The Art of Low and Slow BBQ: A Journey with Bobby and Vinnie
When it comes to barbecue, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Different styles, techniques, and ingredients can result in vastly different outcomes. However, when it comes to low and slow BBQ, the key is control over temperature. In this article, we'll delve into the world of low and slow BBQ with Bobby Flay and Vinnie Esposito, two men who have perfected the art of cooking delicious ribs.
Vinnie's Secret to Tender Ribs
Vinnie, one of the co-hosts of the popular BBQ show, shares his secret to tender ribs. "Wrap ribs in foil you grill them first," he explains. "Wrap them in foil with some water, apple juice, and steam. That's what gets it real nice and moist." Vinnie emphasizes the importance of not wanting the ribs to fall apart like a big goopy ball. Instead, he prefers a little bit of toothsome texture. To achieve this, Vinnie uses a combination of wet corn, wet cabbage, and even smoked wet smoke to add moisture to his ribs.
A Perfect Combination: Miso Kombucha Barbecue Sauce
Bobby Flay is known for his creative BBQ sauces, and today he's taking us on a journey with his signature miso kombucha barbecue sauce. "We're gonna coat one side of the ribs," Bobby explains. "It's like painting, putting a lot of layers on them. The smoke and bake will caramelize the sugars in there, creating a nice lacquering shellac crust." Bobby emphasizes the importance of patience when cooking with low and slow BBQ. He'll be turning the ribs every 15 minutes for about an hour, until they're perfectly cooked.
The Science Behind Smoke Rings
When it comes to smoke rings, Bobby is particularly enthusiastic. "What's a real smoke ring?" he asks, eyes widening in excitement. "No saltpeter and no additives – that's what makes it real." He points out the beautiful high ridges on the ribs, which are actually where the meat is located. The low ridges, on the other hand, are more prone to drying out.
The Power of Control
Bobby explains that when cooking with low and slow BBQ, control over temperature is key. "I wouldn't be able to guess there's kombucha or half a cup of miso in this," he says, taking a bite of his perfectly cooked ribs. The combination of the sauce and the low heat has resulted in tender, juicy meat that simply falls off the bone.
Experimenting with New Ingredients
Vinnie takes over the conversation, pointing out the difference between two different types of chipotle peppers. "This one's got a nice color," he says, holding up a can of chipotle peppers. "But then I opened up a new can – look at the color difference." The group erupts in laughter as Vinnie acknowledges that consistency is key when it comes to BBQ.
The Importance of Knives
As Bobby pulls out a sleek, sharp knife, the conversation turns to his favorite cooking tool. "This is Lampson Jansen," he explains. "It's a multi-purpose knife that's like a Swiss Army knife." The group oohs and ahhs as Bobby demonstrates its versatility.
A Conversation with Rick
Just then, Rick comes in with some St. Louis-style pork ribs, perfectly cooked to a tender and juicy texture. "These are doers," he says proudly, holding up the rack of meat. Vinnie and Bobby take turns admiring the beautiful smoke ring on the ribs, which is a testament to their low and slow cooking technique.
As we come to the end of our journey with Bobby and Vinnie, it's clear that the art of low and slow BBQ requires patience, control over temperature, and a willingness to experiment. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, these two men will inspire you to try new ingredients and techniques. And remember, as Bobby would say, "Don't be afraid to try something new – it's all about the journey."