Author: Mike

Italian Herb Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

We love French fries. But we don’t like heating up the house on a hot day just to enjoy some fries. That’s where my Char-Broil Big Easy comes in. I can cook (reheat, technically) frozen fries in it just like I would indoors. I like to kick-up my fries, and these Italian herb fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy are definitely kicked-up. A little butter and a few tasty herbs and it’s time to devour some mighty tasty fries!

Italian Ranch BBQ Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

A Bunk Bed Makes For More Great Cooking

To make these Italian herb fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have. I originally used a similar basket that Char-Broil has since discontinued. The bunk bed is at least as good as it was if not better!

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Italian Herb Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Italian Herb Fries on the Char-Broil Big Easy

 I like to kick-up my fries, and these Italian herb fries are definitely kicked-up. A little butter and a few tasty herbs and it’s time to devour some mighty tasty fries!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, French fry
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 8kcal
Author Based on my Italian Herb skillet bread recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Add the fries to the cooking rack, or as I do, place them in 9" non-stick pie pans.
  • Place into the Big Easy and cook until golden brown, 20-30 minutes. Fries towards the bottom of the rack might get done sooner, so start checking them after 20 minutes.
  • Pour the fries into a large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Stir in the spices.
  • Pour butter mixture over the fries and toss to coat. Note: It's completely optional, but you can also return the fries to the Big Easy, after coating them, for about 5 minutes to get a little extra crunch on them and kind of 'set' the spices and butter.
  • Serve.

Notes

You’ll need a Big Easy cooking rack or a Bunk Bed basket to cook these fries.

Nutrition

Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 56IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits

My wife and I both agreed that these cedar-planked shrimp and grits were truly something special. The shrimp had a nice little spiciness to them. The grits had a fantastic creamy cheesiness to them. And the sauce had that wonderful (but light) Worcestershire sauce-flavored creaminess. Any one of the star components would be absolutely fantastic on its own, but together, they made for the perfect dinner.

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits

Oh So Good. And Different.

The shrimp do not take long to cook on the cedar plank, so keep an eye on them and don’t over cook them. If you don’t have a cedar plank you can cook the shrimp directly on the grill, or skewer them first.

I can’t recommend the grits and sauce enough, though I’d eat the shrimp off the grill by themselves any day of the week.

Don’t buy any el cheapo cedar planks for this or any other dish. Get the good stuff and you won’t ever look back. Cheap planks split, warm and have splinters. Good planks are thicker, stay flat and have smoother edges.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: creamy mashed potatoes, Cajun mashed potatoes, Twinkies, beef sliders, chorizo portabellos, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, shrimp with pesto and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits

These cedar-planked shrimp and grits were truly something special. The shrimp had a nice little spiciness to them. The grits had a fantastic creamy cheesiness to them. And the sauce had that wonderful (but light) Worcestershire sauce-flavored creaminess. 
Course Appetizer, Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, grits, shrimp
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 4 servings
Calories 828kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the grits

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grits quick-cooking
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 3 ½ ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded

For the sauce

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Soak plank in water for at least an hour.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Stir in the Creole seasoning and BBQ sauce.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Place the plank over direct heat until it starts to smoke and char. Remove to indirect heat.
  • Remove the shrimp from the container. Shake off any excess marinade and add to the plank.
  • Cook until the shrimp are pink and done, 10-15 minutes.

For the grits

  • Bring the broth and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Slowly whisk in the grits.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, heavy cream, and the cheese.
  • Keep stirring 2-3 minutes or until the grits are creamy. If they get too thick add more broth or cream.
  • Remove from heat.

For the sauce

  • Melt butter in a large skillet.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the flour and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and has turned light tan in color, about 10 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and cream. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir. Remove from heat.

Serving

  • Serve the shrimp over the grits with plenty of sauce.

