May brings sunshine, longer days, and the official celebration of National Barbecue Month. In Santa Clara County you can turn your backyard into a smoky festival or hit one of the many local spots that do the heavy lifting for you. From straight up chicken and ribs to Korean style grills and Hawaiian twists there is a plate waiting to satisfy every craving.
Grill Like a Pro With Simple Tips
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Preheat Your Grill to give the meat a nice sear and prevent it from sticking. Heat sets the crust that locks in juices.
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Clean and Oil the Grate so your food lifts off clean and has perfect grill marks. Use a stiff wire brush and brush the grate after heating.
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Season With Confidence by rubbing meat with salt up to a day ahead. Letting that salt sink in makes a crisp, flavorful crust.
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Master Direct and Indirect Heat by placing coals or burners on one side only. Sear over direct heat, then move to indirect for gentle cooking.
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Use a Thermometer to check doneness. Pull chicken at 165°F and pork at 145°F for safe, juicy bites.
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Rest Before You Carve by tenting meat for ten minutes. That pause lets juices settle instead of running out on your cutting board.
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Experiment With Wood Chips like hickory for strong smoke or fruit woods for sweeter notes. Soak chips, then tuck them into coals or a smoker box.
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Keep a Spray Bottle Handy, filled with water or cider vinegar, to control flare-ups without washing away flavor.
Sizzle and Serve Spots in Santa Clara County
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South Winchester BBQ in San Jose slings slow smoked ribs and pulled pork with two sides and fresh cornbread. Generous portions meet big flavors.
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Smoking Pig BBQ on Stevens Creek Boulevard serves a classic combo with your pick of meat plus cornbread and two sides. Banana pudding is a must try.
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Mesquite and Oak in Campbell brings Texas-style brisket, peppered to perfection. Gluten-free friendly and known for tender cuts.
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Sauced BBQ and Spirits at Santana Row pairs brisket tacos with craft cocktails. A lively patio vibe makes it a go to for weekend gatherings.
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Friendship BBQ on El Camino Real in Santa Clara turns out wings and chicken quarters smoked over wood. Signature sauce keeps fans coming back.
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Smoked Out BBQ near North First Street offers sampler platters so you can taste brisket burnt ends andouille sausage and pulled chicken all on one plate.
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Spring Korean BBQ on El Camino Real lets you fire up your own table top grill. Marinated short ribs and spicy pork belly cook to order right at your seat.
Meet Your Local Meat Source
Custom Cut Butcher at 2880 El Camino Real provides high quality steak chicken and chops cut to your liking. Friendly staff will guide you to the perfect ribeye or boneless chicken breast. They stock organic and grass fed options as well as house made sausage.
Santa Clara Farmers Market at 1889 Market Street pops up every Sunday morning with seasonal produce and grass fed meats from nearby ranches. Pickup fresh cherry tomatoes herbs and choice cuts of beef and pork for your next backyard cook up.
National Barbecue Month in Santa Clara County is all about firing up your social life and celebrating good food. Whether you follow these grilling tips in your own yard or hit one of the many barbecue spots, you are in for a smoky treat. Let May be your month of smoke rings, sizzle, and plenty of shared plates that bring friends and family together around the grill.
Sources: blog.goldbelly.com, google.com, napoleon.com
Header Image Source: Jo Jo on Unsplash
