1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Well tomorrow night I'm going to make my 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs. Ribs are one of my favorite foods to eat, however cooking them is tricky, especially when you have a gas grill. Here is my method, please jump in and give me any advice if you think it would work better.

I have the rack marinating right now and will do so until tomorrow evening. I have a smoke box that will have a half and half mix of pre-soaked chips and dry chips (mesquite). I'm going to put the chips on and fire the grill up to about 600 degrees, then kill the left and center burners and bring it down to about 300. I'm going to put the ribs on the far left burner, and move them after an hour, flipping them and putting them on the center. Then in a half hour, flip again and move back to the left side. I'm guessing this method will take about two hours. I'll be basting them with my marinade each time I move them while also adding chips to the smoke box. With about 10 minutes left, I'll add the sauce.

If anyone has any pointers, please chime in. I'm a novice at the whole smoking on a gas grill thing. In a few months I'm going to buy a real smoker, but until then I'm going to have to play with a smoke box.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

I use a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker, no experience with a smoke box -- good luck though Ian. I hope they come out :dr.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Hmmm this is like asking some one what's the best cigar. How I do mine...

1. Dry rub, wrap in cello for 24 hours.
2. 235 - 245* for 2 - 6 hoursdepending on my patience. Off to the side with no direct heat. Smoke box with mesquite (stronger smoke) next to the hot burner.
3. If your looking - your not cooking. Every time you open the grill, you lose 10 min of cooking time. Go smoke a cigar.
4. First flip at the 1.5 - 2 hour mark. Keep cooking...
5. If you like them wet, last 5 min put your sauce on. Flip and reapply 5 min later. I prefer mine dry.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Not a bad plan at all and it sounds about right. The only thing I would suggest is to drop the mesquite. It is great on beef... but much too strong for ribs IMO.

If you want fall off the bone ribs, cook like you said but don't add the sauce. Add an additional 1/2 hour double wrapped in foil with some apple juice. Then open them up, put your sauce on and cook for 15 more minutes.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

I have just started grilling this year. I will try this method next weekend. Thanks! :tu

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Only pointer I can offer is to put a nice rub on em before ya smoke em and to keep the temp in the smoking chamber =< 350 and taker yer time so ya don't dry em out.... PM Smokin Gator for some last minute tips(I may be off on the temps)..... that man can make some BBQ/Ribs... I've had some of his creations.... VERY good.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

How's Cherry Brent? That wood has always caught my interest.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Good Luck!!

I did 2 racks this weekend and they turned out great!

I just put a dry rub on them an hr before I put them in the smoker and smoked them for 6 hrs or so @ 250-275.


The meat just fell off the bone and my family LOVED them.


Everyone has thier own ideas so just try out what works best for you!



Enjoy!



Shawn

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

This method sounds like it'll work. They won't dry out not being based but every 1.5 - 2 hrs?

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Step 1: Call Adam to come over
Step 2: Cook ribs while Adam smokes cigars
Step 3: Adam eats your ribs and drinks beer

:tu

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Step 4: Ian and wife get mad because they have no food and Adam is full which = fail.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Oh, did I mention you are providing the cigars and beer too? :D

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Does this mean you upgraded from Kraft and the oven too? :dance:

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

This bbq link has my recipie and how I do both ribs and london broils. Thank you Emeril :D The bourbon sauce is outstanding!

As to the drying out... that is the purpose of the low heat. BBQing and grilling are 2 totally different techniques. Grilling = meat over the flames and high heat, BBQing = low heat and off to the side. The Pros actually do their ribs as much as 18 hours this way. The long time is more critical if you leave the membrane on the back side of the ribs (I do, I let the heat break it down).

Like I said, I like mine a little drier, but use the sauce in my link before and after for ribs when cooking for others. The thought of dumping commercial BBQ sauce on something I just spent rubbing and cooking for so long... just doesn't work.

Again, way too many ways to cook on the grill. Just try and see what works. For those coming to the NN Herf this weekend I am bringing a london broil to cook. 2 if more get on the list.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Is this a set up?? To quote a deceased classic Qer... any wood is fine as long as it is cherry!!!

Seriously though, if you can get it cherry is my hands down favorite for pork.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Gauge your temp at grate level. Don't rely on on the built-in grill cover temp gauge which can indicate significantly higher temps......unless you know the diff and can somewhat compensate.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

# 1, I would use Hickory or Applewood, not mesquite.
2: Get the fire going but no need to get up to $600 just to back it down, you'll waste fuel. Get it hot enough to where the chips start smoking and put the ribs down on indirect heat when the grill is at 250. Let it go for 2 hours, then flip, let it go another two hours, then flip and apply sauce if wanted (I do them dry). You may also want to put a metal pan full of water, apple juice or something to keep the air inside the smoker moist. Do NOT open and close the lid of the grill or play with the ribs. If you want to play with your meat, there are other places to do so, not on the grill.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

I meant 600 degrees, not $600. not paying attention this morning.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Sounds good, I'll do this. I'm wanting to eat around 6pm, so I'll start by around 2pm. Can't wait to see how it all comes out.

Re: 1st attempt at smoking/grilling ribs tomorrow
 

Need to find a place with some hickory or applewood now though.... Home Depot only had mesquite....