Notes

The shrimp are great by themselves served with cocktail sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 828kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 461mg | Sodium: 1877mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2477IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 435mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Molasses Chili Steak Marinade

I don’t usually marinate my steaks. It just kinda depends on how I feel that day. Today, I wanted to turn a pretty standard steak into something completely not standard. This molasses chili steak marinade definitely did that. You get some sweet, but it’s not overwhelming at all. Not in the least. You get that great southwestern chili flavor. And hints of soy and rice vinegar. And best of all, you can still taste the steak. That’s why I bought one, ya know? I still want to taste meat, but I don’t mind making it a bit different.

Molasses Chili Steak Marinade

Sear It Fast

Because of the molasses and brown sugar you have to keep the time the steak spends over direct heat to a minimum. That high heat will definitely give you a char quick. Just sear it off and then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. Just before you cook up your steak, make a batch of my jalapeno and onion steak topping and keep it warm until you’re ready to slice into that tasty meat.

If you’re feeling in the mood for spicy, substitute hot chili powder, a little or a lot. Also try my Asian steak marinade.

Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black
Weber 3 Piece Stainless Steel Premium Tool Set, Black

For the perfect meat-and-potatoes meal side dish, make my roasted spiral potatoes.

Molasses Chili Steak Marinade
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5 from 1 vote

Molasses Chili Steak Marinade

Today, I wanted to turn a pretty standard steak into something completely not standard. This molasses chili steak marinade definitely did that.
Course Marinade
Cuisine American
Keyword marinade, spicy, steak, sweet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 273kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Cooking Canuck

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients except for the steaks.
  • Pour marinade into the bottom of a large resealable container, or divided between two containers large enough to hold each steak.
  • Add steaks. Coat bottoms well then flip and coat other sides.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, flipping the steaks every 15 minutes.
  • Cook as you normally would.

Notes

Note that since the marinade contains molasses and brown sugar the steaks will char if left over high heat for very long. Sear your steaks over high heat then finish them over indirect heat to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1600mg | Potassium: 844mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 59g | Vitamin A: 1188IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Steakhouse Hot Dogs

I’ve put onions on a hot dog before, sure. And I’ve even put steak sauce on a hot dog before. Why did it never occur to me until now to add tomatoes? Well, by golly, as simple as they are, these steakhouse hot dogs are downright delicious! Perfect for a picnic or family get-together. Not boring. Different. And really good. That great all-beef dog taste with steak sauce is awesome as is, but add the crunch of some onions and the cool tomato slices, and you’ve got a darned good dog. Grab two, and some chips.

Steakhouse Hot Dogs

Easy. But Oh So Good.

It’s possible that I might have slipped a few drops of hot sauce into the steak sauce before pouring it over my steakhouse hot dogs. All I’m saying is that it’s possible. Use your own discretion on that one.

SLOTDOG - Hot Dog Slicing Tool - Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ - 10 inch - Red
SLOTDOG – Hot Dog Slicing Tool – Stainless Steel Cutter Blades for Kitchen, Grilling, Tailgating, Camping and Backyard Outdoor BBQ – 10 inch – Red

Also try my Stroganoff hot dogs. A little different, but very good.

Steakhouse Hot Dogs
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Steakhouse Hot Dogs

I’ve put onions on a hot dog before, sure. And I’ve even put steak sauce on a hot dog before. Why did it never occur to me until now to add tomatoes? Well, by golly, as simple as they are, these steakhouse hot dogs are downright delicious! 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 246kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 hot dogs
  • 4 hot dog buns
  • 2 plum tomatoes sliced thin
  • ¼ white onion sliced thin
  • ¼ cup steak sauce

Instructions

  • Grill or cook hot dogs as desired.
  • Place dogs on buns.
  • Add tomatoes and onions.
  • Drizzle with steak sauce and serve.

Notes

Cut a long narrow slit in your dogs before cooking to give the toppings a great place to go!

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 764mg | Potassium: 176mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce
TableCraft 3-Piece Nostalgia Squeeze Bottle Set, 12-Ounce

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs

I don’t make crab legs often, but when I do, I don’t mess around. These grilled Old Bay crab legs were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was just incredible. A hint of smoke from the grill, that great Old Bay flavoring, a little citrus from the lemon, and of course, butter. The liquid for basting the legs as they cook is also great as a dipping sauce. Packed with flavor, you could just drink it right out of the bowl.

