Tag: recipe

Black Pepper Bacon

After my first time making homemade bacon (a very successful first time, I must say), I decided I’d up my game and try different flavors beyond maple. The maple bacon was a little sweet, as you’d expect, so this time I went a more savory route by making this black pepper bacon. The end result was absolutely fantastic. My goodness, what great bacon. A great pepper flavor, but not overwhelming. Not only great for breakfast, but this bacon easily made for the best BLT sandwich I’ve ever had.

A Good Butcher Makes For Good Bacon

Some of the credit for the success of this black pepper bacon goes to my butcher, Moody’s Butcher shop. The folks at Moody’s got me the most fantastic pork sides ever. They were absolutely perfect for making bacon. I mean, look at that slab. That’s just gorgeous bacon!

Black Pepper Bacon

It’s Easier Than You Think

Making bacon at home is actually really easy, much easier than I had ever expected. I love making it and eating it. And don’t worry about slicing it, just get your knife really sharp (I sharpened my Wusthof knives with the sharpener below) and you can cut bacon thick or thin, like it’s butter!

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try making my Sriracha bacon and my chipotle bacon.

Black Pepper Bacon
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5 from 1 vote

Black Pepper Bacon

Making bacon at home is really easy, much easier than I ever expected. I love making it and eating it. And don’t worry about slicing it, just get your knife really sharp and you can cut bacon thick or thin, like it’s butter!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, homemade
Prep Time 7 days
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 7 days 2 hours
Servings 2 pounds
Calories 3967kcal
Author From Bacon Today

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Rinse the pork belly and pat dry. Place into a large resealable container or baggie.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients and rub over all sides of the pork.
  • Seal container and place in fridge for 7-10 days.
  • Rinse the belly well to remove any remaining cure. If you want you can sprinkle it with additional freshly ground black pepper.
  • To smoke, fire up your smoker for cooking at 225 F. Use whatever wood your prefer. I used apple.
  • Smoke the bacon for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 150 F.
  • Store smoked bacon in a plastic bag or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Remove belly from smoker and let cool slightly before placing in the fridge for an hour.
  • Slice bacon as desired. Bake, pan fry, or use however you wish!

Notes

Bacon can be frozen for later use. Just store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 3967kcal | Carbohydrates: 114g | Protein: 65g | Fat: 361g | Saturated Fat: 132g | Cholesterol: 490mg | Sodium: 14398mg | Potassium: 1518mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 107g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

D.Q. Curing Salts - Pink Salt - 1 bag, 1 lb
D.Q. Curing Salts – Pink Salt – 1 bag, 1 lb

Roasted Beet and Dill Cucumber Salad

You could’ve just knocked me over with a feather. Silly me, having low expectations for a salad with roasted beets, dill and cucumber. I couldn’t have been more wrong about what was coming. This salad is absolutely fantastic. It’s almost exactly like my favorite, my mom’s creamy cucumber salad, with the addition of roasted beets. And those beets are what take this from being a good salad to being a truly amazing one.

Roasted Beet and Dill Cucumber Salad

A Fantastic Taste Combination

This roasted beet and dill cucumber salad is a great fall dish and is perfect with a Thanksgiving turkey. I love the creaminess of the dressing with the cool crisp cucumbers, followed by that great earthy beet flavor, with a hint of sweetness and smoke from roasting them. I roasted them over a grill, but you could roast them in an oven as well.

Get a good set of grill tools for these beets and anything else you grill. You won’t regret the extra few bucks they cost over the cheap ones that you’re going to have to replace in a few years. I have had several sets of Weber tools for decades and have yet to replace a single one.

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

Also try my roasted vegetable stuffed mushrooms.

Roasted Beet and Dill Cucumber Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Roasted Beet and Dill Cucumber Salad

You could’ve just knocked me over with a feather. Silly me, having low expectations for a salad with roasted beets, dill and cucumber. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beets, cucumber, dill, salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 75kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beets trimmed Try and get beets that are roughly all the same size. Smaller beets will cook faster.
  • ½ cup ice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus 2 teaspoons
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • 1 cucumber sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon dill fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for high-heat direct cooking. You want to get your grill to 450 F or higher. Alternatively, you can roast the beets in the oven set to 450 F.
  • Place the beets on a large piece of aluminum foil.
  • Add the ice and seal the foil tightly.
  • Place over direct heat and cook for 45 minutes or until the beets are fairly tender when poked with a knife or skewer.
  • Remove beets from grill and carefully open the foil.
  • Let cool slightly then remove the skin from the beets and slice.
  • Place beets in a medium bowl with the oil, 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
  • In another bowl, gently combine the cucumber, remaining 2 teaspoons of vinegar, sour cream, dill, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve by placing beets on a dish, then add the cucumbers on top.

