May is National Barbecue Month, and Edmond is fired up to celebrate with smoky racks, sweet slaws, and juicy bites. All through May, you can cheer on sizzling coals and gather around backyard pits or head out to local spots for a taste of real pit work. Whether you’re flipping burgers or stacking brisket, this is the time to turn up the heat and make every bite count.
Heat Up Your Grill Game
Barbecue isn’t just about meat on a grate. It’s a dance of smoke time, temperature checks, and flavor boosts. Here are simple moves to keep your cookout crowd pleased:
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Preheat and Clean
Give your grill at least ten minutes on high to burn off old drips. Then scrub the grates before every session. -
Oil the Grates
A little oil on a paper towel wiped over hot grates keeps food from sticking and leaves perfect sear marks. -
Know Your Zones
Set up a hot side for searing and a cooler side for slow cooking. This indirect heat zone is perfect for bigger cuts like ribs or pork shoulder. -
Use a Thermometer
Skip guesswork and go straight to perfect doneness with an instant-read thermometer. -
Let it Rest
Pull meat off the heat a few degrees before it hits target temp. Wrap in foil and let juices settle for at least five minutes. -
Flavor Boosters
Marinades, dry rubs, mop sauces, wood chips; pick your favorite and layer flavors at each step.
Heat-Seeking BBQ Stops in Edmond
If you’d rather watch pros handle the flames, Edmond has spots that fire up award-winning smoke daily. Plan a tour of these places and grab a rack or pulled pork plate:
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Earl’s Rib Palace at 220 Edmond Towne Road, Edmond, OK 73034
Known for dry-rub ribs and a tangy sauce on the side. -
Billy Sims BBQ at 1545 West Edmond Road, Edmond, OK 73003
Football star turned pitmaster serves chopped brisket and potato salad in a casual dining room. -
Big O’s Pork & Dreams at 285 South Santa Fe Avenue, Edmond, OK 73003
Pulled pork sandwiches and crunchy slaw fuel this former food truck turned brick-and-mortar. -
Deckle Smokehouse BBQ at 100 East Ayers Street, Edmond, OK 73034
Brisket slices as thick or thin as you like and classic sides served cafeteria style. -
The Meat House at 2249 West Danforth Road, Edmond, OK 73003
A boutique butcher shop with pre-smoked meats to take home or heat on your grill.
Fair Meat Means Better Heat
Want full control of your dinner quality? Shop local at Country Home Meats and bring home custom cuts to turn your grill into a showstopper. Located at 2775 East Waterloo Road, Edmond, OK 73034, this spot offers:
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Fresh Pork Ribs and Baby Backs are sold by the pound.
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House-made Sausages in flavors from hot to mild.
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Custom Slaughter and Processing services so you get whole or half hogs ready for your smoker.
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Beef Cuts aged between ten and fourteen days for extra tenderness.
Calling ahead by phone makes sure your order is ready when you arrive.
Grill-Side Pairings and Extras
No barbecue plate is complete without drinks and a few sides:
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Iced Tea or Lemonade keeps the heat at bay.
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Creamy Coleslaw adds a cool crunch.
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Grilled Veggies like corn and peppers are tossed right on the grate.
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Pickles and Onions cut through the richness.
You can pick up ready-made salads or beans at local spots or make your own.
Keep the Smoke Rolling
May is your month to fire up the coals, phone a friend, and make Edmond a smoke-filled celebration. With these tips, local hot spots, and a fresh-meat source just around the corner, you’re set for every kind of barbecue craving. Grab tongs and thermometers and keep the coals glowing all through National Barbecue Month.
Sources: cozymeal.com, google.com, yardbarker.com
Header Image Source: Caleb Woods on Unsplash
