Baby Back Trials

acolle

I've tried about everything. Slow & low, 3-2-1, 2-2-1, foil wrapped, juice in the wrap, no juice, butcher paper wrapped, turbos, water in the drip pans, juice in drip pans, nothing in the pans, no pans, precise temps, not so precise temps, hickory, peach, cherry, pear, mesquite (yes, I did mesquite once)... You name it, I think I've tried it, and I can say, I'm no closer to my preferred method then the day I started this adventure. Turbo has worked out well for me. But not always my go to, though slow & low and I don't get along as much. But today, I'm going in for a slow & low (precise temp) 3-2-1 to see if I can actually nail this one with all the the trials behind me. Butt rub, butcher paper wrap, finished with a little Lillie's zero sugar Carolina Sauce. Now I just need to decide on the beer I will need while smoking... That is another complicated decision as well. LOL. 

lousubcap

@acolle I can help with the beer....COLD!

And regarding the rib challenge to yourself; Given all your personal data, try to recall the one that was at the top of the list and then work it for improvement.  BTW- if a few were quite close then blame the piggy for the deviation.  FWIW-

acolle

For sure COLD! And more than a few!!! @lousubcap

And thank you for the advice. I think I'm going to start with the 2-2-1 today. That seems like the best approach for me so far outside turbo. Possibly try a 2-1.5-1. I never seem to get the 3-2-1 right. But, as you suggested, I will start from what worked better vs tackling one one I can't get right!

QingEsq

3-2-1 is supposed to be at 225 degrees.  Most smoke at a slightly higher temp, so if you are at 250 or 275 2--2-1 should work better.  And as Lousubcap said, if it still doesn't work, it's gotta be the pig.😉

FSUMark

I think I like unwrapped better than wrapping on the BGE, because in general I seem to get less smoke flavor on it compared to my pellet smoker(which is what I expected) 

BoilerBrad

Was just like you & tried several ways with no success. Then hit on the car wash mike method and I love them. Most inportant tho is find a good locker, spend some cash and buy damn good ribs. 

acolle

BoilerBrad > I will try the car wash mike method next time! Minus the sugar sauce... We're still doing the low/no sugar approach in my household these days.

acolle

Looking good, right! Possibly let the finishing BBQ sauce set a little longer than I should have... But they look good to me in the moment!

wardo

I've had my share of turmoil with baby backs as well.  Spares I've hit everytime for some reason.  I was actually inspired by another post to fire up some backs last night and they were my best yet.  By no means expertly done, but very good (finally).

I do all the normal prep to the rack and fire up the egg and get it going towards 325.  About 250 to 275 I add wood and the platesetter.  Then start to dial the vents back so it gently lands on 325 or so.  Once the smoke turns blue, add the ribs and start the timer for 100min.  Once it beeps, I use the toothpick test and pull if done.  FTC for 30min+ and serve!

Srf_in_Dfw

If you can, try SV with ribs. I've done it several times and they come out perfect.

littlerascal56

Always done the 2-2-1 on baby backs.  Per recommendations here, I did 3 racks without foil at 275.  Took 5.5 hours to get to 203, but everyone ranted how good they were.