Notes

You can substitute 2 teaspoons dried dill for the fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 27mg | 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)

St. Louis Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I could not have been happier with how great these St. Louis-style ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out. They were cooked high-and-fast on my Char-Broil Big Easy. The Big Easy is a great cooker for a whole lot of things. Although I’ve cooked baby back ribs on my Big Easy, my favorite rib is the spare rib because of the additional fat (flavor). When you cut them St. Louis-style you end up with a beautiful piece of pig meat, perfect for the Big Easy.

A little prep…

Making ribs on the Big Easy couldn’t get much easier. I rubbed down the ribs the night before with my no-burn rib rub. The next day I fired up my Big Easy. I decided to coil my ribs so they fit in the bottom of the cooker. If I’d had put in the Big Easy bunk bed basket I think I could’ve cooked two full racks at once. You could also cut the rack in half and hang it in the cooker using the Big Easy rib hooks.

Cooking right along…

It took about ninety minutes until the meat was starting to pull back from the bones. I slathered some of my Bourbon Street BBQ sauce onto the ribs and let them cook just a bit longer. This gave them a bit of a crunchy outer layer.

St. Louis Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Let ’em rest

When the ribs were done I removed them from the cooker, uncoiled them, and let them rest for about 15 minutes. Then I sliced them and proceeded to enjoy some of the best ribs I’ve had. Not fall-off-the-bone ribs, those are overdone. You want a little tug, a little bite, to your ribs. These have that. And they’re juicy, oh so juicy, just like everything else I’ve cooked on the Big Easy. These are great ribs.

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

Also check out my Tony Roma’s baby back ribs made on the Big Easy.

You can also make delicious St Louis-style ribs on a smoker or gas grill!

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!

St. Louis Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

St. Louis Ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I could not have been happier with how great these St. Louis-style ribs on the Char-Broil Big Easy came out. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, ribs
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings 4
Calories 630kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the ribs on a large piece of foil and sprinkle rub on both sides.
  • Rub in slightly then seal.
  • Refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Cook the ribs for 90 minutes. You should see the meat pulling back from the bone 1/2" – 1". If not, let them cook a bit longer.
  • Slather the ribs with sauce, if desired. Note that if you use a sauce that contains a lot of sugar you will really need to keep an eye on the ribs or the sauce may burn. Return ribs to cooker for 15-30 minutes or until they have a nice crust on them.
  • Remove, let rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve. If desired, have additional warmed BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

To fit the ribs into the cooker you’ll either need to coil them as I did (I found this to be easier to do with the Big Easy kabob insert as a kind of holder) or cut them if they are too long and use the Big Easy rib hooks to hang them.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 182mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 551mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

No-Burn Rib Rub

I’ve become more and more a believer in cooking ribs over high heat. Now, I still love my low-and-slow smoked ribs, don’t get me wrong, but high-and-fast ribs are great too. They are still tender and still have great taste. Often they have a nice little crust to them that I really like. And that’s where my no-burn rib rub comes in.

No-Burn Rib Rub

High Heat, No Worries

But, you have to be careful what rub you use on ribs when you are cooking them over high heat. Anything with brown sugar in it will burn, and burn bad. That’s why I use this great no-burn rib rub. It packs seriously good flavor. And best of all you don’t have to worry about it charring.

I’m A Celery Seed Addict

I am a huge fan of celery seeds in my rubs. I have to warn you, this rub has a LOT of celery seed in it. If you’re not as big a fan of it as I am, I suggest adding just a bit of celery seed at a time. Taste as you go, until you get the flavor you want.

Store any leftover rub in spice bottles in your pantry.

RoyalHouse 6 Pack 32 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Red Cap, Clear and Safe Plastic Bottle Containers with Shaker Lids for Storing Spice, Herbs and Seasoning Powders, BPA Free, Made in USA
RoyalHouse 6 Pack 32 Oz Plastic Spice Jars with Red Cap, Clear and Safe Plastic Bottle Containers with Shaker Lids for Storing Spice, Herbs and Seasoning Powders, BPA Free, Made in USA

I apply a generous amount of this rub to the ribs the night before I’m going to cook them. I wrap them in foil to let them get happy in the fridge. This is the perfect rub for cooking ribs on a charcoal grill over direct heat, or on a Char-Broil Big Easy.

Also try my basic BBQ rub.

