Author: Mike

Fiesta Shrimp Tacos

I usually make most of our meals from scratch, but sometimes I just don’t have the time. I scrounged around in the freezer and found a box of pre-cooked popcorn shrimp. Then I took a gander around the SeaPak website and came across this contest-winning recipe for great fiesta shrimp tacos. I had everything on hand except an avocado. I made a quick trip to the grocery store and I was set.

Fiesta Shrimp Tacos

Quick And Delicious

These Fiesta shrimp tacos were really, really good. If you don’t have shrimp, you could substitute chicken strips, fried clams, or fish or chicken nuggets. The crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, fresh lime and a tangy sauce really went well with the crispy fried shrimp.

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

Also try my quick fix shrimp tacos.

Fiesta Shrimp Tacos
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Fiesta Shrimp Tacos

The crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, fresh lime and a tangy sauce really go well with the crispy fried shrimp.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword shrimp, taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 578kcal
Author Based on a recipe from SeaPak

Equipment

Ingredients

For the tacos

  • 18 ounces popcorn shrimp such as SeaPak® Popcorn Shrimp
  • 10 flour tortillas heated
  • 1 pound coleslaw mix
  • 8 ounces white cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 6 ounces black olives sliced, drained
  • 1 avocado chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving, if desired

For the sauce

Instructions

  • Cook the shrimp per the package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking together all ingredients. If the sauce is too thick whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk.
  • Spread a tablespoon of sauce over each tortilla.
  • Add slaw mix, cheese, tomato, olives and avocado.
  • Top with shrimp and drizzle with a bit more sauce.
  • Serve with a lime wedge for squeezing over the taco.

Notes

The sauce is also good for dipping tortilla chips!

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1740mg | Potassium: 650mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1852IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 490mg | Iron: 4mg

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)

Gotta-Have-It Garlic Bread

Normally, when I run across a recipe that I want to make, I add my own twist to it. That’s not the case with this gotta-have-it garlic bread recipe from Aaron McCargo Jr. I wish he’d do more shows for the Food Network. This is truly a fantastic garlic bread recipe. It has lots of great flavor, including a hint of heat.

Gotta-Have-It Garlic Bread

Always My Go-To Garlic Bread

This is the only garlic bread I’ll make from now on, although my traditional cheesy garlic bread is pretty normal. The search is over. Gotta-have-it garlic bread is the winner, plain and simple!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

PS: The spread on this bread is incredibly yummy. I’m now trying to find a way to incorporate it into a po boy, in some way…

Also try my make-ahead garlic bread.

Gotta-Have-It Garlic Bread
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Gotta-Have-It Garlic Bread

 This is truly a fantastic garlic bread recipe. It has lots of great flavor, including a hint of heat.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic bread
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 402kcal
Author From Aaron McCargo Jr

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients except the bread.
  • Preheat the broiler on your oven.
  • Spread the mixture over the cut side of each piece of bread. Do not be shy, load up the bread with the yumminess.
  • Place bread on a baking sheet and place under the broiler until it is golden browned and crispy.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers. Heat in a 325 F oven until hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 712IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 3mg

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)

Homemade Boursin-Style Cheese

You don’t need to buy the expensive version of this great cheese. You can make homemade Boursin-style cheese with items you probably already have on hand. It really tastes just like the stuff in the store. And because it’s a whole heck of a lot cheaper to make you can use more of it! I always felt guilty eating the fru-fru stuff. I had to stretch it out. Not this. I can load up and not feel like I’m going broke!

Grilled Polenta with Homemade Boursin-Style Cheese

Not Just For Crackers

This homemade Boursin-style cheese is perfect on crackers, baked potatoes, apple slices, steak, burgers and grilled corn-on-the-cob! And absolutely yummy spooned on top of grilled polenta disks.

I think the fact that this is a cheaper version of the store-bought cheese opens up new opportunities for using it. Now I don’t hesitate to smear it on everything!

NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine - Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14"x6"x3", Black
NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine – Automatic Air Sealing System for Dry & Moist Foods, LED Touch Controls, Includes Vacuum Bags, Hose & Wine Stopper, High Suction Power, 14″x6″x3″, Black

This cheese is great in my Boursin cheese mashed potatoes.

Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Homemade Boursin-Style Cheese

You don’t need to buy the expensive version of this great cheese. You can make homemade Boursin-style cheese with items you probably already have on hand.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, homemade
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 548kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Southern Living

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients into a large bowl and whip with a handheld mixer until smooth and fluffy. You can also do this in a blender or food processor.
  • Keep in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

Notes

The cheese is more spreadable if you let it come to room temperature or near it before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 39g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1914IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial ... Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)
The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbooks Boxed Set: The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook, The Unofficial … Cookbook (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)

Garlic-Stuffed Olive Pasta Salad

I found the original recipe for this amazing garlic-stuffed olive pasta salad in the December 2000 edition of Chile Pepper magazine. If you like spicy, good food, then you should subscribe to Chile Pepper. The recipes, articles and photos are great!

Garlic-Stuffed Olive Pasta Salad

Make It Spicy, Instead!

You can make a kicked-up version of this garlic-stuffed olive pasta salad. Just substitute habanero-stuffed olives. You can also use jalapeno-stuffed olives if you still want a nice kick. I figured that’d be a little much for my wife, so I substituted garlic-stuffed olives instead.

The end result is a fantastic olive salad. The saltiness of the olives is balanced perfectly by the balsamic vinegar and the spices and herbs.

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 BBQ pasta salad.

Garlic-Stuffed Olive Pasta Salad
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Garlic-Stuffed Olive Pasta Salad

To make the kicked-up version of this salad, like the one in the magazine, you’ll want to use habanero-stuffed olives. The end result is a fantastic olive salad. The saltiness of the olives is balanced perfectly by the balsamic vinegar and the spices and herbs.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword garlic, olives, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 274kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chile Pepper magazine

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta and drain well.
  • Pour the olive oil into a large bowl.
  • Whisk in the olive brine and balsamic vinegar along with a pinch of salt.
  • Add the pasta and toss to coat.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • This salad is best served at room temperature.

Notes

If the salad is a little dry the next day, just stir in a bit more olive oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 367IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 23mg | 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)

Fried Poblano Strips

Ok, that’s it. I’m officially giving up fried onion rings. And fried pickles. From here on, it’s these fried poblano strips for me and nothing else. They have that nice crunch you get from panko breadcrumbs. And they have that nice little kick from the poblanos and cayenne. Not really hot, just a great spiciness.

Adobo Ribeye Steak with Fried Poblano Strips

Who Would’ve Thought?

I served these little treasures on top of a grilled ribeye steak. But of course you could eat fried poblano strips as a side or even an appetizer, served with a cool Ranch dipping sauce. The peppers have an amazing flavor. I don’t know why these aren’t available at bars and restaurants as appetizers. Fried pickles? Fried jalapenos? Yeah those are ok… but these are great!

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Also try my Cajun fried mushrooms and beer-battered fried mushrooms.

Adobo Ribeye Steak with Fried Poblano Strips
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fried Poblano Strips

Ok, that’s it. I’m officially giving up fried onion rings. And fried pickles. From here on, it’s these fried poblano strips for me and nothing else.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword deep-fried, peppers
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 1693kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Marcela Valladolid

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Roast the poblanos under your broiler or on the grill until well charred, turning to get all sides good and roasted.
  • Remove from heat and let cool until you can handle them.
  • Remove the charred skins and seeds. Do not rinse them in water or you'll lose all the great roasted flavor.
  • Cut the peppers into rings (some of my peppers exploded, so I ended up with pepper bites instead of rings).
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to 350 F.
  • Arrange 3 shallow bowls or pie pans.
  • In the first place the flour and stir in a few pinches of salt.
  • In the second bowl, crack the eggs and scramble them with a fork or whisk.
  • The last bowl is for the panko and cayenne. Just stir them together.
  • Working in batches, dip the poblano rings into the flour and coat.
  • Shake off any excess flour, then dip them into the eggs. Coat well.
  • Shake off any excess egg, and dip into the panko mixture. Coat well.
  • Slowly add the poblanos to the oil.
  • Fry them until golden and crispy on the one side, 2-4 minutes, then flip and fry on the other side for about the same amount of time.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

These strips are great by themselves dipped in Ranch dressing!

Nutrition

Calories: 1693kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 134g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 657IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

This Cajun dip and salad dressing goes great over a salad. It is also fantastic as a dip for everything from veggies to onion rings, to chicken nuggets. Adjust the Cajun seasoning, to taste. I’d use a bit less Cajun seasoning when making a salad dressing and a bit more when making a dip. The end result will taste better if you use a homemade Cajun seasoning mix or a store-bought one that has less salt.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

The Perfect Dressing For A Wedge Salad

We served the dressing over a simple wedge salad. We love the crispy freshness of iceberg lettuce.

