Hello there, pitmasters and BBQ enthusiasts! Welcome to our ultimate glossary of BBQ slang. In the smoky, sizzling world of barbecue, the lingo can sometimes be as complex as the cooking techniques themselves. From ‘Bark’ to ‘Offset Smoker’, there’s a whole new language to learn when you decide to delve deep into the grilling game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to brush up on your terms, or a novice just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the tasty terrain of BBQ jargon. So, let’s fire up those grills and get learning!
2-Zone Cooking: A grilling technique where the grill is set up with two temperature zones—a hot zone for direct heat and a cooler zone for indirect heat. This allows for both searing and gentle cooking of different types of food simultaneously.
3-2-1 Ribs: A method for cooking spare ribs that involves three stages: 3 hours of smoking unwrapped, 2 hours wrapped in foil with liquid, and 1 hour unwrapped and glazed to achieve tender and flavorful ribs.
Atomic Buffalo Turds (ABT): A popular appetizer made by stuffing jalapeño peppers with cream cheese, wrapping them in bacon, and grilling or smoking until cooked and crispy.
Armadillo Eggs: A dish consisting of jalapeño peppers stuffed with cheese and sausage, then wrapped in bacon and cooked on the grill or smoker until the bacon is crispy and the filling is cooked through.
Asado: A traditional South American barbecue technique that involves grilling meat over an open flame or hot coals, often using a special grill called a parrilla.
Baby Back Ribs: Pork ribs that are shorter and smaller compared to spare ribs, typically more tender and leaner. They are often grilled or smoked and served with barbecue sauce.
Banking the Coals: The practice of arranging charcoal or wood in a grill or smoker to one side, creating a concentrated heat source for indirect cooking.
Bark: The dark, flavorful, and slightly crispy outer layer that forms on the surface of meat when it is smoked or grilled low and slow.
Bear Claws: Shredding tools or meat claws used to pull apart cooked meat, such as smoked pork or chicken.
Beer Can Chicken: A cooking method where a whole chicken is placed upright on a partially filled beer can and grilled or roasted, allowing the beer to steam the chicken from the inside, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.
Black and Blue: A term used to describe meat, typically beef, that is charred on the outside while still rare or medium-rare on the inside.
Blue Smoke: The thin, bluish smoke that is ideal for smoking meat. It indicates clean combustion and imparts a desirable smoky flavor without being acrid.
Boating: The practice of wrapping food, such as vegetables or seafood, in foil or placing them in a disposable aluminum pan for grilling or smoking.
Boogers: A slang term for the crispy and flavorful drippings that accumulate on the bottom of a smoker or grill during cooking. They can be used to enhance the flavor of other dishes.
Boston Butt: A cut of pork that comes from the upper shoulder of the pig, often used for making pulled pork. It is well-marbled and typically cooked low and slow to achieve tender and juicy results.
Braai: A South African term for a barbecue or social gathering where meat is cooked over an open fire.
Brine: A mixture of salt, water, and often additional seasonings or aromatics used to soak meat before cooking. Brining helps to enhance flavor, tenderness, and moisture retention.
Brisket: A large cut of beef from the chest area of the cow, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. It is often smoked low and slow and sliced across the grain.
Brisket Stall: A phenomenon that occurs during the cooking of brisket, where the internal temperature plateaus or even decreases for a period of time. This is caused by the evaporation of moisture from the meat and can be overcome by continuing the cooking process.
Briquettes: Compressed blocks of charcoal made from wood and other combustible materials. They are commonly used as fuel for grilling and smoking due to their consistent heat and long burn time.
Broiling: A cooking method that involves exposing food directly to high heat from above, typically in an oven or broiler, to achieve browning and caramelization.
Bullet BBQ: Refers to a type of charcoal smoker shaped like a bullet or cylinder, with a firebox at the bottom and a cooking chamber above. It is known for its efficiency and ability to maintain a steady temperature.
Burgoo: A thick and hearty stew that originated in the southern United States, often made with a variety of meats (such as pork, beef, and chicken), vegetables, and seasonings. It is traditionally cooked in large pots over an open fire.
Burnt Ends: A barbecue delicacy made from the crispy, caramelized pieces of meat cut from the point end of a smoked brisket. They are typically seasoned and cooked further to achieve a smoky and tender texture.
