3-1-1 ?s

Unknown

Have seen several mentions of 3-1-1, in connection with cooking Baby Backs. I'v ehad my egg about 6 months and love everything I have cooked on it. Have never tried Baby Backs, but want to do so tomorrow. I've seen several mentions of 3-1-1, or several variations of same. Exactly what is 3-1-1? [p]Bottom line - Some suggestions about what is the best method to get results like Drop-Dead-Good ribs. [p]Thanks in Advance.

JK

Ron,[p]The 3-1-1 refers to cooking times with slight variations on how the ribs are Q'ed. More specifically, they are times for INDIRECT (3 hrs)-FOIL WRAPPED INDIRECT (1 hr)-DIRECT (1 hr). I did babybacks yesterday with a slight variation of this method. I cooked two slabs indirect for 3 hours (plate setter, raised grill, drip pan) at 240 degrees (after putting rub and mustard on them the night before); wrapped them into aluminum foil for the next 1 1/4 hours; then out of the foil and back on indirect for 3/4 hour; then removed the plate setter etc. and put them on direct with BBQ sauce for 1/2 hour. My definition of perfection! (I did them recently with 2 hours in the foil and they were mushy). Here is a great link, with pictures, on the method (and much more): http://www.tm52.com/bge/. Good luck!

Prof Dan

Ron,[p]On the BGE homepage, there is a link to the GFW site, where Gordon explains the 3/1/1 method. It's the one that I use, even though it's kind of a lot of effort. It has never failed me. I only make ribs on special occasions (because of the cholesterol situation), so I figure it's worth some special effort. And everyone who has ever tasted my ribs say that they are the best ribs they have ever eaten, by a mile. (I can't really take credit, since I'm using somebody else's method, but my guests don't have to know that, do they?)[p]
Having said that, I am still searching for the "lazy person's" method of achieving unbelievably great ribs. Other folks on this forum have said that you don't need to put them in foil for an hour or even cook them indirectly at all; just put them on the grill at 230 for 5 hours.[p]I worry that this technique would dry them out, but someday I will try it.