Ep 7. Southern BBQ
- October 17, 2009
In this episode of Cook's Country, the crew heads to the south to explore the world of BBQ. They start by visiting a renowned pitmaster in North Carolina who teaches them the secrets of creating the perfect Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ. This involves a long smoking process, a vinegar-based sauce and the perfect combination of seasoning.
Next, the team heads to Tennessee to learn about dry rubs and ribs. They discover that the key to a great dry rub is to create a balanced mix of spices and to let the meat sit in the rub for several hours before smoking. As for the ribs, they learn that the most important step is to properly remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to allow the smoke to penetrate the meat. They also explore the debate between wet and dry ribs and discover a surprising twist on a classic wet rib recipe.
The crew then heads to Texas to learn about brisket, which is arguably the king of BBQ meats. They visit a local BBQ joint where they learn about the different grades of brisket and the importance of having the right balance of fat and meat. They also explore the debate between traditionalists who swear by salt and pepper rubs and new-school pitmasters who experiment with different seasonings.
Finally, the team heads to Georgia to learn about BBQ chicken. They discover that the key to perfecting BBQ chicken is to first brine the chicken in a mixture of salt, sugar and water before seasoning and cooking it on the grill. They also explore different types of sauces, from sweet to spicy, and discover a surprising ingredient that adds a unique twist to traditional BBQ sauce.
Throughout the episode, the hosts provide tips and tricks for cooking BBQ at home, from how to properly season and smoke meat to how to create the perfect BBQ sauce. They also explore the cultural significance of BBQ in the south and how it has become an integral part of southern cuisine and tradition.
Overall, Southern BBQ is an informative and entertaining episode that provides a glimpse into the world of BBQ in the south and teaches viewers how to recreate these iconic dishes at home.
