Mastering the Art of Barbecue: Tuffy Stone’s

The atmosphere at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was electric, and FOGO Charcoal was thrilled to host a cooking demo by none other than the legendary Tuffy Stone. Known for his meticulous approach to barbecue and his numerous competition wins, Tuffy brought his expertise and passion to the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen area, demonstrating the art of perfecting ribs using our FOGO Premium Lump Charcoal on a Weber Summit Smoker. For those lucky enough to witness the demo, it was a masterclass in barbecue perfection.

Tuffy began his demonstration by emphasizing the importance of selecting the right ribs for competition. He explained that the quality of the meat is paramount, recommending ribs with a good amount of marbling and an even thickness throughout. This ensures that the ribs cook evenly and remain tender and juicy. Tuffy also highlighted the significance of sourcing ribs from trusted suppliers who prioritize quality and consistency, a crucial factor in achieving competition-worthy results. 

Moving on to the cooking process, Tuffy shared his techniques for indirect cooking on the Weber Summit Smoker. He praised the design of the Weber Summit, which allows for precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution, both critical for slow-cooking ribs. By setting up a two-zone fire and using FOGO Premium Lump Charcoal, Tuffy demonstrated how to maintain a steady low-and-slow temperature, which is essential for breaking down the connective tissues in the ribs and infusing them with a rich, smoky flavor.

A key step in preparing ribs for competition is removing the membrane and trimming the ribs, and Tuffy walked the audience through this meticulous process. He explained that removing the membrane from the back of the ribs not only allows for better smoke penetration but also ensures a more tender bite. Tuffy also showed how to trim the ribs to remove excess fat and ensure a uniform shape, which helps in achieving an even cook and a visually appealing presentation, both critical elements in competition cooking.

Seasoning and saucing the ribs were the final topics of Tuffy’s demo, and he shared his expert tips for creating a winning flavor profile. He advised starting with a balanced dry rub that complements the natural flavors of the pork without overpowering it. Tuffy then discussed the timing and technique for applying sauce, emphasizing that it should enhance the ribs rather than mask them. He recommended a light coating of sauce applied towards the end of the cooking process to create a glossy, flavorful finish that judges look for in competition ribs.

Throughout the demonstration, Tuffy’s passion for barbecue and his attention to detail were evident, leaving the audience inspired and equipped with new techniques to elevate their own barbecue game. At FOGO Charcoal, we were honored to have Tuffy showcase his skills and share his knowledge, reaffirming why our premium lump charcoal is the fuel of choice for serious pitmasters. The demo was a highlight of Memphis in May, celebrating the artistry and community of barbecue that we at FOGO Charcoal proudly support.

There you have it folks, a Masterclass by a true champion.  I urge you to hit that link and watch the entire video. It isn’t every day that you get to learn from a master.  I think that you can tell by now that we had an incredible experience at MIM.  Captain Ron nailed the cooks and gave a great demonstration (see last week’s video - https://youtu.be/yjJuhFw2P9Y) and we all had the time of our lives.  Enjoy the video, get out and grill, and we will see you next time on… The FOGO Life.  Captain Ron……OUT!!!