How To Get Started in Competition BBQ
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You’ve seen it on TV, you’ve heard the chatter around the water cooler at work, and everyone that attends your backyard cookout tells you that your BBQ is the best. Maybe it’s time to enter a barbecue competition. Not only is it a fun way to spend the day (or days in some cases), but you will also meet people, pick up tips, and--who knows?--maybe win a cash prize.
What follows are tips for getting started.
Attend a contest
Before you even think about entering a contest, it makes sense to attend one. That way you can watch teams in action and, hopefully, chat competitors up for tips. There are literally thousands of events from small contests sponsored by the local Rotary Club to national competitions with high-dollar prizes. (The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis offers $145,000 in prize money.)
The competitions will differ in what you'll find as a spectator. Look for one nearby and go ahead and check it out. Walk around and watch the teams in action to get a feel for what they do. Some BBQ teams may be quite secretive, but others will be happy to share some knowledge with you, and maybe even a bite of what's cooking! Many competitions these days are attached to car shows, rodeos, or concerts, so you'll find more to do as well.
You can search for nearby competitions online. A good resource is The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), which lists hundreds of competitions, including international ones, on its website and includes links to them. If you live in the Northeast, check out the Northeast Barbecue Society for competitions close to home
Become a Judge
Many competition cooks start their career as a BBQ judge. Why? It's a great way to see how teams are judged and to eat great food! There are differing levels of judge certifications and different BBQ societies and associations have different requirements. But to become a Certified Barbecue Judge (CBJ) through the KCBS, all you need do is attend one of the half day judging classes the organization sponsors in various places around the country. Once you are certified you can sign up as a judge.
As a BBQ judge, you’ll get to see the meats that are entered for judging, taste everything, and see what you’re up against before you even fill out your first entry form. This is an affordable and fun way to become part of the competition world.
Practice, Practice, Practice
What you will be cooking depends on the competition you decide to enter. You can often enter a single cateogry, say, chicken, or you may have to cook four different proteins: chicken, pork, ribs, pork butt, and brisket. Before you think about entering, you should have your recipes and techniques nailed down. A good place to start is by making Traeger's competition recipes. To find them, go to the main recipe page and type in the word competition. You'll find recipes likes these ribs that teach you how to cook ribs just the way the judges like. Hint: They don't want fall-off-the-bone tender.
Put together a Team with a Catchy Name
When it comes to competing in BBQ competitions, you can't do it alone. You need a team. (But don't worry you can name yourself "chief cook.") Not all of the team members have to be chefs. There's plenty of tasks that will need to get done that don't require cooking skills, like running to the grocery tent and beer tent for supplies, setting up and cleaning up, and decorating your booth. What is perhaps most important is that your team (usually of four) works together well and can get along over the long time it takes to cook and serve up some 'cue.
Well, that and a killer name.
Competition Style BBQ Brisket
by Traeger Kitchen
27 Reviews
Prep Time
30 Min
Cook Time
10 Hr
Serves
8
Pellets
Pecan
Clear some space in the trophy case because our competition-style brisket recipe will have you wrapped up in winning wood-fired flavor.
Ingredients
main
| 1 | (12-16 lb) whole packer brisket |
| 3 Cup | water |
| 1/4 Cup | Butcher BBQ Beef Injection |
| 1 Teaspoon | white pepper |
| 1 Teaspoon | onion powder |
| 1 Teaspoon | garlic powder |
| 1 Tablespoon | beef bouillon |
| 1 Cup | kosher salt |
| 3/4 Cup | Black pepper |
| To Taste | Traeger Coffee Rub |
| 2 Cup | beef broth |
Special Equipment
| meat injector |
1
When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 225℉ and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke, if available.
2
Trim all of the fat off the top of the brisket. Trim the fat cap on the bottom to 1/4 inch thick.
3
In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, combine the water, Butcher BBQ Beef Injection, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and beef bouillon.
4
Use a meat injector to inject the liquid across the top of the brisket in a 1-inch checkerboard pattern.
5
Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and Traeger Coffee Rub.
6
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the brisket. Place the brisket directly on the grill grates, fat-side up. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, 4-5 hours.
7
Remove the brisket from the grill and wrap in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving one end open. Pour the beef broth into the opening, then seal the packet.
8
Return the brisket to the grill and re-insert the probe. Increase the grill temperature to 250℉. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 204°F, 4-5 hours more, depending on the size of the brisket.
9
Remove the brisket from the grill and wrap in a towel. Let rest for 1 hour.
10
Unwrap the brisket and slice against the grain. Enjoy!