Tips on how to get started in a competition barbecue
If you are thinking of entering a BBQ Competition cooking contest, you should start making plans right away. Don’t wait until a few weeks before.
You can check KCBS, MBN or your local BBQ Network to see what contests are coming up and get more information on the costs and dates of the contests.
Unless you’re dealing with a big BBQ contest, like the Memphis BBQ Cooking Contest in May, these contests don’t typically fill up and will accept applications until the week before … but you still need time to collect the money, form a team and start practicing.
Trust me, it takes more planning than you might expect … and no matter how long you’ve been cooking barbecue, it’s always a good idea to do a few practice runs so you’re in sync with the cooking contest turnaround times.
For anyone interested in entering barbecue cooking contests (which I highly recommend to anyone who is currently competing, interested in competing, or just wants to eat some of the best barbecues on the planet), you need to get your name on the list ASAP.
Most barbecue cooking contests meet your evaluation requirements quite quickly … so as soon as you decide that you want to judge a specific barbecue contest, you should email the judge’s contact as soon as possible. (You can find upcoming contests in your area and the judge’s contact information by visiting the BBQ network websites.)
The same goes for the school evaluation. No reputable barbecue cooking contest will allow you to judge unless you’ve been certified (and you can get certified by attending a 1-day evaluation class). So if you want to become a BBQ judge, go to the BBQ network website and sign up for one of their judge classes. These classes usually fill up fast too … so if you’re interested, you should.
When planning your first barbecue cooking contest … there are a few tips you may want to know.
If the barbecue contest offers a “backyard” or “patio” section … enter that division. It generally costs less, generally doesn’t require you to be as quiet as the professional division, and will allow you to get a feel for the competition without investing too much money.
I don’t care how awesome your grandpa’s BBQ sauce is … or how delicious everyone told you your ribs are … the guys in the pro division have spent years perfecting everything, right down to how to put Barbeques in the box. delivery. You’re not going to beat them the first time because there’s a lot more to the competitive grill than you probably realize.
I suggest going into the “yard” division and then making friends with the guys from the pro division … asking them questions, standing outside their tents and watching them give their presentations to the judges … and just get a feel for what is the contest. is about.
Believe me, it is cheaper to make mistakes and solve your problems in the amateur division than in the professional division.