Island-Inspired Cuisine: How to Make Authentic St. Croix BBQ

Introduction

Barbecue is an integral part of many cultures around the world, but when it comes to Island-inspired cuisine, there’s no place like St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. The island’s unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean influences has resulted in a distinct culinary style that is as delicious as it is authentic. In this post, we’ll explore how to make an authentic St. Croix BBQ dish.

Ingredients

To start with, you’ll need some essential ingredients for your St. Croix BBQ:

  • 1 pound of pork or beef (or a combination of both)
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Marinade

The marinade is the foundation of any good BBQ dish. In this case, we’ll use a mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to give our meat that distinct St. Croix flavor.

Here’s how you can make the marinade:

  • In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix all the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste.

Meat Preparation

Now that we have our marinade ready, it’s time to prepare our meat. For this recipe, we’ll be using pork and beef, but you can use either one or a combination of both.

Here’s how you can prepare your meat:

  • Cut the pork and beef into small pieces (about 1 inch in size).
  • Place the meat pieces in a large ziplock bag.
  • Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure that each piece is fully coated.
  • Seal the bag and massage it gently to make sure all the meat is covered with the marinade.

Cooking

Now that our meat is marinated, it’s time to cook it. For this recipe, we’ll be using a slow cooker, but you can also use an oven or grill if you prefer.

Here’s how you can cook your St. Croix BBQ:

  • Place the marinated meat in the slow cooker and add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (if using).
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
  • If using an oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 2-3 hours. If using a grill, cook over medium heat for 1-2 hours.

Serving

Once your St. Croix BBQ is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are some suggestions:

  • Serve the BBQ with a side of rice or beans.
  • Add some chopped fresh cilantro on top of the meat for garnish.
  • Offer some warm tortillas or bread for wrapping up the meat.

Conclusion

St. Croix BBQ is a delicious and authentic Island-inspired dish that can be easily made at home. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both flavorful and unique. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the magic of St. Croix!