Barbecue University - Season 4

13 episodes

Episodes

1. Fire and Water

Fish is the "fear factor" in grilling: Will it stick? Will it fall apart? How do I know when it’s done? In this show, Steven Raichlen gives you his favorite strategies for victory at sea. No tricky turning maneuvers needed for Cedar-Planked Salmon, a dramatic presentation with incomparable wood flavor. Grilled Tuna with a gutsy Fire-Charred Tomato Chipotle Salsa is seared directly over a mesquite fire. Bacon-wrapped Trout, stream-caught just yards from the set and still dripping with water, are stuffed with Poblano Corn Relish and grilled in fish baskets over an open fire. Fish doesn’t get much fresher–or better–than this.

2. The New Face of Beef

Here’s a show for beef lovers featuring fantastic cuts of beef, new to most grillmeisters. Leading off is a clod (whole smoked beef shoulder), much beloved in central Texas and virtually unknown everywhere else on the planet. It's 18 pounds of pure beef pleasure cooked low and slow to fork-tender perfection. Then, meet the new steak on the block — flame-seared flat iron, which Steven prepares in the south of the border style with chilies and mucha cerveza.

3. Meatless Grilling

Sooner or later, a vegetarian will show up at your cook-out, look into your carnivorous eyes, and ask to be fed. Don't be caught flat-footed as a host. This meatless menu preempts the politically correct and will have even the most unrepentant meat-eaters sniffing the air hungrily. First up, flame-seared Portobello Mushrooms topped with cheese, the vegetarian equivalent of a cheeseburger. Reminiscent of a grilled steak is ginger-studded Grilled Tofu. And finally, Steven presents a smoky, revamped version of an American classic, Macaroni and Cheese with Fire-Roasted Onions.

4. High on the Hog

Pork is arguably the heart and soul of the American barbecue tradition. In this show, Steven goes whole hog with two terrific pork dishes. From the Deep South come Coffee-Crusted Pork Tenderloins with Redeye Barbecue Sauce. Then, demoing the very latest in hi-tech outdoor kitchens, the Professor spit roasts Coconut-Crusted Ribs and whips up some grilled Tropical Fruit Kebabs to accompany the ribs.

5. Louisiana Tribute

Mindful of the suffering of New Orleans in the last year, this show pays tribute to Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions. You know Raichlen's rule: If something tastes good baked, boiled, or deep-fried, it probably tastes even better grilled. Case in point: Grill-Top Shrimp "Boil" jazzed up with grilled bratwurst–this isn't like any shrimp boil you've ever tasted. And never mind that deep-fried turkey was invented in Louisiana: Steven cooks Big Easy Barbecued Turkey with plenty of wood smoke after literally injecting it with a spice-scented marinade. Cajun Tuna Pipérade combines the "Holy Trinity"--onion, celery, and bell pepper--with tomato, spicy andouille sausage and fire-licked sushi-grade tuna steaks for flavor that just won’t quit.

6. Rib Master

In American barbecue, ribs rule, and woe to the grillmeister who doesn't understand the rules. Like never, ever boil. This is the rib crash course, appropriate for all skill levels, and a popular part of the curriculum at BBQ U. The Professor gives you a little background on bones before getting to the meat of the matter. Here’s the rest of the lesson plan: Classic spare ribs served with ember-roasted sweet potatoes; Dinosaur Beef Ribs, the biggest and baddest bones of all; finally, the refreshingly different, A-plus Mint Julep Ribs with a healthy hit of Kentucky bourbon.

7. Grilling with Wood

Cooking over hardwood trumps cooking over charcoal for several reasons. Main one? Flavor. In this episode, Steven Raichlen tells you what you need to know about selecting the proper woods and matching them to your menu, building the perfect fire, and coaxing the maximum flavor out of your grilling. From this pyrotechnic glory will emerge Mario Batali's Veal Chops with Lemon Oregano Jam. Then, a BBQ U first: a seafood and meat Paella wood smoked entirely on the grill. And finally, because even desserts get barbecued at BBQ U, Fire-Charred Pound Cake with Grilled Pineapple Salsa and Tequila Whipped Cream.

8. Extreme Grilling

Grilling is the performance art of cooking. And in every great griller beats the intrepid heart of a showman. This show is designed to add theatrics to your next barbecue. The Professor leads off with Butter and Herb Spit Roasted Turkey served with flaming Hot Pepper Kebabs; And even veggies get the shock treatment in Grilled, Dilled, and Chilled Eggplant Dip roasted directly in the embers. Steven steers the show back to BBQ U basics with Ember-Roasted Sweet Corn, grilled right in the husks. Extreme barbecue cuisine…today at the U.

9. Southwest Revisited

Steven Raichlen brings the high-voltage flavors of the American Southwest to the grill with a take-no-prisoners menu. Oven-Grilled Tortilla Chips with Pineapple and Jalapeño Salsa start things off, followed by Green Lightning Shrimp Kebabs, assertively spiced and just this side of incendiary. Millionaire Brisket, a Texas-size slab of meat, gets the royal treatment with a savory rub, a coffee and beer mop sauce, and a long, slow smoke over oak.

10. Tailgate Warriors

On the athletic field, there are concrete rules of engagement. But there are none governing the fiercely competitive sport of tailgating, meaning unsportsmanlike conduct and one-upsmanship in the parking lot usually get rewarded. Are you still in the minor leagues? Learn some new moves from Steven Raichlen. Score extra points with a platter of Grilled Polenta with Italian Sausage and Peppers. Stun your opponents and delight your fans with Flame-Grilled Prosciutto Panini. Engage in fowl play by serving Steven's indomitable Calgary Wings with zippy Maytag Blue Cheese Sauce. Study the Professor's moves, and you'll be doing your own victory dance.

11. On the Lamb

Lamb, so beloved elsewhere in the world, is underrepresented on American tables: Per capita consumption here is about 1 pound per year. Steven Raichlen's succulent Lamb on the Rod with mini sweet peppers could be the recipe that turns the statistical tide. Then it's double-digit thick and double-digit good Lamb Chops and Lamb Steaks served with a Parsley Onion relish and a tangy Feta Cheese Sauce. The Professor is on the lamb at BBQ U.

12. Breast Man

Pit masters are obsessed with breasts. (Chicken and turkey breasts, that is.) This week, BBQ U Professor Steven Raichlen takes on America’s most popular cut of poultry. It's all about how to keep white meat juicy when grilling and barbecuing. First, from . Balthazar, the boisterous, "see-and-be-seen" bistro in Lower Manhattan, come easy and fabulous Tarragon Chicken Paillards, which are pounded paper thin and smokily seared on the grill. And then Maple-Smoked Turkey Breast gets a triple-blast of flavor from maple sugar rub, a maple syrup glaze, and a long slow smoke over…you guessed it…maple wood.

13. Fire Away (Getting Started)

Jump-start your next party with a quartet of pass-arounds hot off the grill. The episode leads off with a twist on a pu-pu platter classic: Pancetta-Grilled Diver Scallop Rumaki. Next up in the starter category, Summer Sausage S’mores, think-out-of-the-box grilled sandwiches topped with cheese and jalapeños. And finally, Steven’s barbecued version of Chinatown Ribs; they're sizzling, sweet, salty, aromatic with ginger and scallions, and the quintessential hand-to-mouth food.