Ep 20. Cultural 'Cues

In this episode of BBQ with Bobby Flay, titled "Cultural 'Cues," Bobby explores the rich diversity of barbecue flavors and techniques across different cultures. He visits four barbecue restaurants owned by chefs from different backgrounds and cultures, where he learns about their unique flavor profiles and cooking methods.

First up, Bobby heads to Brooklyn to visit Thai-inspired barbecue restaurant Krok. Here, Chef Thanida Suiwichai teaches Bobby how to make a traditional Thai dipping sauce and marinade for her grilled chicken. Bobby is blown away by the mix of sweet, spicy, sour, and tangy flavors in the dish, as well as the use of lemongrass and galangal in the marinade.

Next, Bobby travels to Harlem for a taste of Korean barbecue at Miss Lily's 7A. Chef Kwame Onwuachi shows Bobby how to make Korean short ribs, or galbi, on a tabletop griddle. Bobby is fascinated by the use of fruit in the marinade, as well as the accompanying ssamjang sauce, which features fermented soybeans and chili paste.

Bobby then heads to Roscoe's BBQ, a Nigerian restaurant in central Brooklyn run by Chef Adebayo Ogunlesi. Here, Bobby learns how to make jollof rice, a popular West African dish that Chef Ogunlesi serves with smoked goat and chicken. Bobby is impressed by the use of aromatic spices like ginger and cloves, as well as the bold flavor of the smoked meats.

Lastly, Bobby visits Pakistani barbecue spot Bun-Kebab in Jackson Heights, Queens. Here, Chef Ali and his team show Bobby how to make a bun kebab sandwich, which consists of a spiced beef patty served on a bun with chutney and cabbage. Bobby is intrigued by the use of cardamom and cumin in the beef mixture, as well as the complex blend of flavors in the chutney.

Throughout the episode, Bobby emphasizes the importance of honoring cultural traditions and flavors in barbecue, as well as the exciting possibilities for experimentation and fusion. He also learns about the challenges that come with blending different cultural cuisines, such as navigating dietary restrictions and honoring authenticity.

Overall, "Cultural 'Cues" is a celebration of the diverse and delicious world of barbecue, as seen through the eyes of four talented chefs from different cultural backgrounds. Viewers will be inspired to try new flavors and cooking techniques in their own barbecue adventures.