Boston Butt - fat side up or down ?

jfine1

Doing my first butt overnight. Rubbed and prepped and ready to go. Only thing to check - fat side up or down?

Going to a drip pan with a little apple juice as opposed to a mop although I wanna make sure I get a good bark - so figuring 225 at 2hrs per lb

Will post results !

buzd504

Down, because when it sticks to the grid, you don't lose bark.

Generally, you don't need to put any liquid in the drip pan, but if you do, watch for a temperature spike when it finally burns off.

TigerTony

I do mine fat down for the exact reason buzd504 suggested.
Although it't not necesary I do use a little liquid in a drip pan when cooking pork butts. I get great results.

Crimsongator

buzd504 said:

Down, because when it sticks to the grid, you don't lose bark.

Generally, you don't need to put any liquid in the drip pan, but if you do, watch for a temperature spike when it finally burns off.

When you go meat down, the meat doesn't stick to the grid

jtcBoynton

Fat side down.

Mickey

YES

Grillin_beers

Whichever way it happens to be facing when I put it on the grill.... I done it both ways enough times to say that it just doesn't matter. Please just don't foil it.

yzzi

I do fat side facing on the side. Just kidding. Fat down. I've been trimming the fat cap off altogether for more bark. There's plenty of internal fat.

henapple

Fat side up...you know what I'm sayin.... )

Ragtop99

I cut the fat cap off.  More surface to put rub on and to become bark.

Also, there is less mess in the drip pan.

Ladeback69

I put it fat side down because if it does stick I rather it be the fat side. I've had no problems with doing it this way.

stemc33

I've only done a few, but I score the fat cap and egg fat cap up. No issues with it sticking and have plenty of bark. Never done it with the fat down, so maybe I just don't know what I'm missing.

IMHO, I think what's more important than fat up or down is placing spacers under your drip pan to prevent your drippings from scorching and imparting an acrid taste in your cook.

jfine1

Thanks all for the advice. Went fat side down and came out awesome - pics attached

johnkitchens

It looks like you scored on your first butt! 

Phatchris

Definitely down

Phatchris

I mean definitely up

Phatchris

Oh snap I forget

johnkitchens

Down!