Choose your meat, vegetables, or plant-based proteins
Trim excess fat if needed
Season with salt, pepper, and dry rub
Let the food rest with seasoning for at least 30 minutes
Preheat the grill or smoker
Clean and oil the grates
Set up direct and indirect heat zones
Place thicker items over indirect heat first
Cook low and slow if using a smoker
Brush with BBQ sauce near the end of cooking
Flip food as needed for even cooking
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer
Remove food when fully cooked
Rest the food before serving
Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side