How to Cook Like a Cowboy: What You Need to Get Started

The Cowboy Kitchen Essentials

Choosing the Right Cookware

Cowboys need equipment that is sturdy and rugged. Many use cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and other stainless-steel pots and pans. Non-stick surfaces do not cook as evenly, especially over an open flame. Cast iron can be used for almost anything, including frying, baking, and grilling. Dutch ovens are an excellent choice for stews, roasts, and other items that need boiling. Overall, you want to choose durable cookware that can withstand hot temperatures without damage.

Pantry Staples for Western Dishes

Top cowboy chefs always have these in their pantry:

·      Flour

·      Cornmeal

·      Beans

·      Chili Powder

·      Cumin

·      Paprika

·      Chicken and Beef Stocks

·      Canola Oil

The Basics of Western Cooking

Western cooking developed around the cowboy lifestyle. The food needed to be delicious, hearty, and made from items that are easily carried. Most cooks use basic techniques but are masters at seasoning. 

Grilling Techniques

Grilling is a great way to prepare proteins and vegetables. The grilling technique will infuse a smoky flavor into your food and apply a char to the outside of the food. Most often, meat should be seasoned with a wet or dry rub.

Wet rubs include a mixture of oil, vinegar, spices, and other herbs to make a liquid to soak the meat in. Dry rubs are just herbs and spices that you rub around the outside of the meat.

Slow Cooking Methods

Slow cooking is common in cowboy cooking, using either a Dutch oven or a smoker. In a Dutch oven, you combine meats, vegetables, and broth and allow it to cook slowly on a stovetop, in an oven, or over a flame. You will want to keep the temperature as consistent as possible. For smokers, you will wrap your ingredients up and place them in the smoke to cook for several hours. The type of wood used can completely change the flavor profile of your food.

Easy-to-Follow Western Recipes

When starting your cowboy cooking journey, consider using a cookbook. The cookbook can guide you through some of the tougher initial steps. For example, The Official John Wayne Cookbook gives you tons of recipes that only use 5 ingredients. Even though the recipes are simple, you can use superior methods and seasoning to make it taste great.

Seasonings and Sauces

The most important tools in a cowboy cook’s arsenal are his seasonings and sauces. Both can add delicious flavor to any recipe. The best cooks know exactly when and where to add them. 

Some of the most common spices used by a cowboy cook are:

·      Cumin

·      Paprika

·      Brown Sugar

·      Chili Powder

·      Garlic Powder

·      Salt

·      Pepper

While barbecue sauce is popular among cowboys, skilled cooks can whip up a variety of sauces. Signature sauces can add flavors to your foods that range from tangy to spicy. No matter how you begin, using these basic ingredients and supplies will help you as you try your hand at cowboy cooking.