Ribs: non 3-2-1 method


 
B

Branon S.

TVWBB Super Fan
Hello all,

I'm looking for info on cooking ribs without foiling them. I've always used the 3-2-1 method or a variation of it. I'd like to try smoking some ribs without the foil for a change and I'm wondering what kind of time frame I'm looking at. Thanks for the help.

Branon
 
Branon
5 to 6 hours is still the time but there are two things to consider.

If pit temp are too low you can get a tough hide feel to the outside meat (the reason comp teams use veriations of 3-2-1).

If you cook too high a pit temp you can char the outside before all the conective tissue reaks down, again the reason for using foil.

Foil gives you a more consistant finish, repeatable.

But try it and see how you like it.

When I use foil on spares the whole cook lasts 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

Jim
 
It is going to depend on a few things. Spares or Back? How big are the racks? How done do you like your ribs (fall off the bone?) But most importantly they're basically done when they're done and time can very a fair bit. The best thing to look for is when the meat has pulled back from the bone by about a quarter to a half an inch and you can pull the meat off of the bone with a slight pull.

Generaly speaking I like to do back ribs and do them for about 5 hours with a 250 - 275 lid temp. For spares I go 7 or 8 hours with a 225 -250 lid temp. Everyone will bary a fair bit with this though.

Hope this makes some since.

Clark
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by brian lanius:
For non-foiling instructions check out the BRITU recipe under the cooking section. It has always worked well for me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Whether you use BRITU or not, I will say that one step in BRITU really makes a difference in the finished product and that is turning up the heat in the middle of the cook as is done in BRITU.
 
I have never foiled by baby backs and have never had a complaint.
wsmsmile8gm.gif
 
I'm with Paul. Never used foil and had great ribs everytime. Normally 225-230, flip and turn at the three hour mark. Sometimes I use a rack, sometime I don't.

But after reading this thread I'll give foil a shot next time.
 
Thanks for the input. A local store has spares on sale this week and I was going to do some experimenting with technique and different rubs.

I usually use a rack because the ribs seem to self baste that way. I then foil after 3 hours for about an hour and a half and then unwrap and for another hour and a half.

I'll let you know how it goes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top