With the United States nearing its 250th anniversary, the timeless tradition of backyard barbecues and homemade meals remains a cornerstone of summer and holiday celebrations. A new culinary presentation, titled "American Kitchen: An America 250 BBQ," delves into these beloved flavors, offering patriotic recipes, grilling inspiration, and dishes that showcase the country's rich and varied gastronomic heritage.
Premiering on July 3, the special features decorated U.S. Army veteran and acclaimed chef Andre Rush, alongside chef David Burke, with guest appearances by chef Robert Irvine. Together, they demonstrate classic American cooking techniques and share favorite recipes perfect for any festive occasion.
Below are nine featured recipes from the special, ranging from traditional barbecue staples to regional dishes inspired by communities across the nation.
Cedar Plank Salmon with Banana Leaf
This method employs a rustic, open-fire technique, layering salmon over a banana leaf and a cedar plank. This allows gentle oak smoke to infuse the fish, ensuring it remains exceptionally moist while cooking over live coals. The banana leaf acts as a protective layer, preventing the salmon from sticking or drying out during the slow roasting process. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
For the Salmon
- 1 side salmon fillet (3–4 lbs), skin-on, pin bones removed
- 1 untreated cedar plank (large enough to fit fillet)
- 1 large banana leaf
- 4–6 food-safe stainless steel nails or metal skewers
- Chunk oak firewood, burned down to glowing coals
- Spray bottle filled with water
Herb & Garlic Marinade
- 8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- Shallots, roughly chopped
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 bunch dill, roughly chopped
- ½ cup capers, drained
- 1 bunch basil
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Buttermilk Herb Sauce
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ bunch basil
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cedar Plank & Banana Leaf
Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 1–2 hours, or ideally overnight, to prevent it from burning too quickly over the fire. Run the banana leaf under warm water or briefly pass it over a flame for several seconds until it becomes pliable. Trim it to fit the plank.
2. Build the Fire
Use chunk oak firewood to build a live fire. Allow the wood to burn down until you have a steady bed of glowing coals with low, controlled flames. The aim is gentle smoke and indirect heat, not aggressive flames.
3. Make the Marinade
In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic, shallots, olive oil, parsley, dill, capers, basil, lemon zest, and juice. Blend until the mixture is rustic but spoonable. Season with salt and black pepper. Spread the marinade generously over the salmon fillet and let it marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
4. Assemble the Plank
Lay the banana leaf over the soaked cedar plank. Place the salmon skin-side down on top of the leaf. Secure the salmon, banana leaf, and plank together using stainless steel nails or skewers. The banana leaf protects the fish while allowing the cedar and oak smoke to gently perfume the salmon.
5. Cook the Salmon
Position the planked salmon near—but not directly over—the oak coals. Cook slowly for 35–45 minutes, depending on its thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and its internal temperature reaches approximately 140°F. Keep the spray bottle nearby to control any flare-ups from the cedar plank.
6. Make the Buttermilk Herb Sauce
Whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Finely chop the basil, dill, parsley, capers, and hard-boiled eggs, then fold them into the dressing mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
7. Serve
Carefully remove the plank from the fire using heat-resistant gloves. Lift the salmon from the banana leaf and serve directly from the cedar plank with the chilled buttermilk herb sauce. Pair with grilled lemons, charred vegetables, roasted potatoes, or fire-toasted bread.
Smoked St. Louis Ribs with Bulgogi Glaze
These St. Louis ribs are slow-smoked until deeply tender and then finished with a glossy, Korean-inspired bulgogi glaze. They offer a perfect balance of smoke, sweetness, heat, and umami. The combination of soy, garlic, ginger, sesame, and gochujang creates a lacquered finish that caramelizes beautifully during the final cooking stage. Two full racks typically serve 6–8 people, depending on portion size and accompanying sides. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
For the Ribs
- 2 full racks St. Louis-style pork ribs
- Yellow mustard, for binding
Dry Rub
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Bulgogi Marinade & Glaze
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 Asian pear, grated (or 1 apple)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
Finishing Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup reserved bulgogi glaze
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh cilantro, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, using a paper towel for a better grip. Lightly coat both sides of the ribs with yellow mustard. In a bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and generously season the ribs on all sides. Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature while you prepare the smoker.
