New Year, New BBQ Goals: My 2026 Cooking Resolutions

January is the time I usually step back and look at what I did last year and what I want to do next and set some BBQ goals. 2025 was a solid year. Lots of cooks, a few collabs, plenty of experiments. Some hits. Some misses. That’s BBQ… that’s life.

This year I want to focus on the basics, try a few new techniques, and share more of what goes on behind the scenes. I want to show the process, not just the finished product. That means more guides, more long-form posts, and tips that actually help.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I post a lot of reels. Quick shots of food. Quick tips. That’s fun, but it only tells half the story. This year I want to give you the full picture. How I cook, why I do it that way, and how you can make it work in your backyard. Consider this post the first step of the year… a look at what’s coming, and maybe some inspiration for your own BBQ goals.

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Looking Back at 2025

Before we go forward, it’s worth remembering what worked last year.

I spent a lot of time smoking beef short ribs in the Trimal. Chicken wings on the Weber were a Wednesday staple, and reverse seared steaks got a lot of attention. Tried some new rubs and sauces with Otway Pork. Learned a ton.

Not everything worked. Some experiments didn’t hit the mark. That’s fine. Every cook taught me something. Temperature control. Timing. Flavour balance. It all matters. Remembering these lessons helps set practical goals for the next year.

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My 2026 BBQ Goals

Here’s what I’m focusing on this year:

1. Nail the basics
Perfect steak, ribs, or chicken is still king. I want to keep improving on temp control, resting, and seasoning. Those little details make all the difference.

2. More in-depth guides
I’ll expand on techniques I usually only show in reels. Reverse sear, low & slow ribs, smoking fish, using different smokers. I want anyone to pick up a guide and actually get it right.

3. Evergreen and seasonal content
Some cooks are perfect for the moment. Christmas ham. Summer lamb. But I also want posts you can reference any time. Core techniques, rubs, and gear advice.

4. Gear clarity
I use a lot of setups: the Trimal S1, Weber Kettles, Weber GA, Kamado, and parrilla. I want to help people understand what works where. How to get consistent results with whatever you’ve got.

5. Community engagement
This year I want to talk more with you. Polls, Q&A, behind-the-scenes stories. Not just one-way content… a conversation.

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Tips for Your Own BBQ Goals

If you’re planning your own BBQ resolutions, here’s how I’d approach it:

• Pick one or two techniques to focus on first. Don’t try everything at once. Start small.
• Take notes. Temperature, rubs, wood, timing. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Set realistic goals. Even one new cook a month counts.
• Talk to other BBQ people. Ask questions. Swap tips.

Consistency beats perfection. Even if you only post one cook a month, improving each time makes a bigger difference than trying to do everything at once… trust me.

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Wrapping Up

Starting the year with clear goals keeps you motivated. Makes cooking more fun. Makes learning more satisfying.

I hope 2026 is a year where you try new things, take a few risks, and nail some classics. I’ll be checking in with monthly updates… reflections, tips, and ideas.

So grab your smoker, fire up your kettle, and let’s make this year full of proper backyard BBQ moments… the kind that make people come back for seconds.