Check out my new site, Dress My Salad, for more great salad dressing ideas!

Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)
Kakamono 2-pack Porous Squeeze Bottles,Leak Proof Refillable Condiment Container for Kitchen Use,Salad Dressings,top dispensers for ketchup mustard mayo hot sauces olive oil(10 oz)

Also try my spicy creamy coconut salad dressing.

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Cajun Dip and Salad Dressing

This Cajun dip and salad dressing goes great over a salad, and it is also fantastic as a dip for everything from veggies to onion rings, to chicken nuggets. 
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, dip, homemade salad dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 660kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together all of the ingredients.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 660kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4300IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 216mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz
New Star Foodservice 28560 Smiley Faces Squeeze Bottle Set, Plastic, Red, Yellow, and Clear, 12 oz

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions

Simple and delicious. Like a grilled dog should be. Serve these hot dogs with spicy sauce and grilled onions at your next backyard get-together and people will wonder why they’ve just been squeezing mustard onto their dogs for all these years. The sauce is simple yet delicious. It packs just the right amount of spicy kick to let you know it’s there without scaring people off.

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions

Crazy Good Hot Dogs

I used one of my favorite hot sauces, Louisiana Hot Sauce, to kick these hot dogs with spicy sauce and grilled onions up a bit. Louisiana hot sauce has some heat and spice, but it isn’t overpowering at all. And it’s not overly vinegary like some hot sauces. For the BBQ sauce I used a spicy version for a nice extra kick. You could go light on both and still have a great hot dog.

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 Islander hot dogs.

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Hot Dogs with Spicy Sauce and Grilled Onions

Simple and delicious. Like a grilled dog should be. Serve these hot dogs with spicy sauce and grilled onions at your next backyard get-together and people will wonder why they’ve just been squeezing mustard onto their dogs for all these years.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword hot dogs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 321kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet onions sliced
  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns

For the sauce

Instructions

  • To make the sauce, combine all ingredients except the beer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add just enough beer to slightly thin the sauce.
  • Let sauce simmer while you cook the dogs, stirring occasionally. Add more beer if the sauce is too thick.
  • Grill the onions until just soft.
  • Grill the hot dogs and toast the buns.
  • Serve dogs on buns slathered with the sauce and topped with the onions.

Notes

I like to cut a thin shallow slit down the lengths of my hot dogs before cooking. The cut will open up as the dogs cook, giving the toppings a place to go.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 1159mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 114mg | 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 Maple Bacon Donuts

You have the grill fired up (for me that’s usually my Weber). You just finished off a great dinner consisting of burgers, grilled corn-on-the-cob, a wedge salad, and some ice cold watermelon. It’s time for dessert. It’s time for some grilled maple bacon donuts! Just toss a few glazed donuts on a hot grill for 1 or so minutes per side. Just long enough to get them warm and get some pretty grill marks. Then, top them with a little maple syrup. Just enough to get that wonderful maple flavor. And of course, you want a bit of crunchy, smoky bacon. Now you’re ready to eat!

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts

Dessert Elevated

I used maple syrup oh my grilled maple bacon donuts, but you know these treats would be just as great with chocolate or fudge syrup and chopped toasted nuts. Or anything, really. NOTHING is as good as a grilled glazed donut. Nothing. Well, maybe you could use a bear claw. Or an eclair. Oh man, an eclair! Ok, that’s what I’m making next!

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

Also try my pineapple donuts.

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Grilled Maple Bacon Donuts

Just toss a few donuts on a hot grill for 1 or so minutes per side, just long enough to get them warm and get some pretty grill marks, and you’re ready to eat!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, donuts, grilled, maple
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 46kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 glazed donuts
  • maple syrup the real stuff
  • 2-3 pieces bacon cooked (you have the grill going so might as well cook the bacon on the grill!), crumbled

Instructions

  • Grill the donuts for about 1 minute on each side.
  • Serve drizzled with syrup and sprinkled with the bacon.

Notes

Nutritional values do not include the donuts.

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 22mg | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Baby Back Ribs 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.

I’m usually a smoke-your-ribs kind of guy. My preferred rib is a St. Louis-style sparerib, cooked low-and-slow for up to 6 hours. The result is a tender, lightly smoky flavored, moist rib. That’s why I went into this experiment cooking baby back ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy with a little skepticism (but an open mind).