No-Burn Rib Rub
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5 from 1 vote

No-Burn Rib Rub

You have to be careful what rub you use on ribs when you are cooking them over high heat. Anything with brown sugar in it will burn, and burn bad. That’s why I use this great no-burn rib rub.
Course Spice Rub
Cuisine American
Keyword ribs, seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 batch
Calories 119kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Keep in an airtight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2478mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3240IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with Spice Labels - 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles - Shaker Lids and Airtight Metal Caps - Chalk Marker and Silicone Collapsible Funnel Included
AOZITA 14 Pcs Glass Spice Jars with Spice Labels – 4oz Empty Square Spice Bottles – Shaker Lids and Airtight Metal Caps – Chalk Marker and Silicone Collapsible Funnel Included

Easy Spiral Zucchini Salad

I recently picked up a spiral slicer. Spiralizer, as I call it. You can take pretty much any large vegetable and turn it into something fun to eat. My favorite veggies to spiralize so far are cucumbers and zucchinis. Heck, I didn’t really even like zucchinis until now. Easy spiral zucchini salad made a believer out of me!

Easy Spiral Zucchini Salad

My Slicer

The slicer I bought has 3 different blades, making spiral cuts from angel hair-sized to large ribbon cuts. It’s very easy to use, just cut the ends off the vegetable you’re going to use so it fits into the slicer, insert it into the device, and get to cranking. In just seconds you convert anything into spiral cuts.
You can easily convert whatever you are cutting into a single, very, very long strand. I don’t recommend this, although I’ve done it once or twice because it is rather fun. I made a 2 foot long cucumber angel hair the other day. It was cool!

Brieftons 5-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer: Strongest-Heaviest Spiral Slicer, Best Veggie Pasta Spaghetti Maker for Low Carb/Paleo/Gluten-Free/Vegan Meals, With Extra Blade Caddy, 4 Recipe Ebooks
Brieftons 5-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer: Strongest-Heaviest Spiral Slicer, Best Veggie Pasta Spaghetti Maker for Low Carb/Paleo/Gluten-Free/Vegan Meals, With Extra Blade Caddy, 4 Recipe Ebooks

Instead, though, for bite-sized pieces, I first make a cut about 1/2″ – 1″ deep lengthwise into the vegetable. This will ensure that you get great almost-full-moon shaped cuts, perfect for salads like this easy spiral zucchini salad.

My Churchill Downs butterbean and radish salad is another great spiral salad. For another great side dish, try my garlic butter zoodles with Brussels sprouts.

Easy Spiral Zucchini Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Easy Spiral Zucchini Salad

 I didn’t really even like zucchinis until now. Easy spiral zucchini salad made a believer out of me!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword salad, spiral, zucchini
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 26kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 handful cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium carrot sliced (large carrots can be cut into spirals, too!)
  • Your favorite salad dressing

Instructions

  • Cut the tips off both ends of the zucchini.
  • Slice on the spiral slicer using the 1/8" blade.
  • Toss zucchini with the tomatoes and carrot.
  • Serve with your favorite dressing.

Notes

I love serving these with Italian dressing or a Greek vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2835IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer - Vegetable Chopper Onion Chopper Food Chopper Vegetable Spiralizer Mandoline Slicer Cutter Chopper and Grater Slicer Zucchini Spaghetti Maker
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer Spiralizer Vegetable Slicer – Vegetable Chopper Onion Chopper Food Chopper Vegetable Spiralizer Mandoline Slicer Cutter Chopper and Grater Slicer Zucchini Spaghetti Maker

Mashed Cauliflower

I have to admit, I was really surprised about how much I loved this mashed cauliflower. I figured that every food blog that I read saying these mock mashed potatoes were good was stretching the truth. Probably like you’re thinking now. I was wrong. The cauliflower comes out buttery, creamy, and does not have an overwhelming cauliflower flavor.

Mashed Cauliflower

No Gravy Required… But I Did It Anyway

I was afraid I’d find the cauliflower lacking in flavor. So I made a big batch of my mushroom gravy to top it off. I found that the cauliflower didn’t need the gravy at all, but it did make it seem even more like mashed potatoes. Since making this dish it has now become a regular staple in our house. Cauliflower is available pretty much throughout the year, making for an easy side dish at any time.

Blend or mash your ‘potatoes’ until you get just the consistency you’re looking for.

KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer - KHM512, Ice Blue
KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer – KHM512, Ice Blue

Also try my slow cooker cauliflower and cheese.

