Join Alonzo Cantu, a Texas-based competitive barbecuer and creator of the Gulf Coast Smoke YouTube channel, as he shares his journey from humble beginnings to BBQ champion. He reveals the unique nuances of barbecue judging in Texas and emphasizes the power of simplicity in cooking. Discover his favorite dishes, the innovative features of top BBQ equipment, and why Gulf Coast Smoke has become a go-to for BBQ enthusiasts. Plus, he discusses the exciting future of his channel and new flavor-packed rubs!
Alonzo Cantu emphasizes that competition barbecue requires unique skills and techniques distinct from traditional backyard grilling methods.
The shift to leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has expanded Gulf Coast Smoke's audience beyond just competition enthusiasts.
Collaboration and mentorship within the barbecue community are crucial for growth, as Alonzo credits his wife for her constant support and motivation.
Deep dives
Tornado Experience
The hosts recount their experience surviving a tornado that recently affected their area. They discuss how they were initially unaware of the severity of the storm as it passed, highlighting the calmness they felt during the chaos. Text messages from friends informed them of the damage and dangers surrounding them, which led to a revelation about the power of communication during crises. The situation underscored the unpredictability of natural disasters and the importance of staying aware.
Barbecue Competitions
The conversation shifts to the world of competitive barbecue, where the guest, Alonzo Cantu, shares his journey in the competition circuit. Initially starting as a fun hobby, Alonzo’s efforts evolved into a serious business as he discovered the potential for selling barbecue-related products. He emphasizes the learning curve associated with competition barbecue, noting that it differs significantly from backyard cooking, requiring specific techniques and skills. Alonzo discusses the importance of participating in sanctioned events like IBCA and CBA, focusing on how different organizations set unique standards for judging.
Building a Social Media Presence
Alonzo reflects on the significance of social media in promoting his barbecue brand and connecting with audiences. He explains the transition from casual content to a more strategic approach, where he recognized the need to leverage platforms like TikTok and Instagram for short-form content. This shift allowed him to engage with a broader audience beyond competition barbecue enthusiasts, enhancing brand visibility. Additionally, he shares insights on the challenges of content creation and the importance of consistency in growth.
Barbecue Recipes and Innovations
The discussion delves into various barbecue recipes and innovations that have gained popularity, such as brined chicken wings and creatively spun taco recipes. Alonzo describes how adapting traditional methods, such as smoking or grilling common dishes, can elevate flavors and broaden barbecue possibilities. He shares details about a unique Cajun-brined turkey breast recipe, emphasizing the infusion of flavor and simplicity in preparation. This highlights the versatility of barbecue cooking, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
Collaborative Cooking and Learning
The episode concludes with insights on the collaborative nature of cooking and the learning experiences that come from sharing knowledge. Alonzo attributes much of his success to his wife, who motivates him to maintain focus and effort in their BBQ journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mentorship and learning from others in the barbecue community. This mutual support within the barbecue world enriches the experience and fosters continuous growth and improvement.
Today on the HowToBBQRight Podcast, we’ve got a VERY special guest all the way from Texas, Alonzo Cantu of Gulf Coast Smoke (00:24)! Gulf Coast Smoke wasn’t ALWAYS as big as it is today, here’s Alonzo’s humble beginnings (04:35). In the Texas competition circuit, judging works a LITTLE different than it does in the MBN (09:33)... When it comes to cooking up a grand champion worthy piece of meat, Alonzo is a firm believer in keeping it simple (17:06). After he’s done tearing up the circuit, here’s what’s going down on the Gulf Coast Smoke channel (21:01)! We’ve seen a LOT of styles of chicken wings, but these brined chicken wings Alonzo whipped up are NEXT LEVEL (27:47)! Behind every great channel is an even greater team keeping everyone in line (29:28). You can cook ANYTHING on a pellet grill, and being outside makes it EVEN BETTER (32:29). Looking for a new grill to add to your arsenal? Primo Ceramic Grills has you covered (34:24)! Alonzo cooks a LOT of food, but these are his FAVORITES to throw on the grill (35:09). We often sing the praises of Outlaw smokers, but they are WORTH the money (38:49)! What are the MOST popular pits for competition cooking in Texas (42:46)? Texas has a LOT of good BBQ, but these are Alonzo’s TOP places to grab a bite (48:01). Finally, Gulf Coast Smoke has more than just killer videos, they’ve got some AWESOME rubs for y’all to check out too (52:46)!
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