Willyumfoods

Will R.

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Celebrating Flavor and Tradition

Mastering the Grill with Will

Hey I'm Will, one of the newest ambassadors for Masterbuilt! I'm a home chef that appreciates the craft of cooking - whether traditional recipes or new and modern dishes that still pays respect to the original dish. I've always had the belief that food brings people together, whether friends and family or complete strangers. Grilling has always been a part of my life. I've watched and experienced my parents, aunts/uncles using the grill to celebrate almost any occasion. Not only has this instilled in me the passion for over the fire/charcoal grilling with its distinct flavor, but also the importance in meaning of firing up that grill.

Hometown:
Greensboro, NC
Favorite Recipe:
Smashburgers
Fun Fact:
Not a fan of seafood but really like to fish and even cook seafood dishes for others.
Favorite Activity:
I'm a nerd at heart. All things from comics to Star Wars, nostalgic pop culture.

FAVORITE GRILL

Masterbuilt Product of Choice

Masterbuilt Gravity Series® 800 Digital WiFi Charcoal Grill and Smoker

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Using the griddle to make fajitas

Featured Recipe

Grilled Banh Mi Burger

If you love burgers and banh mi, this recipe is for you! Combining the flavors of a traditional Vietnamese banh mi—one of Masterbuilt ambassador Will's favorite sandwiches—with a juicy grilled burger creates an irresistible fusion of flavors. Cooked on the grill, this pairing is sure to impress!

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2 huge stuffed burger patties topped with fresh shredded vegetables sandwiched in a burger bun

Mastering the Grill: Q&A with Will R.

What inspired you to start barbecuing?
My family has always been the inspiration behind my barbecuing journey. Growing up, barbecuing was about more than just cooking; it was about bringing people together for large gatherings and celebrations. Whether grilling steaks in the backyard or having a huge cookout, the grill has always been a symbol of community and enjoyment for me.
How long have you been grilling?
I’ve been grilling for nearly twenty years now. I started as the “kid who flips the burgers and keeps an eye on the steaks” and gradually worked my way up to owning my own grill and taking charge of the entire process. It’s been an amazing journey of learning and growing as a cook.
What advice would you give someone new to grilling?
Experience, experiment, and time. Log those barbecue hours, learn new tips and tricks, and figure out the best temperatures for different dishes. Don’t be afraid of mistakes – they’re part of the learning process. Experiment with different items like vegetables, fruits, and proteins to expand your grilling horizons. And most importantly, take your time – smoking food really does improve the flavors and tenderness as it cooks slowly.
What’s your favorite grilling technique and why?
My favorite technique is offsetting the coals. I didn’t discover this until later, but it’s a game changer. You don’t always need to cook directly on top of the coals. The heat generated by the coals plus the closed lid of the grill acts like an oven, helping you cook at the perfect temperature without burning or over-searing your ingredients.
What’s your favorite recipe?
A classic cheeseburger. While steaks and wings are great, nothing beats a smoky, sometimes charred burger. This is a nostalgic dish for me – it takes me back to my younger years when I’d customize my burgers exactly the way I wanted them. It’s simple, but always satisfying.
Anything else you’d like to share?
As a Masterbuilt ambassador, I’ve been so impressed with the program and all it has to offer. The products are fantastic, and the community of fellow ambassadors has been incredibly supportive. I’ve learned so much from other creators, and I love how this program enhances the grilling experience by sharing recipes and techniques that elevate our cooking game.

Will R.’s Favorite Recipes