The Meathead Method by Meathead Goldwyn – Hardback Cookbook

The Meathead Method is the 432-page hardback follow-up to Meathead Goldwyn's bestselling Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling, and it uses real food science to teach better barbecue, grilling and griddling across 114 recipes. Meathead is the founder of AmazingRibs.com and a BBQ Hall of Famer, and the book was named the National BBQ and Grilling Association's BBQ Book of the Year 2026.

Myth-busting barbecue science, round two

Nearly a decade after his first book, Meathead is back with the methods and science he didn't cover the first time, and he still loves knocking over barbecue's sacred cows. Butter basting, beer can chicken and marinades all get a hard look, and every claim is backed by testing, which is why so many serious cooks trust him.

What's inside

It starts with the fundamentals of barbecue, grilling and griddling, then digs into new ground: brinerades, sous vide que, koji, wok cooking on a charcoal chimney, smoking with tea, herbs and spices, building your own rubs and sauces, dry brining, injections, 2- and 3-zone setups, the reverse sear and how to beat the stall. He even explains how to deep fry safely on a gas grill.

The recipes push past the usual suspects with ingredients like black garlic, gochujang, yuzu, miso and zhug. Highlights include The Ultimate Prime Rib, Pho with Leftover Brisket and Smoked Bone Broth, Miso Maple Black Cod, Improved Nashville Hot Chicken, Championship Pork Ribs and Double-Wide Lamb Rib Chops with Board Sauce.

Who it's for

Cooks on any setup, gas, charcoal, kamado, pellet or offset, who want to understand why a technique works. Beginners get the fundamentals, and experienced cooks will find plenty of new methods and myths to rethink.

About Meathead Goldwyn

Meathead Goldwyn is the founder of AmazingRibs.com, one of the world's most popular barbecue and grilling websites, and a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame. His first book, Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling, was a New York Times bestseller. He also shot the photography for The Meathead Method, with recipe inspirations from Brigit Binns and a foreword by Alton Brown.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

The Smuggler reckons most barbecue myths only survive because nobody bothers to test them. Meathead does, then hands you 114 recipes built on what actually works, and the Championship Pork Ribs spread alone shows how deep he digs. Put this on the shelf and every cook after it gets sharper. Back it up with Meat Illustrated for cut-by-cut kitchen science and Mastering Barbecue for a big book of tips and techniques, and dust those ribs with Meat Church Honey Hog. Trust the nose, not the timer.

Questions answered

Who wrote The Meathead Method?

The Meathead Method was written by Meathead Goldwyn, BBQ Hall of Famer and founder of AmazingRibs.com, with a foreword by Alton Brown.

How many recipes are in The Meathead Method?

There are 114 recipes, from The Ultimate Prime Rib and Championship Pork Ribs to Pho with Leftover Brisket and Smoked Bone Broth and Improved Nashville Hot Chicken.

Is The Meathead Method good for beginners?

Yes. It covers the basics of barbecue, grilling and griddling before moving into new methods, so beginners and experienced cooks both get plenty out of it.

Is The Meathead Method a hardback, and how many pages?

Yes. It's a 432-page hardback published by Harvest, an imprint of HarperCollins, in 2025.

Does The Meathead Method cover gas grills?

Yes. It covers 2- and 3-zone setups for gas and charcoal, the reverse sear, and even how to deep fry safely on a gas grill.