Mashed Cauliflower
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4 from 1 vote

Mashed Cauliflower

I have to admit, I was really surprised about how much I loved this mashed cauliflower. I figured that every food blog that I read saying these mock mashed potatoes were good was stretching the truth.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 51kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Food Network

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the cauliflower and boil for 5-6 minutes or until tender.
  • Drain but do not rinse.
  • Add remaining ingredients, then using a potato masher or immersion blender mash or blend until smooth.
  • Serve.

Notes

Serve with our fantastic mushroom gravy!

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 70mg | 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)

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots 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.

My goodness. I’ve made bacon-wrapped tater tots before, but I had no idea how easy and great they’d be when made on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Crunchy bacon. Cheese. Brown sugar. Spicy rub. You don’t nibble these bacon-wrapped tater tots. You pop them in your mouth and close your eyes, bite down and start moaning in tasty pleasure. They’re just amazingly good.

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Eat ‘Em Like Popcorn

I thought about serving these Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy with some sort of dipping sauce. BBQ sauce. Or maybe mustard. Or Sriracha. But no, I wised up and served them hot off the cooker, as-is. They don’t need anything else on them at all. Make yourself a batch and you’ll see exactly what I mean. If you prefer a little kick, also try my bacon jalapeno tater tots.

A Big Easy Basket Makes It Easier

You’ll need the Big Easy basket that comes with the Big Easy and the add-on bunk bed basket. It doubles the amount of cooking space in your Big Easy. For even more room, check out my Wingin’ator 3000 modification.

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!

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Tater Tots on the Char-Broil Big Easy

You don’t nibble these bacon-wrapped tater tots. You pop them in your mouth and close your eyes, bite down and start moaning in tasty pleasure. They’re just amazingly good.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, Big Easy, Char-Broil, tater tots
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 20 tots
Calories 48kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 20 tater tots frozen, defrosted (You can fit 20 or so on a Big Easy with the bunk bed basket)
  • 7 slices bacon 1 piece for every 3 tater tots
  • brown sugar
  • extra sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
  • your favorite BBQ rub

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy
  • Cut the bacon into 3rds and lay out on a flat surface.
  • Sprinkle the bacon with just a bit of brown sugar and cheese.
  • Place the tots on the bacon and roll them up.
  • Sprinkle the bacon-wrapped tots with the rub and place seam-side down in the Big Easy basket.
  • Lower the basket into the Big Easy and cook for 20-30 minutes or until the bacon has started to crisp (it’ll crisp up further as it cools). Note that the tots on top in the bunk bed will tend to cook sooner, so keep an eye on them.
  • Serve and devour!

Notes

Dip these yummies in remoulade, BBQ sauce, mustard or Buffalo wing sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Sriracha Bacon

I’ve been really enjoying making bacon at home. It has turned out to be much easier than I ever imagined, and definitely tastier than I ever dreamed. Although the process takes over a week, it’s so easy you won’t even notice it. I started by making applewood maple bacon, and have since expanded my bacon horizons, including making this great Sriracha bacon.

Sriracha Bacon

Just The Right Amount Of Spiciness

This bacon isn’t overly spicy, so don’t fear the Sriracha. Sriracha has such a great flavor, and it really isn’t overwhelmingly hot (well, to me at least). The bacon definitely has Sriracha flavor, and color. Add more Sriracha to the recipe if you want it spicier, but I felt the amount I used was just perfect for us.

Sriracha bacon is absolutely fantastic. Not only on burgers, but also on BLT sandwiches. Or for breakfast. Heck, just grab a piece and eat it as a snack.

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 for this bacon.

Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb
Pecan Wood Chunks 4lb

Also try my black pepper bacon and my chipotle bacon.

Sriracha Bacon
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Sriracha Bacon

This bacon isn’t overly spicy, so don’t fear the Sriracha. Sriracha has such a great flavor, and it really isn’t overwhelmingly hot (well, to me at least). The bacon definitely has Sriracha flavor, and color.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, homemade, spicy
Prep Time 7 days
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 7 days 2 hours
Servings 1 pound
Calories 4723kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Amazing Ribs

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put the belly into a large resealable bag.
  • Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.
  • Add to the baggie.
  • Seal the bag, trying to remove as much air as possible.
  • Place in to a deep flat pan (in case the bag leaks) in the fridge for 7 days, flipping over twice a day.
  • The day you are ready to smoke, fire up your smoker for 225 F cooking over a light wood such as apple.
  • Remove belly from the bag and rinse well with cold water.
  • Place belly onto smoker and smoke for 1 1/2-2 hours or until the meat reaches 150 F.
  • Remove belly from smoker and let cool slightly before placing in the fridge for an hour.
  • Slice bacon as desired. Bake, pan fry, or use however you wish!
  • Store smoked bacon in a plastic bag or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Scale the recipe for your pork belly. The recipe is for a 2 pound belly.

