Key Takeaways
- Authentic Southern Flavor: Mixon BBQ, named after the legendary pitmaster Myron Mixon, is famed for its smoky, tender meats and Southern charm, making it a go-to for authentic barbecue enthusiasts.
- Essential Ingredients & Tools: To achieve the signature Mixon BBQ taste, specific ingredients for rubs, sauces, and meats are required, alongside essential grilling and smoking tools like a high-quality smoker, butcher’s knife, and precision thermometer.
- Detailed Preparation Steps: Thoroughly preparing your BBQ rub, sauce, and pork shoulder via meticulous marination and seasoning processes is vital for infusing the rich, complex flavors Mixon BBQ is known for.
- Perfect Smoking Techniques: Maintaining a steady smoker temperature, using a mix of hickory and applewood, and monitoring internal meat temperatures are crucial steps in achieving the ideal BBQ taste and texture.
- Serving and Presentation: Properly pulling, saucing, and serving the pork, along with toasting buns and adding sides like coleslaw, ensures a complete and flavorful barbecue experience.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Maximizing efficiency by preparing rubs, marinating meats, and making sauces in advance, as well as setting up equipment and sides beforehand, can enhance the overall barbecue process and results.
Ingredients
To perfect your Mixon BBQ, you’ll need specific ingredients for the rub, sauce, and meat. Let’s break these down.
For the Mixon BBQ Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Mixon BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pork shoulder (approximately 8 pounds), bone-in
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Required Tools and Equipment
To perfect your Mixon BBQ experience, gathering the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s a concise list to ensure you are well-prepared and ready to grill like a pro.
Grilling and Smoking Tools
- Grill or Smoker: Choose a high-quality charcoal or wood smoker for authentic flavor.
- Charcoal Chimney Starter: Allows you to light charcoal evenly without lighter fluid.
- Fire-Resistant Gloves: Protects your hands from heat and flames.
- Heat-Resistant Mat: For protecting surfaces from heat and grease.
Preparation Tools
- Butcher’s Knife: For slicing and trimming meats.
- Butcher Paper: Allows the meat to breathe while it rests.
- Aluminum Foil: Essential for wrapping and resting meats.
- Cutting Board: Preferably with a groove to catch meat juices.
- Precision Thermometer: Ensures accurate internal meat temperatures.
Seasoning and Basting Equipment
- Basting Brush: For evenly applying sauces and marinades.
- Spice Grinders: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining rubs, marinades, and sauces.
Cleaning Tools
- Grill Brush: Keeps your grill grates clean after each use.
- Ash Tool: Helps in removing ash from the smoker.
- Cleaning Cloths: For wiping down surfaces and utensils.
- Meat Injectors: Infuses flavor directly into the meat.
- Tongs: Essential for turning and handling meats without piercing them.
- Spray Bottle: Keeps meat moist with apple juice or other liquid sprays.
Having these tools and equipment ensures you are prepared for every step of the Mixon BBQ process, from preparation to smoking and serving, making your barbecue endeavors more efficient and enjoyable.
Prep Steps
Get ready to take your barbecue game to the next level with these essential prep steps. Each step is crucial to achieving the mouth-watering flavors Mixon BBQ is known for.
Preparing the BBQ Rub
- Gather Ingredients
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- Mix Ingredients
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Use a whisk to thoroughly mix until evenly distributed.
- Store the Rub
- Transfer the rub to an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Preparing the BBQ Sauce
- Gather Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Combine Ingredients
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Stir to combine over medium heat.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
- Cool and Store
- Let the sauce cool.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare the Pork Shoulder
- Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from a 5-pound pork shoulder.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
- Apply the Rub
- Generously coat the pork shoulder with the prepared BBQ rub.
- Massage the rub into the meat, ensuring an even coating.
- Wrap and Marinate
- Wrap the pork shoulder tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped pork in the refrigerator.
- Let marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Cooking Instructions
Now that your pork shoulder is prepped and marinated, let’s delve into the cooking process to achieve that perfect Mixon BBQ flavor.
Smoking the Pork
- Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 250°F. Ensure it maintains a steady temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Prepare the Wood: Use a mixture of hickory and applewood for an optimal smoke flavor. Soak wood chunks in water for 30 minutes, then drain before use.
- Place the Pork in the Smoker: Position the pork shoulder, fat side up, on the smoker grates. This allows the fat to render down, keeping the meat juicy.
- Monitor the Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork. Maintain the smoker temperature at 250°F.
- Add More Wood: Every hour, add more wood chunks to keep the smoke going. This will help in developing a rich bark on the pork.
- Check for Desired Temperature: Smoke the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F. This typically takes about 1.5 hours per pound of pork shoulder.
- Remove from Smoker: Once the internal temperature hits 195°F, carefully remove the pork shoulder from the smoker using heat-resistant gloves.
- Wrap in Foil: Immediately wrap the pork shoulder in aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor.
- Rest Period: Allow the wrapped pork to rest for at least 1 hour. During this time, the juices redistribut, resulting in a more tender and juicy meat.