2. Make the Bulgogi Glaze
Combine all bulgogi marinade ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely. Reserve 1 cup of the glaze for basting and finishing later.
3. Prepare the Smoker
Preheat the smoker to 250°F. Use applewood, hickory, oak, or a combination for a balanced smoke flavor. Once the smoker is stable and producing clean smoke, place the ribs bone-side down directly on the grates.
4. Smoke the Ribs
Smoke the ribs uncovered for approximately 3 hours. During this stage, the ribs will develop color, bark, and smoke flavor. If desired, lightly brush the ribs with bulgogi glaze during the final hour.
5. Wrap the Ribs
Remove the ribs from the smoker. Brush them generously with bulgogi glaze, then wrap each rack tightly in heavy-duty foil with 2 tablespoons of butter and an extra splash of bulgogi glaze. Return the wrapped ribs to the smoker and continue cooking for 1½–2 hours, until they are tender. The ribs should bend easily, and the meat should begin pulling back from the bones.
6. Finish & Caramelize
Carefully unwrap the ribs and return them to the smoker uncovered. Combine the barbecue sauce, reserved bulgogi glaze, and butter to create the finishing sauce. Brush the ribs generously with this sauce. Smoke uncovered for an additional 30–45 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a sticky, lacquered finish.
7. Rest & Serve
Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let them rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm with additional glaze alongside steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or crisp slaw.
Grilled Coastal Clambake Packets
This grill-friendly interpretation of a classic coastal clambake is cooked in foil packets over indirect heat. The clams steam open, and the butter, wine, lemon, and smoky sausage combine to create a rich broth inside each packet. This recipe can be prepared as individual foil packets for each guest or as one large foil packet for family-style serving. Additional melted or drawn butter can be served on the side, if desired. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
Ingredients (Assembled in Packets)
- Potatoes, par-cooked
- Corn, par-cooked
- Smoked sausage
- Cherry tomatoes
- Peppadew peppers
- Clams
- White wine
- Lemon juice
- Cubed butter
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Pea shoots
Instructions
1. Prepare the Grill
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, approximately 375°F. For charcoal grills, arrange coals to one side for indirect cooking. For gas grills, leave one burner on low or off to create an indirect heat zone. Close the lid and allow the grill to fully preheat.
2. Par-Cook the Potatoes & Corn
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes until slightly tender. Add the corn during the final 3–4 minutes of cooking. Drain well.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets
Tear large sheets of heavy-duty foil. For individual packets, divide all ingredients evenly among 6–8 packets. For one large packet, use a double layer of foil and pile everything into the center. Layer potatoes, corn, sausage, cherry tomatoes, peppadew peppers, and clams. Pour the white wine and lemon juice evenly over the mixture. Distribute the cubed butter throughout the packets; as they cook, the butter will combine with the wine, clam juices, and lemon to create the broth. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Top with pea shoots. Seal the packets tightly, crimping all edges securely to trap the steam.
4. Grill the Clambake
Place the packets on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 30–40 minutes, depending on packet size and grill temperature. Rotate the packets once during cooking for even heat distribution. The clambake is ready when the clams have fully opened, the potatoes are tender, the broth is bubbling, and the sausage is heated through. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.
5. Serve
Carefully open the foil packets—hot steam will escape immediately. Serve directly from the packets or transfer to a large serving platter with plenty of the buttery broth spooned over the top. Finish with fresh lemon wedges, parsley, or additional pea shoots. Serve additional melted or drawn butter on the side, if desired.
Fire Pit Clambake
This rustic, fire-cooked clambake is designed for cooking directly over hot coals in a fire pit. Clams, sausage, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, butter, white wine, and bright lemon steam together inside foil packets until they are smoky, briny, and deeply flavorful. This recipe can be prepared as individual foil packets for each guest or as one large shared foil packet for family-style serving. Additional melted or drawn butter can be served on the side, if desired. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
Ingredients
- 60 littleneck clams, scrubbed clean
- 6 ears corn, cut in halves or thirds
- 1¼ lbs smoked sausage, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1¼ lbs unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¾ lb pee wee potatoes (or small baby potatoes), halved if needed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 small handful pea shoots
- ½ cup sliced peppadew peppers (estimated amount)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh parsley or additional pea shoots, for garnish
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions
1. Build the Fire
Prepare a wood fire in a fire pit and allow it to burn down to a steady bed of hot coals with moderate heat. You want enough residual heat to steadily steam and roast the packets without scorching them.
