10 Best-Selling Grilling Books Millions Love

Aaron Franklin, Texas native and co-founder of the award-winning Franklin Barbecue, shares the deep craft of meat smoking in this detailed manifesto. You learn how to build or customize your own smoker, select and cure the perfect wood, manage fires precisely, and source top-quality meats to achieve authentic barbecue flavor. The book goes beyond recipes, teaching the science and technique behind brisket and other meats, making it ideal if you want to master barbecue rather than just follow instructions. Backyard pitmasters and grilling enthusiasts seeking to elevate their barbecue skills will find this approach especially rewarding.

Steven Raichlen's decades of experience in barbecue journalism and culinary exploration led to this richly detailed guide that goes beyond basic grilling tips. You learn how to master over 100 techniques with vivid step-by-step photos, from lighting a three-tiered fire to preparing everything from prime ribs to grilled fruits. The book suits anyone eager to elevate their grilling game, whether you want to perfect smoking ribs or experiment with grilled pizza and tofu. With its comprehensive recipes and nuanced tips, it’s a solid pick if you’re serious about understanding grilling as a craft, though casual cooks might find the detail overwhelming.

This tailored book delves into the art of smoking meats, offering a deep exploration of techniques that enhance flavor and texture. It covers essential aspects such as selecting wood types, controlling temperature, and timing to develop rich, smoky profiles. By focusing on your interests and background, this personalized guide matches your skill level and desired barbecue outcomes, making the complex craft of smoking approachable and rewarding. Readers are guided through the nuances of smoke generation, meat preparation, and cooking methods that elevate traditional grilling into an expert pursuit. The book examines the subtle interplay between fire, smoke, and meat, revealing how to create mouthwatering dishes that reflect your unique palate and goals.

Myron Mixon's decades of competitive barbecue experience culminate in this book, where he strips away complexity to reveal straightforward, effective grilling techniques. You’ll explore everything from selecting the right wood and smoker to mastering marinades, rubs, and injections, with clear guidance on smoking hog, ribs, brisket, and his signature Cupcake Chicken. Mixon’s approach demystifies barbecue, making it accessible whether you’re firing up your backyard pit or aiming to impress at your next cookout. While it’s perfect for enthusiasts eager to improve, those seeking advanced culinary theory might find the focus firmly on practical, hands-on barbecue skills.

What if everything you knew about grilling was wrong? Francis Mallmann, trained in France and born in Patagonia, reshapes the art of cooking over fire with a primal but refined approach. You’ll explore seven distinct grilling techniques adapted for home cooks, learning to master dishes like Whole Boneless Ribeye with Chimichurri or Salt-Crusted Striped Bass. This book suits anyone eager to elevate their grilling beyond basics, offering vivid recipes and evocative stories from South America’s culinary landscapes. It doesn’t promise quick fixes but invites you to embrace fire’s elemental power with skill and patience.

The breakthrough moment came when Jamie Purviance, a seasoned grilling expert, distilled decades of outdoor cooking experience into this detailed guide. You learn how to master grilling techniques with confidence, supported by hundreds of step-by-step photos that clarify every move, from seasoning to timing. Chapters cover grilling everything imaginable, offering triple-tested recipes alongside variations on methods and sauces, helping you expand your skills practically. If you enjoy hands-on learning with visual guidance and want to elevate your grilling beyond basics, this book is tailored for you. It’s less about quick tips and more about building a nuanced understanding that benefits both beginners and enthusiasts aiming to perfect their craft.

This tailored grilling book offers an engaging, step-by-step plan to elevate your grilling skills over 30 focused days. It explores essential grilling techniques, flavor development, and fire management with a personalized approach that matches your experience and goals. By concentrating on your specific interests, it reveals how to refine your methods quickly and enjoyably, combining popular grilling wisdom with insights tailored just for you. The book covers everything from mastering heat control to crafting memorable marinades, ensuring you gain practical knowledge aligned with your tastes and skill level. This personalized guide transforms the grilling journey into an efficient, rewarding learning experience.

Jamie Purviance's decades of culinary and grilling expertise culminate in this visually rich guide that transforms complex grilling techniques into approachable steps. You’ll learn precise methods for cooking everything from steaks to salmon, with over 100 tested recipes complemented by more than 800 detailed photos illustrating every stage. Chapters delve into flavor-building with "Flavor Bomb" spreads, offering creative twists to classic dishes, while food science insights help you understand how to achieve perfect results. This book suits both those new to grilling and seasoned cooks eager to refine their craft and expand their recipe repertoire with reliable, photo-driven guidance.

Mark Bittman's decades of food writing and cookbook authorship led to this expansive grilling guide that demystifies flame cooking with clarity and confidence. You’ll find 1,000 recipes ranging from quick seared shrimp to slow-smoked brisket, along with inventive ideas like grilled pound cake and rosemary olive oil bread, showing you how to push your grill’s boundaries. The book breaks down techniques and timing, making it approachable whether you’re firing up your first charcoal grill or refining weekend cookout skills. If you enjoy experimenting outdoors and want a dependable reference that covers everything from appetizers to desserts on the grill, this book fits the bill without overwhelming you.

Drawing from decades of expertise in global grilling traditions, Steven Raichlen reshaped how you approach barbecue with this edition. You’ll find more than 500 recipes that go beyond basic grilling, exploring flavors and techniques from around the world, all illustrated with vivid full-color photos. The added section tackling frequently asked questions and common pitfalls helps you refine your skills and troubleshoot on the fly. Whether you’re aiming to master the perfect brisket or experiment with international marinades, this book offers a rich menu of practical insights. It suits anyone eager to deepen their barbecue knowledge, from weekend grillers to culinary enthusiasts looking for fresh inspiration.

Bryan Kelly approaches gas grilling not just as a cooking method but as a versatile culinary craft adaptable for everyone from novices to seasoned grillers. This book guides you through selecting the right gas grill and mastering its unique features, such as grill grids and fuel types, before diving into recipes that span hearty meats, vibrant vegetables, and even grilled desserts. You'll find clear prep times and difficulty levels upfront, making it easier to plan your grilling sessions. Whether you want to perfect a classic burger or experiment with vegetarian options, this cookbook offers practical knowledge and a wide range of flavors to enhance your outdoor cooking experience.

What started as a simple love of outdoor cooking became a thorough guide to mastering grilling with this book. Authored by the food writer behind All Ways Delicious, Robin Donovan, it offers more than just recipes: you’ll find detailed tips on using grilling equipment effectively and creating memorable meals with smoky flavors. The book covers everything from classic BBQ dishes like pulled pork and ribs to intriguing sides and desserts, providing practical insights that suit both newcomers and experienced grillers. If you want to expand your grilling repertoire beyond basics and impress guests with variety and technique, this book delivers a well-rounded experience without overwhelming you.