COOKBOOK REVIEW: GUGA – BREAKING THE BARBECUE RULES by Gustavo Tosta

COOKBOOK REVIEW: GUGA – BREAKING THE BARBECUE RULES by Gustavo Tosta
Penguin Random House Australia
April 2023
Hardcover, $49.99
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
89%

Ol’ mate Guga – Brazilian American YouTube personality and cook Gustavo Tosta – likes nothing better than breaking the rules, ESPECIALLY the barbecue rules, and he encourages the reader to do the same – “Once you feel comfortable with a recipe, don’t be afraid to add an ingredient or two and make the recipes your own.”

He’s not fooling around here – he knows some of those reading may be neophytes, new to the cult of barbecue, and he spends a detailed chapter explaining different kinds of barbecues and grills, equipment both basic and specialized, and grilling techniques including the Reverse Sear. There’s also short articles on tenderizing, seasoning, cooking temperatures, and what to look for in different cuts of meat.

But what we’re really here for is the recipes, amirite?!

Smoked brisket is first, Brazilian picanha, Korean short ribs, various Wagyu cuts, Smoky osso bucco, beef wellington, and if you’re not hungry already there’s something wrong with you – especially when drooling over the simplistic beauty of the full page colour photos of many of these dishes.

There’s plenty more: from Jerk chicken to fried turkey breast; roast pork to smoked honey ham; birria tacos to Greek gyros and Cubanos; as well as a selection of sides, salads, sauces, rubs and even a deep fried banana dessert.

There was room for a few more sweet treats, to be honest, but every other category is extremely well covered by Guga in this very easy to follow cookbook. Summer barbecues have come a long way from a steak with a splash of beer on it and a few burnt snags – Breaking The Barbecue Rules is a strong contender for your next essential resource book.

 

Category: Book Reviews