Stoked by Al Brown – Hardback Cookbook

Stoked is a 344-page hardback by New Zealand chef Al Brown with more than 100 outdoor-cooking recipes, from grilling and smoking to spit-roasting, wood-fired ovens and a traditional hangi. It's shot by photographer Kieran Scott across some of New Zealand's wildest country.

Kiwi fire cooking, done properly

After Al Brown's award-winning seafood book Go Fish, he turned the same mix of great recipes, good yarns and stunning photography to the barbecue. But this isn't just snags and sauce: it covers every kind of outdoor fire a Kiwi or Aussie cook could want, with how-tos so you can build and run each one.

What's inside

Brown works through grills of all kinds, smoking, spits and outdoor ovens such as a tandoor and a pizza oven. There's a hangi up the Whanganui River, hunting and fishing at Ngamatea Station, and wild porcini gathering, all photographed by Kieran Scott.

The 100-plus recipes favour fast and tasty: bruschetta, burgers, pizza, fritters, chargrilled seafood, beef, lamb and chicken, ribs and slow-roasted meats. There's game too, including venison, duck and goat, along with salads, classic cake-tin slices and bikkies, and the sauces and relishes that finish a plate.

Who it's for

Outdoor cooks on both sides of the Tasman, campers, hunters and fishers, and anyone keen to try a spit or a fire pit. It's a beautiful gift book with recipes approachable enough for every level.

About Al Brown

Al Brown is one of New Zealand's best-known chefs. He's behind Auckland's Depot, named Metro's Supreme Restaurant of the Year in 2012, co-founded Wellington's acclaimed Logan Brown, and runs Best Ugly Bagels. His book Go Fish won People's Choice and Best Illustrated Book at the 2010 New Zealand Post Book Awards.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

Al Brown cooks like a bloke who'd rather be outside, and this book drags you out there with him: spits, smokers, fire pits and a hangi by the river. Darryl's favourite thing is the photography, wild country and real fires that make you want to load the ute. Buy it and your next long weekend has a plan. Pair it with BBQ Companion for Aussie backyard flair and Live Fire for more fire-pit adventures. Crack some Four Saucemen Pōhutukawa Smoked Peppercorns over the lamb. Real treasure wears a smoke ring.

Questions answered

Who wrote Stoked?

Stoked was written by Al Brown, the New Zealand chef behind Auckland's Depot and co-founder of Wellington's Logan Brown, with photography by Kieran Scott.

How many recipes are in Stoked?

There are more than 100 outdoor recipes, from burgers, pizza and chargrilled seafood to slow-roasted meats, game, salads and baking.

Is Stoked good for beginners?

Yes. It includes how-tos for different outdoor cooking set-ups, and many recipes are quick and simple.

Is Stoked a hardback, and how many pages?

Yes. This edition is a 344-page hardback published by Random House New Zealand in 2022.

Does Stoked cover spit roasting and hangi?

Yes. It covers spits, smoking, tandoor and pizza ovens, and a traditional hangi cooked up the Whanganui River.