Burping: The act of briefly opening the lid of a grill or smoker to release built-up heat or smoke, usually done to prevent a sudden rush of oxygen that could cause a flare-up.
CAB: An acronym for Certified Angus Beef, indicating that the beef has met certain quality standards set by the Certified Angus Beef brand.
Cadillac Cut: A term used to describe a thick and well-marbled steak, often referring to a ribeye or porterhouse cut.
Carryover Cooking: The process in which the internal temperature of meat continues to rise after it has been removed from the heat source due to residual heat. It is important to account for carryover cooking to avoid overcooking the meat.
Cascade: A method of lighting charcoal in a grill or smoker where a small amount of lit charcoal is added to unlit charcoal, causing the fire to spread gradually and evenly.
Charcoal: A black, porous carbon material made by burning wood in the absence of oxygen. It is commonly used as a fuel source for grilling and smoking due to its high heat output and ability to impart smoky flavors.
Charcoal-tarian: A term used to describe someone who primarily cooks with charcoal as opposed to other fuel sources, such as gas or electric.
Chef’s Bonus: A term used to describe the small, flavorful pieces of meat or drippings that are often enjoyed by the cook before or during a barbecue session.
Cold smoking: A smoking technique where food is exposed to smoke at a low temperature, usually below 90°F (32°C). It is used primarily for flavoring and preserving rather than fully cooking the food.
Connective Tissue: The tough, collagen-rich fibers found in meat, which break down and become tender during long, slow cooking. Connective tissue adds structure and flavor to dishes like pulled pork or brisket.
Cowboy Barbecue: A rustic style of barbecue cooking associated with the American West, often involving cooking over an open flame or coals and using simple ingredients and techniques.
Cowboy Candy: A term used to describe candied jalapeño peppers that are sweet, spicy, and often used as a condiment or topping for various dishes.
Crackling: The crispy, golden-brown skin that forms on roasted or smoked pork, typically from the fatty layer underneath.
Creosote: A black, tar-like substance that can form on food when it is exposed to excessive smoke or when incomplete combustion occurs. Creosote can give an unpleasant and bitter taste to the food.
Crust: The caramelized and flavorful outer layer that forms on meat when it is seared or cooked at high heat.
Curing: The process of preserving meat or fish by adding salt, sugar, and often other seasonings. Curing can be done through dry curing, where the meat is coated with a mixture of salt and seasonings, or through wet curing, where the meat is soaked in a brine solution.
Dalmatian Rub: A simple seasoning blend consisting of equal parts salt and black pepper, often used as a base rub for various meats before smoking or grilling.
Danger Zone: The temperature range between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C) where bacteria can multiply rapidly, posing a risk of foodborne illness. It is important to minimize the time food spends in the danger zone.
Deckle: The fatty and well-marbled cap of meat that covers the point end of a brisket. It is highly prized for its rich flavor and tenderness.
Direct cooking: A grilling method where food is placed directly above the heat source, allowing for quick and high-heat cooking. It is suitable for thinner cuts of meat or for achieving sear marks.
Dutch Oven: A heavy, lidded pot made of cast iron or enameled cast iron, typically used for slow-cooking, braising, or baking dishes in the oven or over a fire.
Dry-Aged: The process of aging meat in a controlled environment, typically in a refrigerator, to allow natural enzymes to break down muscle fibers and enhance flavor and tenderness. Dry-aging results in the development of a concentrated and unique taste.
Dry Rub: A mixture of dry herbs, spices, salt, and sometimes sugar that is applied to meat before cooking to add flavor and create a flavorful crust.
Dual Probe Thermometer: A cooking thermometer that has two probes—one for measuring the internal temperature of the food and another for monitoring the ambient temperature in the grill or smoker.
Egghead: A term used to describe enthusiasts or owners of the Big Green Egg, a popular ceramic charcoal grill and smoker.
Fat Cap: The layer of fat that covers one side of a piece of meat, such as a pork shoulder or brisket. The fat cap can help to keep the meat moist during cooking and add flavor.
Fatty: A term used to describe a cut of meat, particularly beef, that contains a higher proportion of fat, resulting in juiciness and tenderness.
Firebox: The compartment or chamber in a smoker or grill where the fuel, such as charcoal or wood, is burned to generate heat and smoke.
