Community Corner

Best BBQ Tips for Memorial Day

'Smokin' J' John Riesebeck owns barbecue joints in Gulfport and St. Pete Beach. Here are his finger lickin' tips for backyard cooks.

On your mark, get set, grill! Memorial Day weekend is almost here, with many folks planning to fire up the grill to impress friends and neighbors with their barbecue skils.

We asked John Riesebeck of Smokin'J's Real Texas BBQ to share his tips for the best tastin' barbecue.

1.) Don't Be a Meathead: "Don’t skip on your meats!" Reisebeck says. Offer your guests heaping helpings of burgers, ribs or chicken this weekend.

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2.) Be Patient, Grab a Beer and Relax: "If you’re lookin', you're not cookin, so close the grill."  Reisebeck says a lot of people let their hunger get the best of them, so they keep opening the lid to look at the grilling meat. Shut it! Every time you open up the lid, you add 20 minutes to your cooking time, he says.

3.) Save the Sauce for Last: Add dry rub first, before sticking your meat on the grill, then wait to add the barbecue sauce. Don't slather the meat with sauce until the last 20 minutes or it will burn.

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4.) Marinate Overnight. Reisebeck says if you choose to marinate, do it overnight. If you feel you have to marinate the meat but did not give yourself the time, then first soak your meat for a couple of hours.

5.) Build a Better Burger: Don't be afraid to get creative. Reiseback encourages folks to think outside the box. "I've put Fritos in mine. . . crushed up corn chips. Then, I'll put refried beans, bacon, salsa and cheese, too."

"Enjoy your holiday," he adds. If you're calling it quits, head to one of two Smokin' J's locations so you don't have to cook. The restuarants are in Gulfport and St. Pete Beach, 6690 Gulf Blvd., and will be open on Memorial Day from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Veterans will receive 10 percent off.


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