Ep 6. Rib-A-Licious

Man, Fire, Food season 4 episode 6, titled "Rib-A-Licious," is a mouthwatering exploration of different styles of ribs from across the United States. The show takes viewers on a journey to meet grill masters and chefs who have perfected the art of cooking ribs over an open flame.

In this episode, we see the host, Roger Mooking, traveling across the country to discover the secrets behind the perfect rack of ribs. He begins his journey in Texas to explore traditional beef ribs, which are slow-cooked over mesquite wood for hours until they're tender and juicy. Roger meets up with Eliana Gutierrez, the pitmaster at Reveille Barbecue Co., who gives him a lesson on how to smoke beef ribs to perfection. The secret, Eliana says, is to use a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder as a rub and to cook the ribs low and slow over mesquite wood.

Next, we see Roger heading over to Mississippi to learn about baby back ribs. He meets up with Brad Orrison, the pitmaster at The Shed BBQ, who shows him his unique technique for cooking baby backs. Brad uses a special blend of dry rub and a unique mop sauce while cooking the ribs over a charcoal fire. He also shares a few tips on how to wrap the ribs in foil to lock in the flavors and juices.

The episode then takes us to North Carolina, where Roger discovers the world-famous vinegar-based ribs. He meets up with Sam Jones, the grandson of legendary pitmaster Pete Jones, who started Skylight Inn in Ayden, North Carolina. Sam shows Roger how to cook whole hog, including the process of cleaning the pig and seasoning the meat with a vinegar-based sauce. Roger also learns about the history of whole-hog barbecue and its importance to the South.

Lastly, we see Roger in Kansas City, Missouri, to explore the city's signature style of ribs. Kansas City-style ribs are known for their sweet and tangy flavor thanks to their tomato-based sauce. Roger meets with Skip Steele, the pitmaster at Gates Bar-B-Q, who gives him an in-depth look at how to create a perfect Kansas City-style sauce. Skip also demonstrates how to cook the ribs over a hickory wood fire to get that smoky flavor everyone loves.

Overall, "Rib-A-Licious" is a fantastic episode for anyone who loves barbecue ribs. The show's host, Roger Mooking, is entertaining and knowledgeable, and the featured chefs are some of the best in the business. The episode showcases a variety of rib styles that will make your mouth water and leave you eager to try them all. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a first-time rib griller, "Rib-A-Licious" is a must-watch episode for any barbecue enthusiast.