New Jersey Pulled BBQ Beef Sandwich on Arteflame

Introduction

When you think of BBQ beef sandwiches, New Jersey style brings a bold, rich flavor packed with attitude. Slow-cooked, shredded beef caramelized on the blazing-hot center grill grate of the Arteflame locks in juices and delivers steakhouse-quality sear every time. The beef is then finished on the surrounding flat cooktop for perfect tenderness. All of this—bun to meat—is done right on your grill. No pots, no ovens. Just fire, wood, and flavor. Let’s fire it up!

Ingredients

• 3 lbs boneless beef chuck roast
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 Kaiser rolls
• ½ red onion, sliced thin
• 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
• Vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• Firewood

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the wood to burn for about 20 minutes until consistent heat spreads across the grill.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
2. Rub this mixture all over the beef chuck roast, coating completely.

Step 3: Reverse Sear the Beef

1. Place the seasoned beef on the flat cooktop near the outer edge where it’s cooler. Cook it low and slow for about 2.5 hours, turning occasionally and basting with a mix of BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.
2. Internal temperature should reach about 185°F for shreddable tenderness. Remove when it reaches 170°F to allow carryover cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Finish

1. Once rested, shred the beef using two forks.
2. Add butter and remaining BBQ sauce to the hot flat cooktop. Toss the shredded beef in the mixture to build layers of flavor.
3. Move a portion of the beef onto the center grill grate briefly to get some crispy seared edges.

Step 5: Grill the Rolls

1. Slice the Kaiser rolls and place them cut-side down on the cooktop near the center for a quick toast with butter until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Pile BBQ pulled beef high on the toasted rolls.
2. Top with red onion and optional coleslaw for a crunch.
3. Serve hot and juicy off the grill.

Tips

• Always remove meat from the grill about 15°F before target temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Use butter on the griddle for enhanced flavor and perfect searing.
• Use the outer zones for slow cooking and the center grate for quick searing.
• Give the beef ample resting time before shredding to retain moisture.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle Version: Add 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your BBQ sauce for smoky heat.
2. Sweet & Tangy: Mix pineapple juice into the BBQ sauce and top with grilled pineapple rings.
3. Korean-Inspired: Use gochujang, sesame oil, and soy sauce in place of BBQ sauce and top with kimchi.
4. Tex-Mex Style: Use chili powder in the rub and top the sandwich with grilled peppers and jalapeños.
5. Southern Style: Use vinegar-based Carolina BBQ sauce and serve with mustard slaw.

Conclusion

This New Jersey pulled BBQ beef sandwich is all about fire-kissed flavor and backyard convenience using the Arteflame grill. From start to finish, every bite is layered with juicy BBQ richness and a satisfying crunch—all with steakhouse-quality sear. Grill it, serve it, and let the compliments roll in.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries grilled with cinnamon butter
• Charred corn on the cob with spicy lime butter
• Grilled pickles for a tangy crunch
• Cold amber ale or smoky bourbon