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs

Fast. And Delicious.

The grilled Old Bay crab legs are cooked over indirect heat, around 350 F. I used my Weber Performer charcoal grill. You don’t want to overcook them, so keep an eye on them. I rotated the pan after 10 minutes to make sure the legs got cooked evenly. And don’t forget to baste them. Not only will the legs taste better but the butter sauce will absorb more of that great crab flavor too.

9Pcs Seafood Tools Set Crab Lobster Crackers Stainless Steel Forks Opener Shellfish Lobster Crab Leg Sheller Nut Crackers
9Pcs Seafood Tools Set Crab Lobster Crackers Stainless Steel Forks Opener Shellfish Lobster Crab Leg Sheller Nut Crackers

Also try my drunken steamed crab legs and my Old Bay peel’n eat shrimp!

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs
Print Pin
3 from 2 votes

Grilled Old Bay Crab Legs

I don’t make crab legs often, but when I do, I don’t mess around. These grilled Old Bay crab legs were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The flavor was just incredible. I hint of smoke from the grill, that great Old Bay flavoring, a little citrus from the lemon, and of course, butter. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crab legs, grilled, Old Bay
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 499kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Traeger Grills

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds crab legs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 lemon quartered

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking at 350 F.
  • Place crab legs in a disposable aluminum pan. If the legs are too long you may have to cut them at the joints to make them fit.
  • Melt the butter.
  • Add the garlic.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Pour mixture over the crab legs.
  • Sprinkle with the Old Bay and toss to coat.
  • Transfer to the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes or until the crab is done, basting occasionally.
  • Grill the lemon quarters while you are cooking the crab legs and then transfer to the pan with the crab.
  • Remove crab legs to a platter and transfer any remaining drippings to a bowl for dipping.

Notes

You can crack the legs before cooking. The cracks allow more of the smoke and seasoning to soak in.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1477IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Weber 6493 21-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush

Firecracker Slaw

My wife and I recently had a great lunch at the Aquarium Restaurant located at the Opry Mills shopping center in Nashville, Tennessee. One of my favorite dishes was their firecracker slaw. It had a great balsamic vinaigrette with a great spicy kick. I decided right then and there to attempt to make a copycat of the slaw when we returned home. And I did. And it was delicious!

Firecracker Slaw

A Slaw With A Kick

My version of Firecracker slaw is very close to the one we had at the Aquarium Restaurant. I believe the only differences are that they might have used a white balsamic vinegar (my slaw was darker), and I’m not 100% sure their version contained mustard. Mine is absolutely fantastic, though, and I’ll make it again.

Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Sauces, Seafood & Meat Dishes, Naturally Gluten Free, 16 FL. OZ.
Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar, Perfect for Salad Dressings, Sauces, Seafood & Meat Dishes, Naturally Gluten Free, 16 FL. OZ.

Also try my chipotle coleslaw.

Firecracker Slaw
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Firecracker Slaw

My version of Firecracker slaw is very close to the one we had at the Aquarium Restaurant.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw, spicy
Prep Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 8
Calories 128kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the slaw mix in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the slaw and toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Always stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 276mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Jalapeno Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Ever since getting a cooking rack for my Char-Broil Big Easy (now replaced by the bunk bed basket) I’ve been making tons of dishes I would normally make on my grill or in the oven. Like these jalapeno poppers. In no time I can make a big batch of these little treats. Cream cheese, bacon, and jalapeno. The jalapenos tame down a lot while they cook, so don’t worry about them being super spicy. They’re very good, and my favorite part, you can taste that they are peppers but not have your mouth set on fire!

