Ep 4. Tropical Barbecue
- October 1, 2011
In the fourth episode of the fourth season of Cook's Country, the team takes to the grill for a Tropical Barbecue! Hosts Bridget Lancaster and Julia Davison guide viewers through a variety of tasty recipes that scream summer, while BBQ expert Meathead Goldwyn lends his expertise on creating the perfect barbecue.
The episode kicks off with a bang as the team tackles a bold and spicy Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe. Bridget and Julia take viewers through the ins and outs of creating a marinade that's perfectly balanced with spice, sweetness, and tang, before grilling the chicken to perfection. Alongside the chicken, the team whips up a tangy mango salsa that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning.
Next up, Bridget and Julia tackle a classic side dish with a tropical twist: Island-Style Grilled Corn. This recipe takes fresh ears of corn and grills them to smoky perfection, before slathering them in a spicy coconut-milk based sauce that's flavored with ginger, garlic, and cilantro. The result is a sticky, spicy, and sweet flavor bomb that's sure to be a hit at any barbecue.
For a heartier option, the team turns to another island classic: Hawaiian-style ribs. Bridget and Julia show viewers how to create tender, juicy ribs by slow-cooking them in the oven before finishing them on the grill. But what really sets these ribs apart is the sticky, sweet glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It's a flavor combination that's both smoky and sweet, and sure to be a hit with any meat lover.
The team also tries their hand at another grilling classic - kebabs! But this time, instead of traditional meat and vegetable combinations, they're making Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers. Bridget and Julia show viewers how to create perfectly cooked shrimp that's seasoned with a blend of spices and marinated in a mixture of lime juice, honey, and soy sauce. The real star of this dish, however, is the grilled pineapple. Cooking it over high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, giving the fruit a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Last but not least, the team takes on a dessert that's both refreshing and satisfying: Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Rum Sauce. Bridget and Julia show viewers how to grill pineapple spears until they're caramelized and slightly charred, before drizzling them with a boozy sauce made with coconut milk, rum, lime juice, and brown sugar. It's the perfect way to end any tropical barbecue.
Throughout the episode, Meathead Goldwyn shares his tips and tricks for mastering the grill, from the best way to check for doneness to how to set up a two-zone fire. With his guidance, the Cook's Country team creates a tropical feast that's sure to impress any guest.
Overall, Tropical Barbecue is a fun and flavorful episode of Cook's Country that showcases the versatility of the grill and the flavors of the tropics. Both beginner and experienced grillmasters will find plenty of inspiration and tips in this episode, and anyone looking to host a memorable summer barbecue will want to take notes!