Firebricks: Refractory bricks or blocks used to line the firebox or cooking chamber of a smoker or grill, helping to retain and distribute heat evenly.
Glaze: A liquid or sauce, often sweet or sticky, that is brushed onto meat during cooking to add flavor, moisture, and a glossy finish.
Holy Trinity: A term used in barbecue and Cajun cooking to refer to a combination of three aromatic vegetables—onions, bell peppers, and celery—that forms the flavor base for many dishes, similar to mirepoix in French cuisine.
Hot n’ Fast: A barbecue cooking method that involves cooking meat at higher temperatures (around 300°F to 350°F or 149°C to 177°C) for a shorter period of time, typically used for smaller cuts or when time is limited.
Hot Smoking: The process of smoking meat at higher temperatures, usually above 180°F (82°C), where the heat also cooks the food while infusing it with smoky flavors.
Indirect Cooking: A grilling technique where food is cooked next to, rather than directly over, the heat source, allowing for slower and more even cooking. It is ideal for larger cuts of meat or delicate foods that require gentler heat.
Injection: The process of using a needle or syringe to introduce flavorful liquids, such as marinades or brines, into the interior of meat before cooking to enhance its flavor and moisture content.
Instant Read Thermometer: A cooking thermometer that provides quick and accurate temperature readings when inserted into the thickest part of the food. It is used to check the doneness of cooked meat.
Kamado: A type of ceramic grill or smoker that originated in Japan, characterized by its egg-shaped design and excellent heat retention properties. It is often used for grilling, smoking, and baking.
Kettle Fried Chicken (KFC): A cooking technique where chicken is deep-fried in a kettle-style or large pot, often coated in a seasoned flour or breadcrumb mixture.
Lid: The cover or top of a grill or smoker that is used to trap heat, control airflow, and regulate the temperature during cooking.
Looftlighter: A device used to quickly and safely ignite charcoal or wood by producing a stream of superheated air.
Low ‘n’ slow: A cooking method in barbecue where meat is cooked at low temperatures (around 225°F to 250°F or 107°C to 121°C) over an extended period of time, usually several hours or more, to achieve tenderness and develop smoky flavors.
Lump Charcoal: Charcoal made from natural hardwood that has been heated in the absence of oxygen. It burns hotter, produces less ash, and imparts a more distinct flavor compared to briquettes.
Maillard reaction: A chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars in food that occurs at high temperatures, resulting in browning, flavor development, and the characteristic aromas associated with grilling, searing, or roasting.
Marbling: The intramuscular fat found within meat, particularly beef, in the form of thin white streaks. Marbling contributes to tenderness, juiciness, and flavor when cooked.
Marinade: A liquid mixture, often containing acidic ingredients (such as vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt), along with herbs, spices, and other flavorings, used to soak meat before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
Meat Candy: A term used to describe sweet and savory treats made from smoked or candied meat, such as bacon-wrapped sausages or glazed pork belly.
Membrane: The thin, translucent layer of connective tissue that covers the bone side of ribs. It is often removed to allow for better smoke penetration and tenderness during cooking.
Minion Method: A technique for maintaining a consistent temperature in a charcoal smoker over an extended period by adding a small number of lit coals to a larger unlit charcoal bed.
Money Muscle: A term used in competition barbecue to describe a specific section of pork butt or shoulder that is highly regarded for its tenderness and flavor. It is often showcased and presented separately.
Mop: A thin sauce or liquid mixture, often containing vinegar or broth, that is brushed onto meat during cooking to add moisture and flavor while enhancing the bark.
Offset Smoker: A type of smoker where the firebox is located to the side of the cooking chamber, allowing for indirect heat and smoke to circulate around the food. It is known for its ability to impart a rich smoky flavor.
Pit: A large, enclosed structure or cooking apparatus used for barbecue and smoking. It can refer to both above-ground pits and in-ground pits, such as pit barbecue or pit-roasted meat.
Pitmaster: A person skilled in the art of barbecue cooking, often with extensive knowledge and experience in smoking, grilling, and meat preparation.
Planking: A cooking method where food, typically fish or vegetables, is placed on a wooden plank and cooked over indirect heat, allowing the wood to infuse flavor and provide a smoky aroma.
Pull: The process of shredding or separating cooked meat, such as pulled pork or smoked chicken, into smaller pieces using forks, claws, or hands.
Resting: Allowing cooked meat to sit undisturbed for a period of time after cooking, typically covered loosely with foil, to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.
Reverse Sear: A cooking method where meat is first seared at high heat to develop a crust, and then finished at a lower temperature to achieve the desired internal doneness. This method is often used for thick cuts of meat.
Rotisserie: A cooking method where meat is skewered and rotated slowly over a heat source, allowing for even cooking and browning. It is commonly used for roasting whole chickens, turkeys, or large cuts of meat.
Rub: A mixture of herbs, spices, salt, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients, used to coat meat before cooking to enhance flavor, create a crust, and add aromatic complexity.
Santa Maria Barbecue: A style of barbecue that originated in the Santa Maria Valley region of California, characterized by tri-tip beef, seasoned with simple dry rubs and cooked over a wood fire.
Searing: The process of quickly browning the surface of meat at high heat to develop a flavorful crust and caramelization, often done before slow cooking or roasting.
Seasoning: The process of coating the surface of cookware, such as cast iron, with a thin layer of oil or fat to create a non-stick finish and protect against rust.
Seasoning a Smoker: The process of preparing a new smoker for use by heating it with a small amount of oil or fat to create a protective layer and remove any manufacturing residues.
Smoke Ring: A pinkish or reddish ring that forms just beneath the surface of smoked meat, particularly in barbecue, resulting from a chemical reaction between nitrogen compounds in wood smoke and the meat’s surface.
Snake Method: A technique for achieving long, slow cooking in a charcoal grill or smoker by arranging the coals in a circular pattern, resembling a snake, and allowing them to burn gradually.
Spare Ribs: Larger and meatier ribs than baby back ribs, cut from the lower portion of the ribcage. They have more connective tissue and are typically cooked low and slow until tender.
Stick Burner: A type of barbecue smoker that uses logs or split wood as the primary fuel source, often requiring manual fire management and providing a distinct smoky flavor.
Texas Crutch: A technique used in barbecue where meat, usually large cuts like brisket or pork shoulder, is wrapped tightly in foil or butcher paper during cooking to accelerate the cooking process and retain moisture.
Texas Trinity: Refers to a combination of three popular meats in Texas barbecue—brisket, pork ribs, and sausage—often served together on a platter.
The Stall: The period during the cooking of large cuts of meat, such as brisket or pork shoulder, where the internal temperature plateaus or even decreases. It is caused by the evaporation of moisture and collagen breakdown.
The Tug: A term used to describe the resistance or texture of properly cooked barbecue, particularly pulled pork, when it is pulled apart. It should offer a slight resistance before separating.
Thin Blue Smoke: The ideal smoke produced during barbecue or smoking, characterized by a light bluish color, a faint aroma, and a gentle flow. Thin blue smoke indicates clean combustion and imparts a desirable flavor to the food.
Water Pan: A pan filled with water placed in a grill or smoker during cooking to help regulate the temperature, add moisture, and create a more humid cooking environment.
Wet Rub: A type of rub or seasoning mixture that is applied to meat in the form of a paste, often using oil, vinegar, or other liquids to bind the ingredients together.
White Sauce: A tangy and creamy sauce commonly associated with Alabama-style barbecue, made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and other seasonings. It is often served as a dipping sauce for smoked or grilled chicken.
Wood Chips: Small pieces or shavings of wood, typically soaked in water or other liquids, used to produce smoke in a grill or smoker and impart a distinct flavor to the food.
Vortex: A technique for creating a concentrated and intense heat source in a charcoal grill by arranging the coals in a circular or conical shape, allowing for direct and indirect cooking zones.
Zonal Grilling: A grilling technique where the grill is divided into different temperature zones, allowing for simultaneous cooking of different foods at their ideal temperatures.meat before cooking. Seasoning can also refer to the process of treating a new grill or smoker with heat and oil to protect it and prepare it for cooking.
And there you have it – a comprehensive list of 102 BBQ terms to help you talk the talk while you walk the walk towards becoming a grill master. Remember, knowing these terms not only makes you sound like a pro, it also helps you better understand recipes, grilling techniques, and even equipment reviews. With this handy glossary in your back pocket, you’re well equipped to take your BBQ game to the next level. Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and tasty tidbits from our blog. Until then, happy grilling!