Barbecue is more than just a meal – it’s a time-honored tradition that has brought people together for generations. Whether you’re grilling up burgers and hot dogs or smoking some brisket low and slow, there’s something undeniably special about the taste and smell of great BBQ. But what is it about this cuisine that drives the palate crazy? What separates ‘ok’ BBQ from a pitmaster’s best brisket? To use the words of Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, some would say that “you know it when you see it.” Or maybe when you taste it. But the true answer lies in the chemistry of BBQ, where complex interactions of heat, smoke, and seasoning creates the mouth-watering flavors and aromas that we all know and love.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind some of the most interesting aspects of BBQ, from charring and smoking meats to the debate over washing chicken. Once you’ve mastered the science behind BBQ, you’ll be able to regale your friends and family with your culinary expertise. So grab your tongs and fire up the grill – it’s time to explore the chemistry of BBQ! There’s more than ‘meats’ the eye!
Flavor – A Tale of Two Processes
In 1912, a French chemist by the name of Louis Camille Maillard was attempting to replicate biological protein synthesis. He noted, without knowing the later implications of his work, that a reaction occurred when amino acids and sugars were heated. The reaction led to the release of carbon dioxide and the discoloration of the reagents. Thus, the science of flavor was born.
But the full importance of Maillard’s work wasn’t understood until 1953, when U.S Department of Agriculture chemist John E. Hodge characterized the chemical mechanisms for the Maillard reaction.1 And the rest is delicious history.
When meat is exposed to temperatures around 284°F, the amino acids and sugars in the meat begin to break down and recombine in new ways, creating a vast assortment of new flavor compounds. Guanosine monophosphate, 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone, hexanal2; the names of these compounds are as much a mouthful as a bite of pulled pork sandwich. But the Maillard reaction isn’t the only process at work when roasting meats. All the great pitmasters know: you’ve gotta have that char.
Charring occurs when intense heat causes the meat to undergo pyrolysis, a process in which the proteins and sugars in the meat decompose and carbonize. Char is a dangerous game: too much of it, and you risk turning your meat into a lump of coal. But when you get it just right, it can separate the [meat] from the chaff.
The specific flavors and aromas that develop during the Maillard reaction and charring can vary depending on a variety of factors: the type and cut of meat being cooked, the temperature of the grill, and the amount of time the meat is exposed to heat. If you can master these variables, your BBQ skills will be the talk of the party!
Turn Up the Heat
While charring and the Maillard reaction are important aspects of BBQ, the method used to cook your meat has a huge impact on the final product. Grilling involves cooking food directly over high heat, usually on a gas or charcoal grill. This method is great for cooking thinner cuts of meat, such as steaks, hot dogs and burgers, and can be a quick and easy way to whip up a delicious meal. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on your meats while grilling – uncontrolled heat can easily overcook and burn your food.
Smoking, on the other hand, involves cooking food slowly using low indirect heat and smoke, usually in the form of wood chips or chunks to add flavor (hence the phrase “low and slow”). This method is ideal for larger cuts of meat, such as brisket and ribs, whose flavor and tenderness rely on a slow rate of the Maillard reaction, followed by a quick char at high heat towards the end or some prefer to sear then smoke. The pyrolysis of complex organic compounds such as lignin create flavor and aroma molecules, such as guaiacol and 2,6-dimethylphenol that accumulate on the surface of the meat.3 Wood burning also releases nitric oxide, which preserves the myoglobin in the outer layers of the meats, creating the famous “smoke ring” effect you see in a succulent brisket.4
Oak and mesquite are two of the most popular woods for BBQ, with each offering its own distinct flavor profile. Oak is a milder wood (lignin content of 29-30%) that infuses a subtle smoky flavor; mesquite (lignin content of 64%)5 on the other hand, is a stronger and more pungent wood and can be overpowering if not used in moderation.
Flavor and cooking effects vary between wood pellet and charcoal grills, and both have their place in the world of BBQ! Gas grills are quick and convenient, but may not provide the same depth of flavor as charcoal or pellet grills.
Seasons Come and Go
While charring and smoking are certainly important aspects of BBQ, one could argue that seasoning is just as important. After all, a perfectly cooked piece of meat that lacks flavor can be disappointing, and has to rely on the strong flavors of BBQ sauce to make up.
The most important flavoring agent has been used by humans for over 5000 years. It is the ultimate meal enhancer and can be the difference between a juicy morsel and a leathery slab.
Salt, aka Sodium Chloride, plays a crucial role in cooking by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and altering the texture of meals through a process known as osmosis (you may know it as “brining”). In addition to its functional properties, salt also has a significant impact on the overall sensory experience of a dish. It is considered the ultimate “flavor enhancer”, balancing sweetness, suppressing undesirable flavors such as bitterness, and bringing your favorite spices to life!
At its most basic, BBQ seasoning typically involves a simple combination of salt and pepper. This minimalist approach is particularly popular in Texas-style BBQ, where the flavor of the meat is allowed to shine through without the overwhelming flavors of complex spices or marinades. Salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat, while pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity to the rub. The other ingredients added to a competition dry rub are many times closely guarded and not revealed to anyone.
The Chicken Controversy
One of the most hotly debated topics in BBQ circles is whether or not to wash chicken before cooking it. Some argue that washing chicken can help to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness, while others believe that washing chicken removes flavor and can actually increase the risk of contamination by spreading bacteria around the kitchen sink. The USDA, and most chefs, recommend against washing chicken, as the water used to wash the chicken can actually spread bacteria up to 3 feet away.
Ultimately, the seasoning and preparation methods you choose for your BBQ will depend on your personal preferences and the type of meat you’re cooking. Whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper rub or a more complex blend of spices and herbs, the key is to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors for your favorite BBQ dishes.
Conclusion
As you can see, BBQ is as much a science as it is an art. From the chemical reactions that occur during charring and smoking to the complex interplay of flavors that come from different types of wood and seasoning methods, there’s a lot to learn. By understanding the science behind the charring, grilling, smoking, and seasoning of meat, you can become a true BBQ master. So, the next time you fire up the grill, remember that BBQ is more than just a way to cook food – it’s a labor of love that relies on some complex chemical reactions that occur during the cooking process. With some experimentation, a lot of passion, and a little bit of luck, you can take your BBQ game to the next level and become a true pitmaster.
And if that fails, you can just feed it to the dog that has been at your feet the whole time…
References:
Palca, J. 100 years ago, Maillard taught us why our food tastes better cooked. (accessed May 4, 2023).
Brewer, M. S. The chemistry of beef flavor. (accessed May 4, 2023).
Wittkowski, Reiner; Ruther, Joachim; Drinda, Heike; Rafiei-Taghanaki, Foroozan (1992). Formation of smoke flavor compounds by thermal lignin degradation. ACS Symposium Series (Flavor Precursors). Vol. 490. pp. 232–243. ISBN 978-0-8412-1346-3.
Vaughn, D. The science of the smoke ring. (accessed May 4, 2023).
Maga, J A. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) composition of mesquite (Prosopis fuliflora) smoke and grilled beef. United States: N. p., Web. doi:10.1021/jf00068a023
