SALON TALKS

Planning an outdoor barbecue for Labor Day? Follow these pro-tips from the masters of the craft

If you're grilling outside this weekend, you need Aaron Franklin's and Steven Raichlen's expert grilling advice

Published September 1, 2019 5:30PM (EDT)

 (Getty)
(Getty)

Are you planning an outdoor barbecue this Labor Day weekend? Our master barbecue course has you covered, whether you need to review the basics like how to pick the best steak at the butcher's store and how to control the heat on your grill — or you're ready to conquer barbecue’s most-daunting challenge: brisket.

For all of your barbecue, grilling and smoking needs, follow along with these expert tutorials, which we've been serving up on all summer long on our food-themed episodes of "Salon Talks."

Follow along as Aaron Franklin, the founder of the famous Texas barbecue joint Franklin BBQ and author of the best-selling cookbook of the same title, as well as the follow-up book, “Franklin Steak,"  gives his pro-tips for picking out a steak at the butcher's shop:

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When it comes to heat control, Franklin also swears by this type of grill:

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For more steak-related cooking tips, watch Franklin’s full "Salon Talks" episode:

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Perhaps you're craving more of a challenge? Steven Raichlen, who is often referred to as the "Shakespeare of barbecue," shared his in-depth look at brisket, which is known as the "Mount Everest of barbecue," with SalonTV. Raichlen’s cookbook “The Brisket Chronicles: How to Barbecue, Braise, Smoke, and Cure the World's Most Epic Cut of Meat” covers everything you need to know, from the history of brisket to the perfect smoker.

First, Raichlen shows us how to make his favorite coffee-infused barbecue sauce:

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Next, the "Shakespeare of barbecue" teaches us the proper way to slice brisket:

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Have you ever wondered what experts look for in a championship brisket? Here are the secrets of the trade:

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For Raichlen's complete brisket tutorial, watch his full "Salon Talks" episode, where you'll learn even more unique ways to prepare this truly special cut of meat:

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Plus, learn how to prepare your kitchen for any occasion with Bon Appetit food director Carla Lalli Music. Her cookbook “Where Cooking Begins: Uncomplicated Recipes to Make You a Great Cook" will help transform you from a stressed-out meal prepper into a cool and confident home chef. This pro shares with Salon why she gave up on grocery stores and now buys exclusively at farmer's markets and online:

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Has this tutorial left you craving more even conversations with chefs and culinary writers or how-to recipe videos? Then check out on our “Salon Talks” Food playlist here.


By Compiled by Salon staff