Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue

Argentina summons visions of rustic gaucho asados and sophisticated grill restaurants, where menus bring out the inner carnivore in all of us. Learn from a genuine Argentinean grill master. From a whole wood-grilled rib roast. To a surprising “pizza” made with a flank steak “crust.” With two classic Argentinean sauces. Plus something unexpected: an Argentinean meatless mixed grill.

From caravans on the ancient spice routes to the transcontinental flights of modern airlines, the meeting of East and West has profoundly influenced how we cook and eat. This show takes fusion cuisine to the grill. On the menu? “Good Luck Cluck” (barbecued chicken with Thai yellow curry). Lone Star Kalbi. And a grilled Pork and Cactus Salad bursting with Thai flavors.

When Columbus landed in what is now the Bahamas in 1492, he initiated an East-West culinary exchange that continues to this day. This show explores three European grill classics—each with a New World twist. From Wood-Grilled Gazpacho with Serrano Ham Crisps to a unique Pearl District Spiessbraten served with Jicama Salad. And for dessert? Spectacular Smoked, Torched Creme Brulée.

San Antonio is the home base for this season of Planet Barbecue. One of only two cities in the U.S. designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the Alamo City boasts a cuisine as colorful as its historic city center. Get ready for Carne Asado Breakfast Tacos, Jason Dady’s Oak-Smoked Cherry-Glazed Ribs, and Beef Cheek Barbacoa prepared by local smoke master Esaul Ramos

Elsewhere in Latin America, grill masters make a virtue of simplicity (think salt only–grilled steaks of Argentina and Uruguay). But Mexicans build layer upon layer of flavor—marinating meats in recados (spice pastes) and adobos (chile and vinegar marinades), wrapping and grilling them in aromatic leaves, and searing them over hardwood fires. Introducing three spectacular Mexican grill specialties.

Texas BBQ to many means brisket, but in this show, you’ll experience the Texas Trinity: Grilled Quail with Pear Salsa and Blue Cheese Farrotto prepared by San Antonio master chef Jason Dady. Smoked and Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks accompanied by Smashed Potatoes. And a sizzling sandwich, a Hot Gut Hero (beef sausage with pepper Jack cheese). It’s the Texas Trinity hot off the grill.

The Caribbean occupies a special place in the annals of barbecue. Taino Indian barbacoa—seafood and meats smoke-roasted on a wooden platform that gave us the word “barbecue.” The Caribbean remains a hotbed of barbecue delights; Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Trinidadian grilled vegetable dip called Choka and Shrimp Boka Dushi—a spicy Dutch West Indian kebab whose name literally means “happy mouth.”

Brazilians are world masters at the art of the rotisserie. In this show, learn to cook beef, chicken and pork with the proverbial turn. We start with Brazil’s celebrated Picanha (fat cap sirloin)—served with farofa and Country-Style Salsa. Next, Brazilian Pork Loin grilled with Bacon and Prunes and finally Rio Chicken Rollatini. So put on some samba music and get ready to rock the grill.

In this episode we’ll travel the BBQ trail from Venezuela to Peru starting with a Venezuelan specialty—Asopao (seafood rice), reimagined here on the grill by Caracas-born chef Geronimo Lopez. And then a twist on two Peruvian delicacies—Tuna Anticuchos (kebabs) and Smoke-Roasted Peruvian Potato Salad.

The Gulf Coast extends from the Florida Keys to the Yucatán Peninsula. You’ll find some of the most vibrant seafood and distinctive grilling in the Americas. From Grilled Oysters with Charred Corn Salsa to a Gulf Coast grill-top Shrimp Boil. And a spectacular Grilled Snapper “Zarandeado” prepared by Mexican grill master Alejandro Gutierrez. In this show, we’re fishing for compliments from the Gulf Coast grill.

The U.S. is often described as a global melting pot. We focus on three grilled dishes with international roots. Shrimp cocktail gets the East-West treatment with Thai spices and smoked jalapeños. Chipotle Ribs with chocolate and Drunken Salsa spiked with tequila and roasted chiles. Dessert sounds an equally unexpected note: a luscious Planet Barbecue “Banana” Split made with grilled plantains.

Tandoori cauliflower with coriander mint chutney; West Indian squash gratin; pit-roasted lamb.

Texas brisket; Jewish pastrami; fusion ramen; Korean barbecue.