1st spare rib smoke

[lee c]

Hi guys n gals,

I am going to do my 1st rib smoke on saturday. Just a couple questions for u pros!

FYI: Smoke Hollow #5 vertical propane smoker.

I was planning 3-2-1 style but now I am reading 4-1.5-.5???

I have done 3-2-1 in the oven and was pretty happy with it but obviously lacking that smoked flavor!

Why the variation in times?

I have JD chips supposedly made from oak aging barrels. I also have mesquite chips.

Anyone use the JD chips before?

I am planning on having leg quarters in at the same time and I really liked the mesquite with those last week!

Any reason not to put the chicken in at the same time? Ribs on top rack of course.

Thanks

 

[ecto1]

Sounds like you have a plan.  remember the 3-2-1 is just a guide line if you like it then by all means stick to it.  The main reason most alter it is to make their ribs either more fall off the bone or more tug off the bone.  I love ribs and consider them my go to smoke.  I can honestly tell you unless I am cooking in a contest i never use the same method twice.  I love to mess around with my method all the time. Bottom line is if the family is happy I am happy.

 

[lee c]

  The main reason most alter it is to make their ribs either more fall off the bone or more tug off the bone. 

Is more time in the foil that makes em fall off the bone?

 

[ecto1]

Yea the longer they are in the foil the more fall off the bone they will get but be careful too much time in the foil will make them mushy.

 

[brentczech]

ECTO1,

Great advice about "do what makes you happy".

I am just getting into spare ribs the past 6 months. I was always a "baby back guy".

I have never smoked spares only bbq with charcoal.

What temp do you aim for in smoking spares?

thanks and good luck Lee C. Post some pics. I have read some good threads in here about ribs and rubs.

-BrentCzech

 

[ecto1]

I cook my spares at 225 you can cook them higher they will just be done a bit faster.  I like slow cooks no hurry here.  I cook to color a lot also if they look good then they are probably gonna taste good but you will get to know what you like.

 

[venture]

You have received good advice from experienced people here!

Be sure you are dealing with spareribs and not baby backs.  I saw a post where someone was going to do baby backs by 3-2-1.  That would be excessive in my house. For spareribs, 3-2-1 would be a starting point from which most people might like to modify.

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[SmokinAl]

Like they all said just start with 3-2-1 and adjust it the next time if your not happy with the results.

 

[mballi3011]

I would recommend that you do the 3-2-1 method first anf then do your adjustments. Unless you haveseen or have eaten some ribs that were done differently I would say go with the whole times. then if you want to make adjustment then do it.

 

[lee c]

Thanks guys,

Really appreciate the advice.

They are absoultely spare ribs and I have a rub recipe from a contest judge who got me into this.

Going to get them ready now.

Anyone ever try the Jack Daniels oak aging barrel chips?

 

[lee c]

Well 1st lesson learned

I bought apple wood to smoke the ribs as it seems to be most popular for ribs.

NOT so good for chicken. The Mesquite was much better with the leg quarters.

So next I will try ribs with mesquite to see if we like that as much!

Over all the food was good

Many thanks for all the good advice!!!

The # 5 all loaded up

A Little TBS

Chicken done Ribs ready for foil

Last 30 min with sticky lips bbq

Thats all folks

Thanks fer looking!

 

[smokinpops]

Hi ECT01,

Hope you don't mind me jumping in here. I was admiring the mahogany color of your ribs, they look GREAT! How do you get such a nice color? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

SmokinPOPS