Hands-On BBQ Classes, Straight From Real Texas Fire

Learn to run a pit the way competition pitmasters do-fire management, smoke control, rubs, sauces, and the patience that separates good barbecue from great. Small classes, real cuts, no shortcuts.

The Pitmaster

Steve Botkin
Every class at Desperado BBQ is led personally by Steve Botkin, a KCBS award-winning pitmaster who has gone up against-and beaten-some of the biggest names in competition barbecue circuits.
Steve made history as the first American pitmaster invited to teach BBQ in Perth, Australia, where students traveled in from around the world to learn authentic Texas technique firsthand. Now based just outside Dallas, he brings that same championship-level know-how home to Lavon, Texas.
No scripts, no shortcuts-just the fire management, timing, and feel that come from years of competing and teaching at the highest level.
Learn to run a pit the way competition pitmasters do-fire management, smoke control, rubs, sauces, and the patience that separates good barbecue from great. Small classes, real cuts, no shortcuts from a KCBS-winning approach Credentials
Owner & Head Instructor, Desperado BBQ
KCBS Award-Winning Pitmaster
Competed against and defeated nationally recognized pitmasters
First American Instructure Pitmaster in Perth
Pioneered BBQ instruction in Perth, Australia, drawing students worldwide
The Classes
What You'll Learn On the Pit


Full-Day
You'll Learn:
*BBQ 101 fundamentals
*Competition-style cooking techniques
*Food safety and proper meat handling
*Selecting premium meats
*Trimming brisket, ribs, pork, tri-tip and chicken
*Wood selection and smoke flavor pairing
*Fire management and temperature control
*Award-winning rubs, injections, spritzes, and sauces
*Building perfect bark
*Wrapping and foiling techniques
*Knowing exactly when your meat is perfectly done
*Resting, slicing, and presentation techniques
On the Menu
*Whole Chicken
*St. Louis Style Spare Ribs
*Rib Tips
*Tri-Tip
*Pulled Pork (Pork-Butt)
*Texas Beef Brisket
*Sausage Sides
Half-Day
You'll Learn:
*BBQ 101 fundamentals
*Competition-style cooking techniques
*Food safety and proper meat handling
*Selecting premium meats
*Trimming brisket and ribs
*Wood selection and smoke flavor pairing
*Fire management and temperature control
*Award-winning rubs, injections, spritzes, and sauces
*Building perfect bark
*Wrapping and foiling techniques
*Knowing exactly when your meat is perfectly done
*Resting, slicing, and presentation techniques
On the Menu
*Texas Beef Brisket
*St. Louis Style Spare Ribs
*Rib Tips
The Location
Based in Lavon, Minutes From Dallas
Desperado BBQ
Near State Highway 78 & Chase Creek Drive
Lavon, Texas-Collin County
Serving Dallas & the greater DFW Metroplex

Easy drive from Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, Richardson, Plano, McKinney & Rockwall
On-site smokers, pits, and covered outdoor classroom
Small class sizes for real hands-on time at the pit