New School Barbecue: Recipes for Next-Level Smoking and Grilling from Austin's LeRoy and Lewis

by Evan LeRoy, Paula Forbes

15 Spring Cookbooks We’re Excited About This YearMichelin-starred pitmaster Evan LeRoy breaks down his secrets to the best barbecue in the nation, sharing nearly 100 innovative techniques and recipes that have made LeRoy and Lewis one of Austin's most popular barbecue joints.This barbecue bible is essential reading for any griller who wants to learn from the best. LeRoy shares the tenets of barbecue with illustrations, step-by-step photography, and nearly 100 delicious recipes for mains, sides, and desserts that run the gamut from bacon ribs to smoked banana pudding.Barbecue is not a set menu; it’s a cooking method—and nobody knows this better than Austin-based chef Evan LeRoy. As the co-owner, pitmaster, and mastermind chef at LeRoy and Lewis, one of the most popular and acclaimed BBQ joints in Texas—not an easy feat—LeRoy has reinvigorated the old style and staked his claim as a modern master of the barbecue game.In New School Barbecue, LeRoy encourages home cooks to think differently about the barbecue they’re already familiar with, going beyond the “classic” dishes everyone serves. The methods he outlines can be applied to any cut of any meat (including lamb, chicken, beef, goat, and pork), any type of produce (avocados, cauliflower, squash, and more), and almost any cuisine.And LeRoy’s techniques work on all kinds of outdoor offset smoker, pellet smoker, a kamado grill, or an old-fashioned Weber kettle grill, so anyone will be able to apply his recipes and recommendations to their setup.This book is perfect for fans of Franklin Barbecue who want to take their dishes one step further with new flavors, techniques, and ingredients.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Shamim Reza · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ A Fresh and Exciting Take on Modern Barbecue!

New School Barbecue is a fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves bold flavors, great barbecue, and the art of smoking and grilling. Inspired by Austin's exciting barbecue culture, this book brings a fresh perspective to traditional techniques while celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship behind truly memorable food.

What stands out most is the book's innovative approach. It offers plenty of inspiration for cooks who want to move beyond ordinary backyard barbecue and experiment with new flavors, techniques, and ideas. From smoky meats to creative sides and flavorful accompaniments, the recipes make every cooking experience feel exciting.

The book is also enjoyable because it appeals to different skill levels. Experienced barbecue enthusiasts can discover fresh inspiration, while beginners can gain confidence and learn more about the techniques that make smoking and grilling so rewarding.

Beyond the recipes, New School Barbecue captures the spirit of gathering around great food. It celebrates creativity, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal with family and friends. The combination of modern ideas and classic barbecue traditions makes this a standout addition to any cookbook collection.

Overall, this is an inspiring, flavorful, and thoroughly enjoyable guide for barbecue lovers. Highly recommended for anyone ready to take their smoking and grilling skills to the next level. Five stars!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure why I thought getting this book was a good idea. It’s full of good information about smoking and grilling techniques and inventive recipes and flavors presented in friendly and engaging text and photos. But that’s all wasted on someone who’s only cooking for two people on a small gas grill on my balcony. Recommended for those with more space and ambition than me.