BBQ for Beginners
Let’s Get Smokin!
We started BBQ for begineers to help all those folks like us get started. Whether you want to learn how to make great smoked meats or just gain a basic understanding you’ve come to the right place.
The first thing we would like to cover is the name and what we focus on. Barbeque is a broad topic and used interchangeably. What this site really focuses on is smoking. Not that we don’t love stuff coming off the grill as well and we’ll cover some of that. But what we really want to pull back the curtain on is the art of smoking. And yes, I called it art. There are so many nuanced techniques and specialty areas such as rubs and brines that it truly can be an art. Our Step by Step Guide will help you on your way, but be warned, it can be addicting!
What is BBQ?
The first thing we want to do is start out with a little understanding what BBQ is. We start with the basics here and will discuss what is BBQ how it differs from grilling. We will take you through the basics starting simply and easily. Great tasting smoked food at home doesn’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune, and yes, anybody can do.
Most of us are familiar with grilling. Using either a propane or charcoal grill where the flame/heat is relatively a short distance from the food. This creates relatively high heat at the point where the food is postioned and the cooking time is relatively short. Grilling produces some outstanding food for the right types of food.
Smoking or, just bbq as it’s called in many places, is a process of cooking at a much lower temperature for a much longer period of time. While in our fast paced world that is counter to most things we do trying to get every thing done quicker but it is necessary for some of the basic foods we’ll discuss such as pork shoulder and brisket. Smoking was developed as a method to get the best taste out of food that is naturally fatty and contains a lot of connective tissue. Cooking these types of meats on a traditional grill or over would give us a meal we really wouldn’t enjoy. So while smoking meats sprang up as a way to cook these challenging meats it turned out to give us such a great product that now people smoke just about anything!
Meats
Learn more about meat options and choices. There’s a lot more than ribs when it comes to smoking
Smokers
There a quite a few smoker options and you’ll be able to find one that fits you!
RUBS
Rubs are really important for getting the flavor you want. Check out some of our favorites.
SAUCES
Sauces, like rubs, can really differeniate your bbq, learn more about regional favorites.
Gift Ideas
Step by Step Guide for Beginners!
Click above to go straight to simple step by step guide to start your smoking journey.
BBQ Reviews…..
We never pass up stopping in at a bbq restaurant as we travel around. Please click to see some of our favorites or tell us about your favorite places.
We are always on the lookout for festivals and local activities. We’ve listed some larger events but please feel free to reach out if you event isn’t listed .
Event Listings!
Smokin’ News …hot off the press!
Benefits of Reverse Flow
At first pass when you look at a Reverse Flow smoker you may ask what’s the big deal. Either way the smoke / hot air flow is passing past the item being cooked just once. While it may seem like marketing hype or unnecessary there is a science to it. With standard...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Barbecue
From the familiar pastime’s origins to surprising tips and tactics, this list will provide you with all the information you need to wow your friends at the next neighborhood barbecue! Every spring, North Americans gear up their grill, stock up on the meat and prepare...
To Wrap or Not?
Well like most things this isn’t an easy answer, and you’ll find a range of opinions on the matter. Instead of pleading my case on what is correct I’m just going to try to share the advantages and disadvantages of wrapping your meat in the smoking process. ...
Smoking a Brisket!
Fat Side Up or Down? Should I cook my brisket fat side up or fat side down? This question is asked repeatedly by smokers the world over. We would like to share a couple of thoughts to let you make your own decision. The first item to note is fat doesn’t melt or...
5 Ways to Make Your BBQ a Memorable Family Event
Since Americans in the South began roasting pigs publicly, Barbecues have been a staple of North American living. For many, grilling becomes a routine mealtime activity, while for the most devoted grillers, summer is ruled by massive barbecue parties. But grillers do...
What Makes The Texas Style Barbecue So Special?
‘Luscious’, ‘yummy’, ‘delicious’, … people just fall short of praises when speaking of Texas style barbecue. In fact, each time I put a tender slice of Texas style barbecue into my mouth, the juicy and flavorful piece of meat convinces me that the Texans where the only ones to perfect the BBQ art. Nonetheless, it is not just the taste factor, the Texas bar-b-qs enjoy equal acceptance as health food.
Like everyone else, if you are wondering what makes the Texas barbecues so…