BBQ with Franklin – Season 1
Pitmaster Aaron Franklin takes a boisterous road trip of BBQ culture -- the people, the places and of course the food. Ten half hour episodes celebrate the traditions and storied histories passed down through the generations, as well as those breathing new life into this distinctly American culture.
Episodes
Brisket
Learn how the brisket became a popular centerpiece of Central Texas BBQ. Hear from legends of Texas BBQ plus be guided through a step-by-step brisket cook experiment using three different methods.
Sausage
Sausage, often a BBQ afterthought is now finding reason to take center plate. Aaron makes sausage from scratch and visits some folks who are pushing the boundaries of artisan sausage making.
Whole Hog
Learn the steps that go into a whole hog cook from beginning to end. Aaron walks us through the process of building a cinder block pit, learns about pig breeds and throws a party in his backyard.
The Pits
Aaron takes a deep-dive into the realm of BBQ pits, as personal as they are functional. Explore different types of smokers from those at the roots of Texas BBQ to the kinds bought in stores. Aaron builds a smoker out of a 250 gallon propane tank.
Fire & Smoke
When you’re cooking with fire, you’d better have good wood. Aaron covers the major types of wood used in Texas BBQ, gives some tips on building a fire, and shows a twist on using smoke for more than cooking meat.
Poultry & Sauce
Aaron takes us to a Texas BBQ joint where they cook their chicken in a unique way and then teaches us how to make sauce from scratch. Meanwhile, John Markus takes us on a whirlwind tour of the regional sauces of America.
Direct Heat & Mesquite
Aaron gets a lesson in cooking “cowboy style”, in a way that combines traditional BBQ skills with the grill. Then go behind the scenes at a big city BBQ joint in Dallas and learn their unique take on Texas traditions.
Competition
Aaron travels to a BBQ cook-off competition in Kansas with his father-in-law, going way outside his comfort zone.
Picking Beef
Aaron tours Texas to research and then cook some beef ribs. After a butchering and anatomy class in College Station, Texas, he receives some tips from a legendary Central Texas BBQ family.
Leftovers
Aaron sends out a little leftover brisket to some chefs around Austin to see how they are inspired by brisket. We end with a taste test that turns into a party.