Cuisine

American

American cookery from diner griddle to smokehouse — hard sears, low-and-slow barbecue, and the regional dishes that built the repertoire. Big flavours, tight execution.

American cookery from diner griddle to smokehouse — hard sears, low-and-slow barbecue, and the regional dishes that built the repertoire. Big flavours, tight execution.

Shorts & reels

Quick hits from the pass

Sixty-second clips — one idea, one trick, no preamble.

Questions from the pass

American: frequently asked

What is the best temperature and wood for Texas-style smoked brisket?

Texas-style brisket requires a constant smoking temperature between 105°C and 120°C. Use post oak or hickory wood. Season simply with a 1:1 ratio by volume of coarse kosher salt and 16-mesh black pepper. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 95°C, typically taking 12 to 14 hours for a 6kg packer brisket.

How do you get the perfect crust on a diner-style smash burger?

Use a seasoned cast-iron flat-top or plancha heated to 230°C to 260°C. Shape beef into 85g balls with a 20% fat-to-lean ratio. Do not oil the grill. Smash the ball flat instantly with a heavy press, holding for 10 seconds to crust. Season immediately, scrape clean off the metal with a sharp scraper, and flip after two minutes.

What is the correct ratio for a Louisiana dark roux?

A traditional Cajun roux uses equal parts by weight of vegetable oil and plain flour, typically 120g of each for a standard pot of gumbo. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring constantly until it reaches a dark chocolate colour. Whisk in the holy trinity (onion, celery, green bell pepper) to stop the cooking.

Should you brine chicken in buttermilk before frying?

Yes. Marinating chicken in seasoned buttermilk for 12 to 24 hours tenderises the meat. The lactic acid breaks down proteins without making the meat mushy. For the dredge, combine plain flour with cornflour in a 4:1 ratio, seasoned with cayenne, white pepper, and garlic powder, then dip back into the buttermilk for a thicker, craggier crust.

How do you emulsion-stabilise classic Buffalo wing sauce?

Classic Buffalo sauce requires a 1:1 ratio by volume of Frank's RedHot sauce and unsalted butter. Melt the butter gently over low heat, then slowly whisk in the room-temperature hot sauce off the heat to create a stable emulsion. Do not boil once combined, or the sauce will split, leaving the chicken wings greasy rather than coated.

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