Savor the Big Easy: Erica Blaire Roby’s BBQ Po’ Boy Recipe for Super Bowl Sunday

Savor the Big Easy: Erica Blaire Roby’s BBQ Po’ Boy Recipe for Super Bowl Sunday

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, renowned pitmaster Erica Blaire Roby is preparing a feast that promises to tantalize the taste buds of her guests.

“My barbecue will certainly take center stage this Sunday,” declared the Houston-based champion as she spoke to Fox News Digital. Roby’s journey to culinary fame is not typical; she transitioned from law to barbecue enthusiast in 2014.

Roby clinched the title of “Master of ‘Cue” on the Food Network’s competitive series, BBQ Brawl, after impressing judges with her unique flavors and techniques. Despite her success, Roby’s culinary roots were not nurtured in a traditional kitchen.

A Surprising Culinary Journey

Initially, Roby carved out a successful career as a lawyer. However, after the birth of her child in 2018, she found herself drawn back to her family’s culinary traditions and the rich flavors of her father’s native New Orleans.

“It was during many lengthy phone calls with my dad that I discovered how he always dreamed of opening a barbecue restaurant,” she reminisced. This conversation sparked an unexpected path in Roby’s life, one that she hadn’t considered before. Recognizing their lack of culinary experience, the duo decided to take the plunge and venture into the world of barbecue.

Embracing the Competition

To prepare for their new venture, Roby immediately sought out barbecue classes online. Soon, she was not just cooking—she was competing, sharing her delicious creations on social media. Her talent did not go unnoticed; the Food Network soon invited her to audition for the much-coveted BBQ Brawl.

Although overwhelmed by the presence of seasoned barbecue veterans, Roby faced her fears head-on. “I called my dad to share the news, half-joking about my upcoming embarrassment on national television,” she chuckled.

With her father’s encouragement, Roby began to lean into her heritage, incorporating Creole influences into her barbecue dishes—a winning strategy that helped her earn the title of Food Network’s ‘Master of ‘Cue.

Cultural Influence on Culinary Creations

Though New Orleans may not be widely recognized for its barbecue, Roby asserts that the city boasts a rich culinary history. By melding authentic Cajun spices with traditional barbecue methods, she celebrates both her roots and the barbecue craft.

“This fusion adds delightful elements without altering the essence of the cuisine,” she explained, highlighting the unexpected beauty of her approach.

Super Bowl Feast: BBQ Po’ Boys

To celebrate the upcoming Super Bowl LIX, taking place in her beloved New Orleans, Roby is sharing her Cajun barbecue recipe, perfect for game day.

Gravy and Beef Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover beef (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 1 onion, chopped or sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped or sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon BBQ Rub
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Sandwich Ingredients:

• 4 French bread rolls or hoagie rolls, split
• Lettuce, shredded
• Tomato, sliced
• Pickles, sliced
• Mayonnaise

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft and caramelized—approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Make the Gravy: Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ rub. Allow the mixture to simmer. For a thicker gravy, include flour or a cornstarch slurry, stirring until thickened.
3. Warm the Beef: Mix in the shredded beef, letting it warm through for about five minutes and season to taste.
4. Assemble the Po’ Boys: Spread mayonnaise on each bread roll. Layer with lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Finally, top with the savory beef and gravy mixture.

Roby’s unique recipe seamlessly combines the flavors of New Orleans with the heartiness of barbecue, promising to enhance any Super Bowl gathering. Join Erica Blaire Roby in celebrating the culinary diversity that barbecue can bring to this year’s game.

This recipe is owned by Erica Blaire Roby and was shared with Fox News Digital.