- Unwrap and Serve: After resting, unwrap the pork and shred it using meat claws or forks. Serve with your prepared Mixon BBQ sauce for an authentic experience.
Serving Instructions
Now that your pork shoulder is smoked to perfection and rested, it’s time to serve it deliciously. Follow these steps to make the most out of your Mixon BBQ.
Pulling the Pork
- Grasp and Shred: Using heat-resistant gloves or meat claws, carefully grasp the pork shoulder. It should pull apart easily. Shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, ensuring to discard any large chunks of fat.
- Sauce It Up: Once you have shredded the pork, pour Mixon BBQ sauce over it. Toss the shredded pork to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Keep It Warm: If not serving immediately, keep the shredded pork warm in a slow cooker or oven at a low temperature to maintain its moisture and flavor until ready for serving.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the insides of your hamburger buns or brioche rolls. Toast them on a skillet or grill until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Add the Pork: Pile a generous amount of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Top It Off: Add a dollop of Mixon BBQ sauce or your favorite coleslaw on top of the pulled pork for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Place the top half of the bun on your sandwich and serve immediately while still warm.
Enjoy your delicious Mixon BBQ sandwiches, crafted with the unique flavor and expertise of the Mixon barbecue style.
Make-Ahead Tips
To save time and enhance your Mixon BBQ experience, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Rub Preparation
- Mix the BBQ rub ingredients up to a week in advance.
- Store the rub in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- This step allows you to focus on other tasks on the cooking day.
- Marinating the Meat
- Rub the pork shoulder with your BBQ rub and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. This enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Doing this the night before saves time and ensures deeper seasoning.
- Sauce Preparation
- Prepare your BBQ sauce up to three days ahead.
- Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- When ready to use, reheat the sauce gently on the stove.
- Wood and Fuel Arrangements
- Soak wood chips or chunks in water for at least an hour before smoking.
- Prepare the necessary amount of charcoal or wood pellets beforehand.
- This ensures a continuous supply of smoke and heat throughout the cooking process.
- Equipment Check
- Clean and check your smoker or grill a day before cooking.
- Ensure all tools, such as meat thermometers, basting brushes, and heat-resistant gloves, are within reach.
- Performing these checks ahead of time prevents last-minute hiccups.
- Side Dishes
- Prepare side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans a day ahead.
- Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers.
- This allows flavors to meld and frees up time on the day of the BBQ.
By following these make-ahead tips, you streamline your BBQ process, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable cooking experience.
Conclusion
Mastering Mixon BBQ is all about the right preparation and attention to detail. With the right tools and ingredients, you can achieve that perfect bark and juicy meat that Myron Mixon is famous for. By following the smoking instructions and utilizing make-ahead tips for your rub, marinade, and sauce, you’ll streamline your process and elevate your BBQ game. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard enthusiast, these techniques will help you create mouthwatering BBQ that impresses every time. Dive in and embrace the art of Mixon BBQ for an unforgettable culinary experience. Mastering Mixon BBQ is all about the right preparation and attention to detail. With the right tools and ingredients, you can achieve that perfect bark and juicy meat that Myron Mixon is famous for. By following the smoking instructions and utilizing make-ahead tips for your rub, marinade, and sauce, you’ll streamline your process and elevate your BBQ game. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard enthusiast, these techniques will help you create mouthwatering BBQ that impresses every time. Dive in and embrace the art of Mixon BBQ for an unforgettable culinary experience. Incorporate Myron Mixon expert grilling techniques into your routine to refine your skills and bring out maximum flavor. With patience, practice, and these proven methods, you’ll be well on your way to BBQ greatness that leaves everyone craving more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mixon BBQ?
Mixon BBQ is a barbecue technique developed by Myron Mixon, focusing on creating a flavorful bark, juicy meat, and balanced flavors through specific tools, rub, sauce ingredients, and careful preparation of pork shoulder.
What tools do I need for Mixon BBQ?
Essential tools for Mixon BBQ include a smoker, meat thermometer, basting brush, sharp knife, tongs, and wood chips of your choice (hickory, oak, or applewood).
What ingredients are needed for the rub and sauce?
For the rub, you need ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar. The sauce typically includes ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and various spices.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder?
To prepare the pork shoulder, trim excess fat, apply the rub generously, and let it marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
What are the smoking instructions for Mixon BBQ?
Preheat your smoker to 250°F, place the pork shoulder inside, monitor the internal temperature, and smoke it until it reaches 195°F to 205°F for tender, juicy meat.
Can I make the rub and sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rub and sauce ahead of time. Store the rub in an airtight container and refrigerate the sauce for up to a week.
What is the best type of wood to use for Mixon BBQ?
Hickory, oak, and applewood are all excellent choices for Mixon BBQ, each imparting a unique flavor to the meat.
How can I streamline the cooking process for Mixon BBQ?
Prepare the rub, sauce, and side dishes in advance. Pre-cut and marinate the pork shoulder the night before, ensuring a smoother and quicker cooking experience.
How long does it take to smoke the pork shoulder?
Smoking a pork shoulder using the Mixon BBQ technique typically takes around 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the meat and the consistency of the smoking temperature.
