Dedicated Pitmaster

Tim Hoff

Texas Roots

Crafting the Perfect BBQ

Growing up in Texas, BBQ was always a part of our culture. I always enjoyed BBQ, but really fell in love with the craft about 12 years ago. Since then, I have been on a journey to make the best BBQ that I can for my family and friends. Over the past 12 years, I have come to learn a lot about the art of BBQ and have been refining my skills, but I am and will always be learning and working on being a better pitmaster.

Hometown:
Burnet, TX
Favorite Recipe:
Reverse-Seared Picanha
Fun Fact:
I currently own 10 different Masterbuilt grills and smokers.
Favorite Activity:
Spending time with my children

FAVORITE GRILL

Masterbuilt Product of Choice

Masterbuilt Gravity Series® 800 Digital WiFi Charcoal Grill and Smoker

An example of how the grill would look in an exterior space

Featured Recipe

Barbacoa Benedict

This take on Eggs Benedict takes that fusion of cuisines and adds a Mexican inspired flare to it. The barbacoa replaces Canadian bacon and a creamy jalapeño avocado sauce replaces Hollandaise sauce. This is an excellent twist on a classic dish.

2 eggs cooked barbacoa benedict style

Mastering the Grill: Q&A with Tim Hoff

What inspired you to start barbecuing, and how long have you been doing it?
I started BBQing 12 years ago when I was in the Army. Growing up in Texas, BBQ was always a part of our culture, but being stationed in Central Texas near so many iconic BBQ joints really sparked my interest to learn the craft. Whether it's watching YouTube videos, reading cookbooks, or chatting with pitmasters, I constantly strive to absorb as much information as I can about BBQ.
What advice would you give to someone new to grilling or smoking?
For anyone new to grilling or smoking, my advice would be to soak up knowledge from as many sources as possible. There’s a wealth of information available that can help you cook great food right away. BBQ is both a science and an art, so learning the science from others will lay the foundation, and time and experience will help you perfect the art.
What is your favorite grilling technique, and why?
My favorite grilling technique is the reverse sear. Smoking a steak low and slow to bring it up to your desired doneness, then finishing with a quick sear, creates the perfect crust and an incredible flavor. It’s easy to master and ensures the meat is cooked perfectly edge to edge, which is hard to beat.
Can you share your favorite BBQ recipe?
Reverse-Seared Picanha is my favorite recipe. I season a whole picanha with my go-to steak seasoning, then smoke it at 225°F until the internal temperature reaches 120°F for medium rare. After that, I crank the grill to 650°F+ and sear it for 2 minutes per side. After resting for 5 minutes, it’s ready to slice and serve. The flavor and texture are unbeatable!
What resources have you found most helpful in your BBQ journey?
I’ve found YouTube videos, cookbooks, and talking to experienced pitmasters to be invaluable in my BBQ journey. These resources have helped me learn techniques, discover new methods, and refine my approach. It’s amazing how much you can learn by simply listening to others and experimenting with new ideas.
How do you approach learning new BBQ techniques or recipes?
I try to stay open to learning by experimenting with different techniques and always keeping an eye on what’s trending in the BBQ community. I’ll try new methods on my own, but I also reach out to others for advice, whether it’s from online communities or local pitmasters. By staying curious and practicing consistently, I continue to improve and refine my craft.

Tim Hoff’s Favorite Recipes