Coals flame below a half-moon soapstone installed in a Divide & Conquer rack
dadgotthis

James Bennet

Instagram YouTube

The Jedi Master of Grilling

My Kamado Joe Journey

Dad Got This is the epic saga of James, affectionately known as "Dad" - the Jedi Master of grilling and smoking foods. He wields spatulas and tongs instead of lightsabers, bringing balance to the Force, one dish at a time. James has always loved grilling, but he took it more seriously when he started his YouTube channel over five years ago. He loves to explore flavors from around the world and apply them to BBQ.

Favorite Activity:
Visiting theme parks!
Fun Fact:
Me and my car were in the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie.
Favorite Recipe:
My favorite recipe is Cebu Style Filipino Roast Pork Belly. When I visited the Philippines with my wife, who is Filipino, I got to try Cebu Style Lechon, a whole roast pig. It was the best thing I have ever tasted—tender, flavorful meat with a crispy skin like nothing else in this world. While cooking a whole pig isn't feasible for me, I can recreate the best parts with a pork belly and authentic spices. This recipe brings back the incredible flavors and memories of that experience every time I make it.
Hometown:
Orlando, FL

FAVORITE GRILL

Kamado Joe Product of Choice

Big Joe Series III

My favorite is the Big Joe Series III due its size and versatility. You can do JUST ABOUT ANYTHING on the Big Joe. There are so many awesome accessories for it also.

Learn More

Kamado Joe Q&A with James Bennet

What inspired you to start barbecuing? How long have you been doing it? Tell us how you got started!
My inspiration to dive deeper into BBQ started from a young age, helping my dad at the grill. However, the real spark came when I began cooking for extended family gatherings. Their constant curiosity and requests for my recipes made me realize I had a knack for cooking and a talent for blending flavors. Seeing their enjoyment and enthusiasm, I knew I could apply my unique twist on BBQ, combining traditional techniques with global tastes to create something truly special.
What advice would you give to someone new to grilling? Do you have any advice for a new content creator in the BBQ space?
My advice for someone new to grilling and for a creator new in the BBQ space is simple: it's all about putting in the reps. Whether you're learning BBQ techniques or starting a new channel, don't be afraid to fail, look silly, or have an imperfect setup. Just keep at it, and you will improve over time. My first videos were TERRIBLE and make me cringe to this day, but I wouldn't be where I am if I had given up. Embrace the learning process, stay persistent, and remember that every mistake is a step toward getting better.
What is your favorite grilling technique that you've learned and why?
My favorite grilling technique is the reverse sear method for cooking steaks. I love how it makes cooking a perfect steak almost like clockwork. By slowly bringing the steak to temperature and then finishing it with a high-heat sear, the reverse sear ensures even cooking and a beautifully caramelized crust. This method consistently delivers juicy, tender steaks with precise control over the doneness, making it a game-changer for any steak lover.