As long as the pit temp is the same it doesn't matter if it's 20 or 90 outside. If it's 225 in the smoker the outside temps will only affect the amount of fuel you use. So if it's hot outside you will use less fuel to maintain 225 degrees, but the cook time won't change.
Al
Al,
Tried your method for the first time today, and WOW! It worked great! I didn't cook as long as I thought I would have to (about 4 1/2 hours, not counting time on grill). I use an Oklahoma Joe's Highland, and am still trying to get the technique perfected. Anyway, I did tweak the recipe a bit (everybody does things a bit different) by occasionally spraying some apple juice to keep the ribs moist. I started about 9 am with a basket of charcoal and a chunk of hickory. Was able to keep the temps around 225-230 for some time. Payed more attention to the internal temperature. I had to pull the ribs for the wrapping in foil in stages, because of temperature differences from right to left (was doing four racks). When the last one was wrapped with the butter, sugar and seasonings, I cooked for an hour and a half. When they were getting close to being done, you could smell the ribs on the porch! Checked to make sure they were at the right temp, then transferred them to my Holland (doesn't get as hot as your Weber, but still does a fantastic job. Slapped on the Sweet Baby Ray's (2x). Ribs came out fantastic! Check out the attached pics.
These are probably the best ribs I have ever done. Cooking these by temperature makes sense to me...I've been doing things that way with the Holland for years. Makes more sense than trying to guess whether it is done or not. Wrapping them in foil with the butter, spice and sugar made a huge difference.
I might make a few tweaks, such as using a mop, and maybe pulling the ribs for the grill a bit earlier, since my grill does not get as hot. I would like to get a bit more carmelizing done, as long as I can keep them from drying out. Juiciest ribs I ever did. Got so many compliments from the family. That makes all the work worth it.
Thank you for that wonderful recipe. I have been hoping for years to finally cook some really good ribs. Feels good!
Al, just wanted to let you know this worked great - thank you for the advice. Ribs were gone before I could get any pics, so I'll call it a success.Just leave the membrane on, and when the ribs are done, it will come off real easily before you cut them up.
Al
Al, just wanted to let you know this worked great - thank you for the advice. Ribs were gone before I could get any pics, so I'll call it a success.
I used this method for a local competition. It had been 8+ years since I did ribs since my wife doesn't care for them. I was afraid that I would mess up but I got first place! I was the overall winner as well. It was just ribs and butts.
I beat three BBQ local restaurants. I wasn't a surprise because I can't stomach their food. People rave about these three, but our family was unable to finish our meals, so we never went back. This goes for all three. Then again, I haven't had good BBQ from a restaurant north Virginia.
Al,
Just registered to express my gratitude to you sharing your recipe, and supporting it like you have. Not my first rodeo but this procedure/recipe produced just the bite I've been looking for! A thousand thanks. :)
Haven't posted on here in a long time, but just signed back on to see if anyone had any new ideas on how to cook ribs. I'm going to give these a try tomorrow!
Hi Al. I've followed your advice for a long time. You're the man! I'd like for you to please tel me again how to do the ribs (Non Foil). I did it once, lost your recipe/method and would like to try it again. Any info you can smoke my way would be greatly appreciated Al.
New to smoking having only smoked a brisket and chicken breasts the last 2 weeks. Definitely trying this this sunday. Will post result.
Assuming having a charcoal grill instead of a gas should burn the membrane off just as well.
Great thread AL! I just ordered a thermapop today after going thru this thread and unfortunately it won't show up until Monday. I've never been really good at ribs but am excited to try this. I will do the chuck tacos this weekend and ribs next weekend.
Hi Al. I've followed your advice for a long time. You're the man! I'd like for you to please tel me again how to do the ribs (Non Foil). I did it once, lost your recipe/method and would like to try it again. Any info you can smoke my way would be greatly appreciated Al.
Great way to do it Al. I have been doing something similar for years on different smokers and BBQ's. I just did 6 racks on Tuesday at work for everyone and they were a hit as always.
Hi Al. Well thanks to you, I have to cook my ribs to your specifications. I tried your method on the 4th of July, and my wife said that these were the best ribs that she has had. And I agree with her. I am smoking 2 racks as I write this. Thanks for all you do to help us newbies