Substitute for pork rib skirt...

[bobfelts]

I'm now a true fan of Dutch's Wicked Baked Beans. An option for that recipe is to add some smoked pork rib skirt. The problem I have is the expense. I am seeing about $7.00/lb. at my local butcher shop.  Is there another cut of pork that is as tender, but cheaper? I have a smoke coming up for 200 people. I intend to do Dutch's beans, and can not afford 24 lbs of skirt @ $170.00.  Any suggestions for a substitute?

Thanks!

 

[coffee_junkie]

I usually just do the bacon and that is enough, the only time I add brisket or rib skirt is if I am smoking those items or have some left over in the freezer. But without is just fine also. I always make the "snake bitten" version except I use sweet baby rays and add a little habernero hot sauce.

 

[chef jimmyj]

If you really want the meat and Smoke flavor...Buy some Pork Butt, on sale, and slice it into 3/4-1" slabs. Rub and smoke these to 190*F in a 225*F Smoker. When needed cube or chop these up and toss them in the Beans. By the time the beans are done the meat should be butter soft and will have added great flavor...How much meat you planning on adding? 200 4oz portion will require about 15 recipes of the beans. Unless your costs are covered on this Gig, I would not purchase more than 25Lbs of pork. Depending on leanness, that will give 12-16oz of finished chopped meat per Recipe...JJ

 

[bobfelts]

Thanks guys... Both are great ideas. I'll try both the pork shoulder and brisket, and see which recipe my family likes best.

I appreciate your quick responses!
 

 

[pmc0607]

I used Ham hocks in all my beans, you can get them in your local supermarket and they add a really good flavor. Try them out oh and they are cheap too, just a couple of bucks for two.

 

[bobfelts]

Update: I've found throwing in some pulled pork works great. Inexpensive, and we always have some around. Works great, and I don't have to go out of my way to make some.

 

[smokinhusker]

Good idea!