Embarking on a barbecue journey is always an exciting adventure, especially when collaborating with a seasoned expert like Aaron from Low and Slow Basics. Aaron’s expertise in crafting succulent slow-cooked meats and perfectly complementing sides provides a masterclass in elevating a simple BBQ into a gourmet experience. In this blog, we delve into the delicious process of preparing beef ribs, whipping up refreshing homemade pickles, crafting a tangy coleslaw, and concluding with a creamy mac and cheese that will surely impress any guest. Whether you’re an aspiring pitmaster or a home cook looking for delectable BBQ inspiration, let this guide lead you through crafting an unforgettable barbecue feast.
Seasoning and Smoking the Ribs
Picking up the reins from where Aaron has begun, the star of the show is undoubtedly the beef ribs. These aren’t your average ribs; we’re talking about a four-bone rack of beautifully marbled beef ribs, the pride of any grill master. The preparation begins by trimming the beef ribs lightly, ensuring to remove any excess fat for a neat finish. A light coating of yellow mustard follows, serving as a sticky base that helps the rub adhere to the meat.
To elevate the flavors, a combination of Steak Shooter and Beef Bounce rubs is applied to the ribs. The former spices things up, while the latter is key to forming a tantalizing bark. As the ribs begin their smoking journey at a consistent 275°F (or 135°C), the addition of cherry wood and Bourbon Barrel Oak layers the beef with a rich, smoky aroma.
Homemade Pickles
While the ribs are basking in smoke, turn your attention to a side dish that will add a refreshing crunch to your BBQ platter: homemade pickles. A cucumber, sliced into attractive rounds, is nestled into a sterilized jar with fresh dill and crushed garlic cloves. The secret lies in the brine, a mixture of water, white vinegar, and an aromatic blend of mustard seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, sugar, ground turmeric, and bay leaves. Once boiled, this fragrant mix is poured over the cucumber slices, infusing them with flavor as they chill in the fridge.
Coleslaw Perfection
No BBQ spread is complete without a serving of crunchy, vibrant coleslaw. Utilizing both white and red cabbage creates a colorful dish, enhanced with thinly sliced red onions, flat-leaf parsley, and scallions. For a nutty twist, macadamia nuts, roughly chopped (and optionally toasted), add an unexpected layer of depth. Dressing this vibrant mix is a rich concoction of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice, which together bind the ingredients into a harmonious blend.
Finger-Lickin’ Chicken Wings
As the hour draws near for the ribs to finish, attention shifts to preparing succulent chicken wings. Seasoned with a chili citrus rub, they are placed around the charcoal baskets to smoke hot and fast at around 230°C. This cooking method ensures they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside within just 30 minutes.
Mouthwatering Mac and Cheese
Moving on to a comforting favorite, mac and cheese, preparation starts with bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for elbow macaroni. This familiar pasta is then combined with a luxurious sauce of full-fat cream, milk, and an irresistible mixture of cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The addition of freshly grated gouda and cheddar (or your preferred cheese) melts into the sauce, enveloping each piece of macaroni with its luscious, cheesy goodness, a perfect complement to the smokiness of the meat.
With each component of the BBQ spread coming together seamlessly, the beef ribs are given a short rest before being sliced open to reveal their perfectly cooked, juicy interior. The culmination of hours of careful execution, the ribs, with their deep bark and tender center, offer a mouthwatering culmination to the feast.
This BBQ experience is much more than a meal; it’s a harmony of flavors, textures, and techniques that transform simple ingredients into an art form. By mastering each step, from seasoning and smoking the beef to balancing flavors in the sides, this collaboration with Aaron stands as a testament to the craft of barbecue. Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a solo culinary adventure, following these detailed steps ensures that your BBQ will be nothing short of extraordinary.
