New to smoking

[grnwolf]

Greetings,

I'm a northern transplant to the south Texas border. Love real BBQ, but have no idea how to do it properly. Had a pit with a side smoke box built (1/4" steel), and its a beast. First venture after seasoning left beef and pork ribs with a bitter taste. After a little reading my best guess is creosote. Need to learn that smoke. Mesquite is the easiest wood to obtain here, and I don't know if that's a contributor also.

Although first time out was a failure, I'm eager to learn this art, so I'm committed to practicing (throwing away meat) weekly. I look forward to any tips and tricks.

image.jpg

• grnwolf
• Jun 9, 2013

 

[davidhef88]

Welcome! Glad you joined us. Someone should be along shortly to help you. I haven the slightest idea how to work a sfb unit, I'm a gasser. The handy search bar can always be your friend also.

 

[pintocrazy]

welcome, thats a sweet smoker you got there!

 

[seenred]

Welcome to the forums! Glad you've joined us. You've found a great place to learn and share ideas on our favorite pastimes...grilling, smoking, and curing great food! There are lots of friendly and knowledgeable folks here who really enjoy helping one another. Just ask any time you need help and you'll get plenty!

The bitter taste does sound like creosote buildup. It's a harsh chemical found in the smoke, and is generally caused by over smoking or by poor circulation in your smoke chamber, allowing heavy smoke to sit on your food. I don't know your smoker, but air flow through the cooking area is critical. You want light smoke to "caress" your meat as it passes through, not squat on the meat bathing it in smoke.

Spend some time over in the wood/charcoal forums for some tips from folks who know your smoker.

Red

 

[s2k9k]

:welcome1: to SMF!!! We're happy you found us! You've come to the right place, we have over 50,000 members who just love to share their experience and over 900,000 posts describing it!

The search bar at the top can be your best friend when you are trying to find answers to your questions but you can still ask too if you want!

We have an Articles section that is full of great information about smoking to include a lot of recipes and instructionals. Check it out there is a lot to learn in there!

Would you do us a favor and add your location to your profile, it helps others to know where you are when they offer advice, Thanks!

You might want to check out Jeff's Free 5 day E-Course, it will teach you all the basics plus a whole lot more!

 

[kathrynn]

to SMF!  We are so glad you joined us!

If you didn't read the "Terms of Service" notes.....please do.  There are a few things that everyone should know about those pesky little rules before plunging into the forums. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/terms-of-service

If you need any help roaming around the forums....just holler!  Happy to help out!

Kat