I can't get ribs right!!

CAEggFan

I've tried ribs several times. Baby back that is.

Indirect. 225 for 5hrs. Drip pan with apple juice. Spray ever 30mins with apple juice. Increase temp last 30mins and apply bbq sauce.

Result? It's almost like the outside becomes dry and chewy and the inside is moist and soft. I can almost pull the outside off and get to the inside. Basically they suck.

Isn't there a way to do ribs without injecting butts, 3-1-1 or whatever. I'm just an average joe that wants to make some eatable ribs!!

Any suggestions for a rather simple rib methodology that will let a novice cook some good ribs?

Thanks!
CAEggFan

SmokinSoCal

Are you wrapping them in foil half way through the cook?

Billy Grill Eggster

Do you have a plate setter or other heat barrier?

I also would ask are you wrapping the ribs after 3 hours?

And as Celtic Wolf would say "If you're looking, you aren't cooking."

CAEggFan

I'm not. Is that critical? Do I just pull off ribs and wrap in metal foil and put back on?

If so that would be easy enough!

Car Wash Mike

225 for 5 hours is to low of a temp for that long. Straight apple juice has to much sugar content and will burn them.


Isn't there a way to do ribs without injecting butts, 3-1-1 or whatever.

That statement is very confusing.

The next time you cook ribs, e-mail me. I spend the amount of time required to make sure they turn out.

Mike

Just my opinions.

CAEggFan

I bought the ceramic plate setter for indirect.

CAEggFan

Man you guys are sooo helpful!

OK, this sunday. Last day of NFL (superbowl doesn't count). I'm going to do it.

Cory430

Take Mike's advice. All will be fixed.

Kentucky Wildcat Fan

I've had my egg for 1 month and tried ribs last Sunday. They turned out excellent. Here is what i did and it was very simple: 250-275 for entire cook and added apple chips, remove membrane, light coating of yellow mustard on meat side, rub on both sides, sit in fridge for 2 hrs, indirect w/ drip pan and ribs on V rack, 3 hrs uncovered (don't peak), 2 hrs in foil w/ little apple juice in foil, 15 minutes w/ sauce on each side and done. I was for sure I'd screw them up and I've never made ribs before, ever! They were great!

Grand Oeuf Vert

Seems like you are doing everything right. However, you might want to try foiling them after you sauce. I also marinade mine in apple juice the night before... then apply rub 1 hour before start of cook.

"Sparky"

Try this

http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2002/06/baby-back-rib-class.html

Billy Grill Eggster

Okay, good that you have a thermal mass between your ribs and the lump.

I concur with Carwash Mike that apple juice is just going to burn. Wrapping with foil and putting apple juice in before wrapping will retain moisture.

gsgentry

For my first post on these boards, I will use it to offer some help!!

For Baby Back Ribs, this is what I do...

1) Pull Membrane from back of Ribs
2) Place Rub of your choice and then return to the fridge for 1 hour
3) Get temp up to 225
4) Place ribs on for 2 hours uncovered
5) Now wrap in foil for 1 hour
6) Finally remove from foil (be caredul of the hot juice in it) and place back uncovered for 1 more hour
7) If you want BBQ Sauce on it, add during the last 30 minutes
8) ENJOY!!

This is known as the 2-1-1 Method.

I do spray with apple juice once is a while just to add a little extra moisture.

loco_engr

What? No stump technique!

CAEggFan

LOL! I don't even know what that is!

"Sparky"

The "stump technique" takes years of practice I wouldn't even try to explain how to do that to a newbie :P

LoneStarEgg

I have used this recipe on an ECB (El Cheapo Brinkman water smoker)and it turns real good. I haven't done them on the BGE yet (just got delivered Monday)but I will be doing some real soon. Here is a link.
http://www.smoking-meat.com/smoking-ribs.html

If it isn't cool to give other web sites links please let me know.

Little Steven

gsgentry,

The 3-1-1 method is quite common here. 225 is a fairly low temperature for an egg. There is a difference in "dome temp" and grid temp which is fairly considerable, more or less 10% at 250*. I don't usually foil babybacks but go 250* til the meat pulls back. Usually about 5-6 hours. Welcome BTW

Steve

loco_engr

Ahhh! The Sparky machine was using an innovated
techique of using a hollowed out stump with a grid!
:woohoo: :ermm: