First Time Pork Shoulder Q views!

[stwallace]

So this is my first time ever doing pork shoulder.  Plus I through a brisket in there as well.  I used jeffs rub w/ the mustard first.  

-set the smoker to 225F.

-No water in pan (not sure if I should, anyone??)

-Meat probe from MES in potatoes (Not sure if placed properly)

-And my other probe in the shoulder

I was going to smoke the shoulder until it reaches around 165-170F.  Double wrap it in foil and cook till' 200-205F.  

Is there anything i'm missing or doing wrong?  If so the sooner the better because there's no turning around!  Thanks, your smoking Newbie - Sean

 

[fpnmf]

So far ..so good!!

Craig

 

[smokinstevo27]

Just keep an eye on your temps buddy. If they spike you can always add water. Good luck!

 

[stwallace]

Ok good thanks.  The one thing i'm noticing is that the meat probe in the taters is staying around 180F  I know theres hot spot in the smoker and everything but its pretty close to the inside temp sensor which reads around 225F.  Maybe I should test the sensors..  Is boiling water the way to test em'?

 

[so ms smoker]

  Hi Sean. I usually put about a cup of apple cider vinegar in the water pan. Helps to control temp spikes and adds moisture to the smoke. After the pork reaches 205, take it out and let it rest for an hour before unwrapping and pulling. Happy Eating!

 

[smokinstevo27]

Yeah that works or ice water would be quicker. 32 F in ice water.

 

Ok good thanks.  The one thing i'm noticing is that the meat probe in the taters is staying around 180F  I know theres hot spot in the smoker and everything but its pretty close to the inside temp sensor which reads around 225F.  Maybe I should test the sensors..  Is boiling water the way to test em'?

 

[stwallace]

Another question for anyone with an MES or just knows the answer.....  Whats the point of keeping the water pan in if you don't use it?  Or is it acting as a drip pan instead of letting it fall on whatever is in the way.  I think I know the answer to that one already but I might be wrong.  And how often do you add the wood chips?  you don't want it smoking the whole time right?  Once every hour good?

 

[SmokinAl]

Another question for anyone with an MES or just knows the answer.....  Whats the point of keeping the water pan in if you don't use it? Masterbuilt says to keep it in, I always put water in mine IMHO it keeps the meat moist. Or is it acting as a drip pan instead of letting it fall on whatever is in the way.  I think I know the answer to that one already but I might be wrong. If you want to catch the juices put an aluminum pan on the bottom rack.  And how often do you add the wood chips? Every 30-40 minutes. you don't want it smoking the whole time right? Yes you do, but light smoke TBS, not billowing white smoke.  Once every hour good? When it stops smoking add chips or get an A-MAZE-N smoke generator. Then you can get TBS for hours without adding chips.

 

[stwallace]

Thanks Al that was very helpful.  I ordered the AMNS but i'm waiting for it.  Good to know with the wood chips.  Thanks again everyone for helping me out more qviews to come.

 

[stwallace]

Heh, ok so I went out to add the water pan w/ some apple cider vinegar.  While I walked out the door I noticed a big poof at the woodchip loader hole.  The wood chips combusted and are now on fire.  The smoke was a perfect light smoke and now a lot thicker.  Is this normal?  Just want to make sure...  The wood chips I would think have a flashpoint like everything else and that its almost inevitable.  Oh I also added some Olives to makes some of Cowgirls Tapenade.  I used some Napa Valley Garlic Stuffed Olives along with some canned black olives.

 

[stwallace]

Smoked almonds, Olives stuffed with garlic, Tapenade, Smoked Gouda.

Blurry Camera doesn't get up close too well.

Almost ready for the foil...

 

[beer-b-q]

Looking Good...

 

[fpnmf]

There are lots of opinions about the water pan..

Here's a great read  that I got from the handy dandy search tool up top!!

  http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/forum/thread/103724/why-the-water-pan  

  Have fun!!

  Craig

 

[SmokinAl]

Looks good so far! Can't wait to see the finish!

 

[stwallace]

Brisket....  A little over done but was still juicy and tender.  Really good bark.

Sorry again for the lighting is horrible and camera sucks.  But thats the pork before I pulled it.

Very Very Tasty!  I think I have tendonitis in my hands now though. (Another bad picture)

Last few hours of it in smoker along w/ a little something something from a local restaurant for my dog.  

They give away their prime rib bones to people that ask since they just toss them anyways.

 

[SmokinAl]

You did a great job on your first try Sean. You put together a great looking meal!   

By the way, what restaurant was that? I would like to chew on a few of those bones myself! 

 

[stwallace]

Thanks Al.  We made them into little sliders with some sourdough rolls.  And at the last second made Jeffs BBQ Sauce w/ out one ingredient since I didnt have it.  That was still really good too.  I will be making this more often.  I only wish I took pics of the sliders (too hungry).

Sean