Jalapeno Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

A Few Tips

The bacon around the jalapeno poppers won’t get super crispy on the Char-Broil Big Easy, but it does come out cooked perfectly. Some folks like to secure the bacon using toothpicks, but I’ve found if you use pieces that are long enough they tend to secure themselves. If you do use toothpicks, soak them in water for 15 minutes first to help prevent them from burning.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

For a slightly different take on the classic jalapeno popper, try making scorpion tails on your Big Easy. Or my little more mellow pickle poppers.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack
Char-Broil 2425514W12 Big Easy Grease Tray, Silver- 5 pack

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Jalapeno Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Jalapeno Poppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Ever since getting a cooking rack for my Char-Broil Big Easy I’ve been making tons of dishes I would normally make on my grill or in the oven. Like these jalapeno poppers. In no time I can make a big batch of these little treats.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, jalapeno popper
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 20 halves
Calories 88kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
  • Spoon in enough cream cheese to fill the cavity.
  • Wrap bacon around jalapenos. Depending on the size of your peppers, you may want to cut the bacon in half first.
  • Season with BBQ rub.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Transfer jalapenos to the Big Easy cooking rack.
  • Lower basket into the cooker and cook until the bacon is sizzling hot and the cream cheese is melted.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 232IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Cured Smoked Pork Chops

I smoked a few traditional pork chops the other day. I decided to also cure a few chops and see how the two versions stack up against each other. And the verdict? Smoked pork chops, done in any way, are fantastically great! Cured smoked pork chops have a slightly hammier taste than do the traditional chops I made, thanks to an overnight cure. I brushed a bit of warm honey over them just before serving to add a bit of sweetness.

Cured Smoked Pork Chops

Easy, Tender, Moist and Delicious!

I was so very pleased with how great these cured smoked pork chops were. They’re very easy to make, for starters. And they are moist and tender with just a hint of smoke. They were perfect and I cannot wait to make them again!

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple wood chunks to smoke these chops.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try my traditional smoked pork chops.

Cured Smoked Pork Chops
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cured Smoked Pork Chops

I smoked a few traditional pork chops the other day. I decided to also cure a few chops and see how the two versions stack up against each other. And the verdict? Smoked pork chops, done any way, are fantastically great!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pork chops, smoked
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 527kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Weber Grill Cover

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rub each side of the chops with 1/2 (chops less than 1″ in thickness) – 1 teaspoon (chops greater than 1″ in thickness) of the Tender Quick and refrigerate overnight.
  • The next day, fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F. Use a nice mellow wood such as apple or peach.
  • Rinse the pork chops well and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Season both sides of the chops with salt and pepper.
  • Smoke until the chops reach 130 F.
  • Microwave the preserves or honey for a few seconds, until thinned slightly, and brush over the tops of the chops.
  • Continue smoking until the chops reach 145 F, brushing with the preserves every 10-15 minutes.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Note that cook times will vary depending on the thickness of the chops. Mine were about 1″ thick and took less time than stated below. If you use thin chops you’ll want to start checking them after 15 minutes.
You can use any preserves you like, but apple and peach are great. You can also substitute honey!

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 58g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 1030mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

After I picked up a new Nesco Snackmaster Pro my first attempt at jerky was making Cajun jerky using sliced top round. Everyone loved it. I decided then to make the same flavor jerky, but using ground beef instead. I knew it’d taste great, and I was hoping for a more Slim Jim-like texture. And I got it. Just the perfect bite. Not too tough, not too soft. And packed with Cajun-inspired flavors (with just a bit of a kick!). Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro are addictingly great!

Leaner Meats Make Better Jerky

Just like making regular jerky, you have to start with a lean meat. I used top round which I ground myself. You can substitute any lean beef, but make sure it doesn’t have more than 8% fat. Less is more in this case.

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

I Love My Jerky Cannon!

Also, you’ll need a jerky cannon to make jerky from ground meat. I had never heard of such a thing. But now that I have one, it’s like the most fun kitchen gadget ever. It’s essentially a large caulk gun that dispenses ground meat. It makes making Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro fun!

More Trays Mean More Jerky

I like to load up my dehydrator. To do that I picked up a handful of extra trays. They really add a whole lot more drying space! Since I have to rotate my trays, I write a number on each one on a piece of blue painter’s tape so I can keep track of them.

NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2" Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack
NESCO TR-2 White Plastic Round 15 1/2″ Add-A-Trays, to fit 1000 Series Food Dehydrators, 2 Pack

Also try my ground turkey jerky, made using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro.

Check out my guide to using the Nesco Snackmaster Pro. You will be making fantastic jerky at home in no time at all!

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro - Version 2
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Ground Beef Jerky Strips on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro

After I picked up a new Nesco Snackmaster Pro my first attempt at jerky was making Cajun jerky using sliced top round. Everyone loved it. I decided then to make the same flavor jerky, but using ground beef instead.
Course Dehydrator
Cuisine Jerky
Keyword beef, Cajun, dehydrator, jerky, nesco snackmaster pro
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 1265kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place beef in a resealable bag or container.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the seasoning, red pepper flake if using, curing salt and water. Pour over the meat and seal. Shake to coat.
  • Refrigerate the meat for up to 8 hours, shaking or massaging every hour or so to get the marinade distributed and absorbed evenly.
  • Remove meat from the marinade and add to a jerky gun. Squeeze out onto Nesco trays. Do not overlap meat.
  • Add the dehydrator top, set to maximum temperature setting and dehydrate for 5 hours, rotating the trays (bottom to top) every 2 hours or so.
  • To test for doneness remove a piece and let cool slightly. Try to bend the meat. If it gives and starts to tear at the bend it is done. If it bends without tearing return to the dehydrator and let it run another 15 minutes and test again. If the meat is crunchy it is overdone but still good. It’s really personal preference as to how you like your jerky. Soft, chewy, crunchy. There’s no wrong here.
  • Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

This recipe is for starting with 2 pounds of meat. You’ll end up with about 1 pound in the end. You can easily double/triple/etc this recipe for large quantities of meat, however 5-6 pounds is about all you can fit onto a Nesco Snackmaster Pro fitted with 12 trays (the unit comes with 5).

Nutrition

Calories: 1265kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 195g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 562mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 3295mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2372IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 23mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)
NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2″ Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Visit my other site, For The Wing, for all things chicken-wing!

Boy howdy, these Buffalo wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out great! 30 minutes marinating, 30 or so minutes cooking and it’s time to devour some traditional-flavored wings. I used the Big Easy Cooking Rack, which lets you cook on up to 6 different levels, enough room for a family pack (around 4 pounds) of wings. You can also use the standard Big Easy basket along with the bunk bed basket, but you won’t be able to cook as many wings at once. The rack is no longer available, but has been replaced by the bunk bed basket.

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I did ‘finish’ the wings on a grill to get a little char and crisp, but doing so is completely optional. These Buffalo wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy are fantastic right off the cooker. If a little crunch is what you want do what I did and put them over high heat on a grill for a few minutes before serving.

To make this dish on the Char-Broil Big Easy I used a bunk bed basket. It lets me double or even triple the amount of cooking space I have.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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Buffalo Wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Boy howdy, these Buffalo wings made on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out great! 30 minutes marinating, 30 or so minutes cooking and it’s time to devour some traditional-flavored wings.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Buffalo wings, Char-Broil
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 281kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the wings into a large resealable bag or container.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Let cool slightly. Pour all but 1/4 cup of the marinade onto the chicken. Save the 1/4 cup for finishing the wings later.
  • Seal the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Add chicken to the cook racks and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is done. Note that depending on conditions, chicken at the top of the rack may cook quicker or later than those on the bottom. Don’t just check one piece for doneness.
  • NOTE: At this point, you can if you wish, transfer the chicken to a hot grill to get a nice char and a little crunch on the wings. It’s completely optional, though.
  • Remove chicken and place into a large bowl.
  • Add the reserved marinade and toss to coat.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

You’ll need the Char-Broil Big Easy Cooking Rack to be able to cook an entire 4 pounds of chicken at once.

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 852mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket
Char-Broil The Big Easy Bunk Bed Basket