The toughest part of organizing an event isn’t the guest list, the decorations, or the beer run. It’s figuring out how much food to make to satisfy every guest.  An epic BBQ can become a bummer if there isn’t enough food to go around. After all, the food is the main event. However, you also don’t want to waste money or throw away leftovers if you buy too much. Naturally, you want to make the perfect amount of food for everyone. As BBQ veterans, we have years of experience and plenty of pro tips to share.  Follow this guide, and you’ll serve the perfect amount of food for each guest—n ..read more

Travel anywhere in the USA, and you’ll find different styles of pork tacos at food trucks, rest stops, chain restaurants, and multi-generational family kitchens. In Mexico, pulled pork is known as carnitas, but you’ll find BBQ versions of this classic in the South, the West, and the North. The beauty of pulled pork tacos is in their simplicity. The flavors and texture of the meat and tortilla can carry the dish by themselves. However, tacos are also a canvas for condiments, spices, and all sorts of toppings—the only limit is your imag ..read more

Picture this: you invite guests over for a backyard barbeque to eat good food and enjoy great company. You set up the buffet with side dishes like pulled pork nachos with pimento cheese sauce, baked beans, and macaroni salad. The meat is marinating, the veggies are prepped, and you’re blowing up inflatables for the pool.  Then you feel a splash of water hit your face — it’s starting to rain.  Mother Nature has a sense of humor, but you can still grill in the rain. Just move the party indoors and grab your umbrella. Many people change their dinner plans when t ..read more

There are many BBQ styles across the United States. While we could argue all day about which reigns supreme, we’re fans of them all, from vinegary ENC sauce to Alabama white sauce.  In terms of meat, there’s pork, tri-tip, sausages, chicken — the list of possibilities is endless. There’s one dish every barbeque enthusiast should know: Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork. Smoked pulled pork recipes are a staple of Southern cooking, particularly in the Carolinas, where pitmasters have perfected the art of BBQ. This tender, fatty, and flavorful meat is us ..read more

Shrimp is good, but have you ever had smoked shrimp? Smoking shrimp adds an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite divine. The best part? It's not that difficult. Shrimp is one of the quickest and easiest foods to smoke — once you learn how to do it.  The key to smoking shrimp is not to overcook them. Unlike a thick cut of meat, shrimp is in and out of the smoker in 30 minutes or so and can be seasoned with nearly anything.  From butter and garlic to classic Old Bay seasoning, the options are endless. However, our favorite shrimp recip ..read more

There's nothing better than an outdoor cookout with friends and family. Think succulent meat grilled to perfection, drool-worthy sides like Szechuan peppercorn coleslaw, and good company. We can't think of anything that screams summer more.   Unless you cook BBQ competitively, you may not know the intricacies that separate barbequing, grilling, and smoking. You may even use these terms interchangeably, but they’re very different. Read on to discover how to elevate your outdoor cooking game by learning the distinctions between these popular ..read more

From central Texas to the mountains of western North Carolina, barbeque has distinct styles. You’ll see unique sauces, spices, and cooking methods across the United States, depending on regional traditions, available ingredients, and innovations made by generations of great chefs. One common theme unites BBQ from coast to coast: true, authentic smoky flavor infused into meat that can’t be replicated in any other way. The most important part of achieving masterful smoky cuisine is understanding the technique and finesse required to smoke food properly. Here, you’ll find ..read more