2. Par-Cook the Potatoes & Corn
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes until just beginning to soften. Add the corn during the final 3–4 minutes. Drain well. This ensures everything finishes cooking evenly inside the packets.
3. Assemble the Packets
Tear large sheets of heavy-duty foil. For individual packets, divide ingredients evenly among 6–8 packets. For one large packet, double-layer the foil and pile everything in the center. Layer in potatoes, corn, sausage, cherry tomatoes, peppadew peppers, and clams. Pour the wine and lemon juice evenly over everything. Cut the butter into cubes and distribute throughout the packets. The butter melts into the seafood broth as the clambake cooks. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. Top with pea shoots. Seal the foil tightly, crimping all edges well to trap the steam.
4. Cook Over the Fire
Place the foil packets directly over the hot coals or on a grill grate positioned above the fire. Cook for 35–45 minutes, rotating occasionally if needed for even heat. The clambake is ready when the clams have opened, the potatoes are tender, the sausage is heated through, and the broth is bubbling and fragrant. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.
5. Serve
Carefully open the packets—hot steam will escape immediately. Serve directly from the foil with crusty bread and additional melted or drawn butter on the side, if desired. Finish with extra lemon, parsley, or fresh pea shoots before serving.
Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
This grill-friendly version captures the distinct wood-fired character and slow-roasted texture of traditional plank salmon, but without the banana leaf or nailed presentation. Cooking the salmon directly on a soaked cedar plank allows the fish to absorb gentle oak smoke while remaining tender and moist over indirect heat. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
For the Salmon
- 1 side salmon fillet (3–4 lbs), skin-on, pin bones removed
- 1 untreated cedar plank, large enough to fit the salmon
- Chunk oak firewood or oak smoking chunks
- Neutral oil, for lightly brushing the plank if desired
Herb & Garlic Marinade
- 8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 4 shallots, roughly chopped
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 bunch dill, roughly chopped
- ½ cup capers, drained
- 1 bunch basil
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Buttermilk Herb Sauce
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ bunch basil
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Soak the Cedar Plank
Submerge the cedar plank in water for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps prevent the plank from burning too quickly on the grill. If desired, lightly brush the top of the soaked plank with neutral oil to further reduce sticking.
2. Prepare the Grill
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, approximately 350–375°F. For charcoal grills, push the coals to one side for indirect cooking. Add chunk oak firewood or oak smoking chunks directly onto the hot coals. For gas grills, use indirect heat by leaving one burner off or lowering one side of the grill. Add oak chunks in a smoker box or foil packet with ventilation holes. Close the lid and allow smoke to develop.
3. Make the Marinade
In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, shallots, olive oil, parsley, dill, capers, basil, lemon zest, and juice. Pulse until rustic but spreadable. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Spread the marinade evenly over the salmon fillet and let sit for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.
4. Grill the Salmon
Place the marinated salmon skin-side down directly onto the soaked cedar plank. Transfer the plank to the indirect heat side of the grill and close the lid. Cook for 30–40 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, the internal temperature reaches approximately 140°F, and the edges are lightly caramelized and smoky. If the plank begins to smolder aggressively, lightly mist the edges with water.
5. Make the Buttermilk Herb Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Fold in basil, dill, parsley, capers, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Serve
Carefully remove the cedar plank from the grill using heat-resistant gloves. Serve the salmon directly from the plank with the chilled buttermilk herb sauce alongside grilled lemons, charred vegetables, roasted potatoes, or toasted rustic bread.
Grilled Sweet Corn with Butter and Lemon
This recipe presents a straightforward American summer cookout staple. Fresh sweet corn is grilled until lightly charred, then finished with melted butter, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon. It's a simple, smoky, and ideal accompaniment for backyard barbecues, smoked ribs, burgers, and festive gatherings. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
Ingredients
- 8 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Grill
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates if needed.
2. Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook, turning every few minutes, until the corn is tender and lightly charred on all sides, about 12–15 minutes total. The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened.
3. Finish the Corn
Transfer the grilled corn to a platter. Brush generously with melted butter while still hot. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon over the corn and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
4. Serve
Serve immediately alongside smoked meats, barbecue ribs, grilled burgers, sausages, baked beans, potato salad, or watermelon. Additional melted butter can be served on the side for guests.
Grilled St. Louis Ribs with Bulgogi Glaze (Grill Version)
These Korean-inspired St. Louis ribs are slow-cooked on the grill until tender, then lacquered with a sweet-savory bulgogi glaze featuring soy, garlic, ginger, sesame, and gochujang. Finished over live heat for caramelization, the ribs develop a sticky, smoky crust without requiring a dedicated smoker. Two full racks typically serve 6–8 people comfortably, depending on sides and portion size. This recipe yields 6–8 servings.
For the Ribs
- 2 full racks St. Louis-style pork ribs
- Yellow mustard, for binding
Dry Rub
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Bulgogi Marinade & Glaze
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 Asian pear, grated (or 1 apple)
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
Finishing Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup reserved bulgogi glaze
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Pickled vegetables
- Fresh cilantro, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip. Lightly coat the ribs with yellow mustard. In a bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and season the ribs generously on all sides. Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature while preparing the grill.
2. Make the Bulgogi Glaze
Combine all bulgogi marinade ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Cool completely. Reserve 1 cup of the glaze for basting and finishing later.
3. Prepare the Grill
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to approximately 275°F using indirect heat. For charcoal grills, bank coals to one side. For gas grills, leave one burner off or on very low. If desired, add wood chunks or foil packets of wood chips for a light smoke flavor.
4. Slow Grill the Ribs
Place the ribs bone-side down on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for approximately 2½–3 hours, maintaining a steady temperature around 275°F. Rotate occasionally for even cooking.
5. Wrap the Ribs
Brush the ribs generously with bulgogi glaze. Wrap each rack tightly in heavy-duty foil with 2 tablespoons of butter and an additional splash of bulgogi glaze. Return the wrapped ribs to the grill over indirect heat and cook for another 1½–2 hours, until tender.
6. Finish & Caramelize
Carefully unwrap the ribs. Combine the barbecue sauce, reserved bulgogi glaze, and butter to create the finishing sauce. Brush generously over the ribs. Return the ribs to the grill uncovered for 15–30 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and become sticky and lacquered. Watch carefully during this stage to prevent burning.
7. Rest & Serve
Transfer the ribs to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Finish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with additional glaze on the side.
Roasted Beets with Stracciatella, Orange, and Prosciutto Salad
This recipe is designed for 4 portions, served family-style.
For the Roasted Beets
- 1 lb. yellow beets
- 2 tbsp evo oil
- ½ cup water
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp dried oregano flakes
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 dash ground black pepper
- ½ cup evo oil
For the Salad
- 8 oz stracciatella cheese
- 1 lb. multi-color heirloom tomatoes, ½" thick sliced
- 2 each cara cara oranges, segmented
- 1 large fennel bulb, sliced thin
- 6 oz thin sliced prosciutto ham
- 2 tbsp fig balsamic glaze (or regular balsamic glaze)
- ¼ cup fresh basil sprigs, torn
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
- 2 tsp maldon sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
Instructions for preparing the roasted beets, dressing, and assembling the salad were not provided in the original source material beyond these section headings.
Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak with Porcini Rub and Chimichurri
This recipe is designed for 4 portions.
For the Steak Dry Rub
- ¼ cup porcini mushroom powder
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp ground coriander
For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- 3 bunches fresh parsley
- 5 each peeled whole garlic cloves
- 2 cups grapeseed oil
- 3 each lemons, zested and juiced
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 each 36 oz prime (or choice) dry-aged porterhouse steak
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil (to oil the grill with)
Instructions
Instructions for preparing the steak dry rub, chimichurri sauce, and grilling and serving the steak were not provided in the original source material beyond these section headings.