Christmas planning.

[prestonk08]

So I am in charge of Christmas dinner for the first time I have a pretty big turkey I'm gonna smoke for starters but my dad wants some "red" meat to go along with the turkey for dinner. I know a prime rib is probably the obvious choice here but I would like a cheaper alternative to the prime if I can. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks folks and merry Christmas!

 

[seenred]

If you're looking for a cheaper beef alternative to prime rib, you might consider a chuck roast.  Very affordable alternative, and they're delicious when smoked.  Most of the chuckies I've done are smallish, so you might have to cook a couple if you're feeding a crowd.

Here's a link to a thread of one I did that might help:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/140952/reds-mothers-day-chuckie

Hope that helps...good luck! 

Red

 

[prestonk08]

Thanks Red! I should've made the stipulation that I will only have about 4 hours for the smoke, about the length of the turkey cook. I usually do my turkeys at or around 270 to 300 so they go pretty quick.

 

[shoebe]

How about some beef short ribs? I like them almost more than prime rib...

 

[chef jimmyj]

For Sliced Beef, Med/Rare or Med, the next best choice to Rib is Top Sirloin, may be labeled Top Butt. The average 4-5 lb Top Butt will smoke to 130 to 140 in 4 hours at your Turkey temp. Chuck has great flavor but requires it be cooked to probe tender, for slicing, or fall apart to pull. Good eats but too tough cooked Med/Rare. Another good one is Bottom Sirloin aka, Tri-Tip. Not as tender as Top Butt however it eats well if not cooked beyond medium...JJ

 

[prestonk08]

Thanks guys for all the info. My prayers were answered this last night. By brother shot a buck at his house!! So it's venison loin to go with a 20 lb turkey! I can't wait. I'll post some photos tomorrow on how it went. Merry Christmas!