Nutrition

Calories: 4723kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 86g | Fat: 481g | Saturated Fat: 175g | Cholesterol: 653mg | Sodium: 9329mg | Potassium: 1872mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

D.Q. Curing Salts - Pink Salt - 1 bag, 1 lb
D.Q. Curing Salts – Pink Salt – 1 bag, 1 lb

Buffa-Que Shrimp

If you look around Life’s A Tomato you’ll quickly find that I love chicken wings, from hot-and-spicy Buffalo wings to sweet Bourbon wings. I’ll never burn out on wings, but when I ran across this recipe for making Buffalo wing-like shrimp from Steven Raichlen, I knew I’d have to make it. The recipe for Buffa-Que Shrimp comes from Mr. Raichlen’s book, The Barbecue Bible, which you can find on every BBQ enthusiasts bookshelf.

Buffa-Que Shrimp

More Buffalo-y

Buffa-Que shrimp definitely have that Buffalo flavor. You can serve them with a blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, or do I like I did and just eat them right off the plate as-is. I cooked the shrimp on a griddle on my gas grill, but you can also cook them directly on your grill grates. Just don’t over-cook them!

Frank's RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, 12 fl oz
Frank’s RedHot Hot Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce, 12 fl oz

Also try my crazy-good crab-stuffed shrimp.

Buffa-Que Shrimp
Print Pin
4 from 1 vote

Buffa-Que Shrimp

Buffa-Que shrimp definitely have that Buffalo flavor. You can serve them with a blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, or do I like I did and just eat them right off the plate as-is
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Buffalo, shrimp
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 286kcal
Author From Steven Raichlen

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the sauce

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Place shrimp into a resealable baggie or container.
  • Whisk together the remaining shrimp ingredients. Add to the bag, seal, and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Remove the shrimp from the marinade and place onto the grill over indirect heat.
  • Cook 10-15 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and done.
  • Transfer shrimp to a bowl and toss with the sauce, below.

For the sauce

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
  • Add hot sauce, stir. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

No one is going to complain if you add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 316mg | Sodium: 2426mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 359IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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

Easy Turkey Roast 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.

Turkey roasts from Butterball are a really great way to cook up turkey in no time at all. They’re pretty much no-fuss. Defrost, season, cook, eat. The roasts are already brined, so you don’t have to mess with that either. That’s what makes this easy turkey roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy so … easy!

Let’s get started!

In keeping with the easy theme, I decided to cook a roast on my Char-Broil Big Easy. It was my first time (I usually cook full turkeys or bone-in turkey breasts), and I have to say, wow, that was easy! I literally just put a seasoned defrosted roast in the cooker and went away for 45 minutes. I came back to dinner. Well, ok, almost dinner. I made a batch of my delicious (and also easy) Cajun gravy, some stuffing, and green beans. Then I had dinner.

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Nice and juicy!

You don’t have to worry about this turkey roast drying out on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Just like with all other things poultry, the Big Easy cooks the roast up evenly and without losing all those great juices.

Seasoned to perfection!

I seasoned the roast with my Fire-Eater rub, which might not be for everyone, and is definitely not ‘Thanksgivingy’. Substitute your favorite seasoning. Salt and pepper are great by themselves, so no need to use anything fancy. I also made another turkey roast a few days later that I first injected with Texas butter (any injectable butter-based sauce will do). It was really fantastic too! Whole chicken is just as easy, too.

Char-Broil The Big Easy Better Basket , Silver
Char-Broil The Big Easy Better Basket , Silver

Looking for the perfect dessert to cook in the Big Easy? Try my mini pumpkin cheesecakes. They also take only minutes to cook (they do need to chill before serving), but boy, are they ever fantastic!

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!

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Turkey Roast on the Char-Broil Big Easy

In keeping with the easy theme, I decided to cook a roast on my Char-Broil Big Easy. It was my first time (I usually cook full turkeys or bone-in turkey breasts), and I have to say, wow, that was easy!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, turkey
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 3 pounds
Calories 458kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Char-Broil Big Easy.
  • Remove the roast from the bag. Do not remove it from the twine netting.
  • Sprinkle your rub on all sides of the roast, rubbing it in as you go.
  • Place roast in the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • After 45 minutes, begin checking the meat temperature every 5 minutes or so. Once it reaches 165 F remove the roast.
  • Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Remove the netting from the roast carefully. If you just yank on it you will have tiny roast pieces flying all over the kitchen!

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal | Protein: 98g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 934mg | Potassium: 1098mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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