The Smuggler's Journal

featured Myth or Science: Does Resting Steak Actually Do Anything?

Myth or Science: does resting steak really matter? The real reason behind carryover cooking, muscle fibres and a reverse-sear test you can run at home.

On Oct 30, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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The Rub Smuggler medallion - 277 amazed smoked pork shoulder, standing in for the pending hero image

Wood & Smoke School: Match the Wood to the Meat

⚓ SMUGGLER'S LOG — ENTRY No. 450 Dated this 29th day of August, 2026. Today a first mate asked me a fair question: "Darryl, does it actually matter which wood...

On Sep 09, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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The Rub Smuggler medallion - 029 thermometer focus, standing in for the pending step photo

Taming Temperature Swings on a Winter Smoke (So the Wind Doesn't Win)

A cold snap and a gusty backyard is where most winter cooks go sideways. Darryl breaks down why cheap smokers swing in the wind and how to hold your temp,...

On Sep 09, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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Crispy-skin spatchcocked smoked chicken seasoned with BlackBear BBQ Chicken Rub

Dear Rub Smuggler: Crispy Smoked Chicken Skin, Fixed

Rubbery smoked chicken skin? The Rub Smuggler answers a reader's letter with the real fix, a crispy-skin chook recipe and a BlackBear rub secret.

On Sep 06, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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Jimmy Chimichurri Classic 200g jar, used to finish griddle-fried noodles

Give It a Crack: Griddle-Fried Noodles Off the Leftover Pasta

A trend worth stealing for 2026: leftover pasta, hot and crisped on a flat-top. This week's Log: yakisoba-style griddle noodles, a chimichurri finish, and a genuinely useful way to stop...

On Sep 06, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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