What is the IT of baby backs

[lemans]

I know I know 2-2-1 so I did that and they came out crappy. What IT should I shoot for?

 

[lemans]

Ps 235/250 two thermometers I'm so confused

 

[ironhorse07]

baby backs are hard to IT, I do 5 hours period, no wrap. But your 2-2-1 should be good What do you mean by crappy?

 

[mike5051]

I don't IT ribs Look for meat pull back on the bones, about 1/2 inch, and the bend test.  Pick up the rack on one end and if it bends, it's good to go.  I smoke at 250 for 5 hrs before I even look at the ribs.

Mike

 

[cliffcarter]

Use the bend test-

bendtest.jpg

• cliffcarter
• Aug 24, 2012

By "crappy" do you mean tough and underdone or "bone falls out" and way over done?

 

[muralboy]

I'm with Ironhorse, I prefer not to wrap as well.  5-6 hours on a low smoke about 160-170, the turn up the temp to set the sauce.

If you want fall off the bone meat, then wrap away.  For baby backs though, many modify the 2-2-1 to a 3-1-1 or 3-2-1.  Just as Mike noted, look for the meet to pull back a bit from the bone.  

 

[lemans]

Cliff
No pullback. Tough. Yep underdone

 

[rogerwilco]

^^^ If this is the case, the solution is simple: Cook 'em longer.......:)

 

[seenred]

Cliff
No pullback. Tough. Yep underdone

As others have already said, it's a little hard to get an accurate IT measurement in BB ribs...too many bones, which can give you a false temp reading.  With any kind of rib, I just cook until they are tender.  There are several ways to check this:  

1.  The bend test that Cliff mentioned:  When you pick up the rack from the middle with tongs, the rack should bend to near 90*, and the meat will begin to split at the bend.

2.  The pullback test that Mike mentioned.

3.  The probe/toothpick test:  I cook until the meat begins to pull back from the bones, then I'll begin periodically checking the meat for tenderness by poking in several places with a toothpick or a          meat probe, until I'm satisfied with the tenderness.

Red

 

[lemans]

Thanks guys. I'm just so mad at myself for serving bad ribs to the family. I always get raves this time "it was good" which means
It sucked!!! I'm just consumed with this one!!

 

[mike5051]

Don't be so hard on yourself.  Cook them till they pass any of the criteria mentioned so far and you'll be good to go.  Cook them till they are falling off the bone tender and they will still taste great!

Mike

 

[lemans]

Yes .. I will put it behind me...
Double smoke ham on Sunday!