These ribs were very tender, very moist and cooked perfect. The only thing they lacked was that smoky flavor. And of course you don’t get that lovely pink smoke ring you get from hours of low heat over smoke. A smoky BBQ rub and sauce helps make up for this if that’s what you’re hankering for. They’re basically trouble-free since the Big Easy is pretty much a light-it-up, load-it-up, and come-back-when-the-food-is-done cooker.

I’d make these ribs again. And again. You can fit 2 racks into the Big Easy (they have to be cut to fit as they have to be around 11″ or so or less in length), and you’ll need a set of Char-Broil Big Easy Rib Hooks (though you could fashion your own).

Hanging the ribs…

Here’s how the process from baby back ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy came along.First, brined ribs are hung on rib hooks and placed into the basket.

Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy Picture 1The first cook…

The ribs are cooked “naked” (no sauce, no rub) for 35 minutes.

Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy Picture 2Foiled and cooked some more…

Next, the ribs are rubbed and foiled (not shown here) and cooked for another 45 minutes.

Sauced and served…

I removed them from the foil, sauced them, and cooked them a bit longer. Sliced and served!

Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy 2

Also check out my Tony Roma’s, St. Louis-style, and Italian sausage ribs also made on the Big Easy. For a fantastic sauce for your ribs, make my copycat of Bulls Eye’s BBQ sauce. It’s great on it’s own or as a great basis for your own version.

The Char-Broil Big Easy 22-piece turkey fryer accessory kit has everything you need to make ribs, chicken legs, kabobs and just about anything else!

Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome
Char-Broil The Big Easy 22-Piece Turkey Fryer Accessory Kit, Chrome

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!

Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy 2
Print Pin
3.50 from 2 votes

Baby Back Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I’d make these ribs again. And again. You can fit 2 racks into the Big Easy (they have to be cut to fit as they have to be around 11″ or so or less in length).
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, ribs
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 9 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 427kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 racks baby back ribs cut to 11″ in length (or use 1 rack, cut in half and halve the remaining ingredients below). Remove the membrane from the backs of the ribs and trim any large chunks of fat.
  • brine below
  • your favorite BBQ rub
  • your favorite BBQ sauce

For the brine

Instructions

  • Place the ribs into a large resealable container.
  • Stir together the brine ingredients and add to the ribs. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours, turning occasionally.
  • Start up your Big Easy.
  • Cut small slits after the first rib in each “rack” and insert the rib hooks.
  • Place ribs into the cooker and cook for 35 minutes.
  • Remove ribs and place on large sheets of foil. Sprinkle with your favorite rub. Wrap ribs up in foil and seal well. Add more foil if you need.
  • Place ribs back onto the cooker and cook another 45 minutes.
  • Remove ribs and check for doneness. Meat should be pulled back from the bones and should bend easily.
  • Unfoil the ribs and brush with BBQ sauce.
  • Place back onto the cooker and cook until the sauce is warmed and the ribs are the desired color.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use a smoky BBQ sauce to give your ribs a bit of a ‘just off the smoker’ taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 4849mg | Potassium: 489mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Save

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Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce

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

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce bring the heat thanks to Louisiana hot sauce.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce

I prefer to cook my wings in my Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-less Turkey Fryer using the Wingin’ator 3000 modification, then finish them off on the grill to get a nice crunchy skin. But, they’re just as great cooked in the oven or on a grill. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them.

Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce Louisiana Hot Sauce 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)
Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce Louisiana Hot Sauce 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)

Try my Cravin’ Cajun, honey lime, and my Cajun Bay wings.

Cajun Chicken Wings with Dipping Sauce
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cajun Chicken Wings

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun chicken wings with dipping sauce bring the heat.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Cajun, wings
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 367kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

For the dipping sauce (if you like a lot of sauce like we do, you’ll want to double the ingredients)

Instructions

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

  • Place the cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce into medium bowl.
  • Microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted.
  • Whisk mixture until creamy smooth.
  • Fold in the blue cheese.

Notes

The dipping sauce is also great using Ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 672mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Buffalo Wild Wings Milder Variety Bundle: Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Honey BBQ, Asian Zing: 12 Ounces Each
Buffalo Wild Wings Milder Variety Bundle: Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Honey BBQ, Asian Zing: 12 Ounces Each