BBQ Contest Guide
For beginners, the best way to go is to start small and focus more on getting a grip of a single
category of meat than trying to learn about all at once.
It can get overwhelming when competing in many categories because each category involves
different methods of preparation,
cooking time for each type of meat and also its seasoning techniques.
But instead choose one category – like ribs or chicken – that is relatively simple but still offers
ample room to grow your skills. When you cook ribs, for example,
you are able to work on important things like smoking them as well as seasoning without the long cook times brisket needs.
By focusing everything in one category,
you will be able to control such factors as temperature, timing and smoke level hence developing confidence and consistency.
This concentrated approach is very important since judges expect entries that are perfect from appearance to
tenderness and flavor.Make Your Original Signature Rub and Sauce
One of the best things about barbecuing is coming up with your own rubs and sauces which
will set you apart from other competitors.
Instead of using ready-made mixes, try out various seasonings and ingredients that you like personally.
Take your time in doing this especially in determining salt, sugar, heat as well as aromatic
spices to blend them properly with the chosen meat.
The key to success is that once you get a rub or sauce that works for you, be sure it can be repeated under competitive circumstances every time.
For instance have well-documented recipes and practice batches so as to understand how different amounts of each
component will affect the final taste.
By doing this, you’ll create a flavor profile that is balanced but unique thus making your team different
without taking away from the natural flavors of the meat itself. Judges like combinations which are subtly
complex yet balanced rather than overpowering or gimmicky tastes.
Master Contest Day Time Management
Barbecue is one of the most successful competitions in terms of time management.
Contests traditionally have specific times for each meat category to be handed in and late entries will be disqualified.
It is therefore important to come up with a cooking schedule before the contest and practice it. This should provide a detailed guideline on how the meat should be prepared, seasoned,
smoked, removed from heat and cut into servings or plated. When working on your barbeque dishes it’s important
that you always keep in mind that long slow heating requires extra time because some delays might arise when preparing food. The more you rehearse your timetable prior to competition day,
the more you will learn about the length each stage takes as well as identify potential stumbling blocks and hurdles along the way.
Proper management of time also helps alleviate stress and ensures that your meats are cooked properly,
allowed to rest for maximum tenderness and visually appealing when served.
When managing your timing correctly through organization and discipline, you gain an upper hand especially at close contests.
