Barbecue University

1. E1. 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. E2. 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. E3. 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. E4. 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. E5. 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. E6. 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 more episodes — open all seasons to browse every episode.