Looking for some advice.

[brad1890]

I've been looking into some rib recipes, and I've noticed a few of them have said to rub the ribs with lemon before spicing them. Do any of you guys do this? Is it only acting as a binder? And does the lemon cook out like the mustard does? Or how does the acid affect the meat?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

More than likely they are using the acid in the lemon to tenderize the meat.

Not really needed if the ribs are cooked properly.

Binders aren't needed either to adhere the rub to the meat. The moisture in the meat is enough to take care of that.

 

[bmudd14474]

More than likely they are using the acid in the lemon to tenderize the meat.

Not really needed if the ribs are cooked properly.

Binders aren't needed either to adhere the rub to the meat. The moisture in the meat is enough to take care of that.

I agree 100% with Case. But as I tell everyone try it both ways and see what you like.

 

[chef jimmyj]

It may just be me but, in general, I find Lemon to be a strong and distinctive flavor. It may very well have a residual flavor after smoke. But, I taste the Mustard at the end also. Many don't. I agree with Brian. You can put anything under your rub from Oil, Mustard, Wine, Molasses or anything else you may like. How much impact it has on the final flavor has to be tested. Many old school guys were taught that Acid tenderizes by breaking connective tissue, but the effect is minimal at best and requires many hours to have any impact. Acid does denature Protein which is essentially Cooking it, think Ceviche. The raw fish firms and becomes opaques just as if heated...JJ

 

[brad1890]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. I might try one rack with lemon and the other without, just to see if there's a difference

 

[smokerise5]

No help here .  Never tried but common cents says it should ,  Dont know asid content .   May try it.

 

[cksteele]

ive been  playing with balsamic  vinegar to wet the ribs before i apply rub  seems to be working out well 

 

[SmokinAl]

Just for the fun of it try a rack without rub or sauce. Just pork & smoke!

Al