoke until perfect doneness, you don’t want to miss any trick when it comes to serving. You need to slice a brisket against the grain to get the most tender mouthfeel. Here’s how to cut a brisket correctly for the best results.

Close up pork ribs perfectly grilled and sticky with sauce.
Ribs

How Long to Grill Ribs — For Perfect Bite and Texture

Different types of pork ribs take different times to cook. And how hot your smoker is makes a big difference too. And so does how you like them, and the way you cook them! So there’s no simple, fits all answer. However, we have all the answers below.

Close up shot of a brisket injection.
Brisket

Beef Brisket Injection: Why, How and 3 Best Recipes

The worst fear of any outdoor cook when tackling brisket is it drying out. Injecting adds moisture, as well as ramps up the flavor profile. See 3 of the best beef brisket injection recipes below, as well as a guide and tips on how to inject the right way.

Slices of smoked beef brisket.
Brisket

Aaron Franklin Brisket Recipe — Step-by-Step With Videos to Follow

Here’s how to BBQ brisket, as described by Aaron Franklin, widely regarded as one of the top brisket cooks and experts to ever fire up a smoker. With a complete description of his process and videos to follow, you can perfectly recreate his epic brisket for yourself!