BBQ Begins in the Kitchen
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In this week’s episode of The Grill Coach Podcast, Jay and Brian break down why great BBQ begins in the kitchen. Before the fire is ever lit, the foundation for incredible food is built through planning, preparation, and attention to detail. The guys walk through how everything from sourcing quality meat to proper prep techniques plays a critical role in your final results on the grill.
🔥 Highlights
Brian shares his first experience hanging ribs, talking through the setup and what he learned from the process. Jay highlights a whole picanha cooked on the rotisserie, showcasing why this cut continues to be a favorite for its flavor, simplicity, and impressive presentation.
❓ BBQ Question
This week’s listener question asks: “What are some good beginner meats to practice with?” Jay and Brian offer practical recommendations for those just getting started, including forgiving cuts that help build confidence while learning fire management, seasoning, and doneness.
🛠️ Grill Coach Recommends
This week’s recommendation is a Collapsible BBQ Prep Tub with Built-In Cutting Board, Lid & Strainer. It’s a versatile prep tool that makes it easy to trim, season, marinate, and transport your food from kitchen to grill while keeping your workspace clean and organized.
🎙️ After the Break
After the break, the conversation focuses on the full BBQ workflow and how it all starts in the kitchen. Jay and Brian walk through planning your cook, selecting and sourcing quality meat, and properly prepping your ingredients to set yourself up for success. They discuss the importance of preparing your cooker ahead of time and then shift into cooking techniques—emphasizing how to use sight, smell, sound, and touch to guide your cook. The episode wraps with key tips on resting your meat to retain juices and serving it properly, bringing the entire BBQ process full circle from kitchen to plate.
Episodes Referenced
Episode 181: BBQ Dry Rubs + Ultimate Guide to the Best Barbecue Dry Rub for Perfect Grilling
Episode 29: Sara Range Talks Fancy BBQ and Food Photography Secrets
💬 Have a question for the show?
Send us your BBQ questions or episode ideas at Support@TheGrillCoach.com, or leave us a voicemail or text at (503) 850-8468.
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🌐 Learn more at
Visit TheGrillCoach.com for recipes, gear recommendations, and more BBQ tips.
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Jay and Brian explain why great BBQ starts in the kitchen, covering everything from planning and prep to cooking, resting, and serving for better results every time.