Topic Wiki

Best first time smoked ribs/brisket recipe: https://amazingribs.com/tested-recipes/spice-rubs-and-pastes/big-bad-beef-rub-recipe

Chickens taste better when cooked whole. Pickles taste better cut. Sandwiches taste better cut and bitten from inside. Meat tastes better sliced against grain.


Definitely a smoker is a personal choice, and what is better depends on what you are looking for.  I say it's a balance of goals, between: (i) making good food, (ii) making authentic BBQ, (iii) having fun with the maaseh of smoking, and (iv) convenience.  Items (iii) and (iv) don't only conflict, they directly oppose each other.

I opted for items (i) and (iv) so went PBC.  I would say WSM is also mostly a (i) and (iv) choice, but it brings in extra elements of (ii) and (iii), at a slight cost to (iv).  Maybe WSM also better at (i)--I have no idea either way.

Further to the above:

If all you want is good food, get a sous vide.

If all you want is authentic BBQ, get a huge offset smoker that you feed with split logs.

If all you want is having fun with the maaseh of smoking, again, get a huge offset smoker.

If all you want is convenience, use your oven.


Henche's PBC review
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=43018.msg1439199#msg1439199
« Last edited by jj1000 on June 04, 2020, 10:13:19 AM »

Author Topic: Smoking Meats  (Read 523214 times)

Offline ADG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 1469
  • Total likes: 79
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: BK
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1500 on: March 05, 2018, 02:07:22 PM »
Last night I made a half a turkey and it was far from turnkey.

So I brinned it overnight, which was nice but I dont feel like it added so much flavor.

I put a granny smith apple and white onion in the half cavity, margarin between the skin and flesh, and poultry rub and olive oil over the skin.

The outer layer of the turkey was amazingly moist and delicious as it was intended. The deeper part of the meat was dried out. (it was strange, and probably due to the fact it was only half a turkey)

I cooked it for 5.5 hours on 185 and 1 hour on 275.

Their def was flavor but I think it was more from the wood then spice.

I was almost going to inject bourbon and beer into it, but we had 3 pregnant ladies dining.

Online noturbizniss

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 7135
  • Total likes: 140
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: North Jersey
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1501 on: March 05, 2018, 03:23:30 PM »
Last night I made a half a turkey and it was far from turnkey.

So I brinned it overnight, which was nice but I dont feel like it added so much flavor.

I put a granny smith apple and white onion in the half cavity, margarin between the skin and flesh, and poultry rub and olive oil over the skin.

The outer layer of the turkey was amazingly moist and delicious as it was intended. The deeper part of the meat was dried out. (it was strange, and probably due to the fact it was only half a turkey)

I cooked it for 5.5 hours on 185 and 1 hour on 275.

Their def was flavor but I think it was more from the wood then spice.

I was almost going to inject bourbon and beer into it, but we had 3 pregnant ladies dining.
what was in your brine?
The conventional wisdom for poultry is hot'n'fast.
For thanksgiving i brined my turkey for 24-36 hours or so in Alton Brown's brine and then spatchocked and smoked at 325 for maybe 2.5 hours. It was amazing.  I would do the same thing again for a breast only.(https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe-1950271)
READ THE DARN WIKI!!!!

Chuck Norris...
...can still do FT method
...READS THE WIKI!!!

Offline ADG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 1469
  • Total likes: 79
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: BK
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1502 on: March 05, 2018, 03:38:51 PM »
The brine was whole bunch of herbs, bay leaves and half cup of salt- after I warmed that up on the fire (2 quarts), I added another 4 quarts of sink water.

My butcher will sell me breasts alone, the legs are not very good and not much meat.

Next time ill get that half:)

Your turkey looks like you nailed it.
« Last Edit: March 05, 2018, 03:44:00 PM by ADG »

Online noturbizniss

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 7135
  • Total likes: 140
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: North Jersey
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1503 on: March 05, 2018, 03:58:31 PM »

The brine was whole bunch of herbs, bay leaves and half cup of salt- after I warmed that up on the fire (2 quarts), I added another 4 quarts of sink water.

My butcher will sell me breasts alone, the legs are not very good and not much meat.


Next time ill get that half:)
[/quote]

I did the gallon of stock (think i used low sodium chicken from a box) and about 3/4+ cup of kosher salt. I think you need more salt.
Honestly, i've now done wet brine on 2 turkeys and a 3 legs another time, and basically followed generic directions. I have never found my turkeys too salty. Kosher birds sit in salt for maybe an hour and get washed off. they are not really that much more salty than non-kosher.

Legs are amazing. You just gotta cook them to a higher tamp. Breast to 165  and legs to 175/180.

Doing hot and fast gets you the crispy skin, btw. If you go low/slow then the skin gets rubbery.
Hot n fast crisps skin and no need for searing at end or what not.
Your turkey looks like you nailed it.
As per @ushdadude ,
TWSS
READ THE DARN WIKI!!!!

Chuck Norris...
...can still do FT method
...READS THE WIKI!!!

Offline ADG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 1469
  • Total likes: 79
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: BK
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1504 on: March 07, 2018, 10:54:38 AM »
So i am getting ready to go for a brisket (only second cut- untrimmed) despite flopping this piece multiple times.

here is my game plan lemme know what you would tweak.

My goal is to get a really crusty bark so for rub im thinking just salt and pepper on the very heavy side (like izzy).

Should I trim some of the fat so it doesnt hurt the bark, or just let it melt off naturally?

I read online 225F an hour/per pound (6 pounds) inside temp 210 to get the buttery taste. ( i usually overcook them because i follow recipes for packers and i only use half the quantity.)

I have the butcher paper so I could probably use it late in the cook (180 inside temp). Should I take it off at the end to solidify the bark?

I was thinking to inject it with bourbon to keep moisture and flavor.

Your input is appreciated (if you know what your talking about:)





Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4469
  • Total likes: 452
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1505 on: March 07, 2018, 11:21:50 AM »
So i am getting ready to go for a brisket (only second cut- untrimmed) despite flopping this piece multiple times.

here is my game plan lemme know what you would tweak.

My goal is to get a really crusty bark so for rub im thinking just salt and pepper on the very heavy side (like izzy).

Should I trim some of the fat so it doesnt hurt the bark, or just let it melt off naturally?

I read online 225F an hour/per pound (6 pounds) inside temp 210 to get the buttery taste. ( i usually overcook them because i follow recipes for packers and i only use half the quantity.)

I have the butcher paper so I could probably use it late in the cook (180 inside temp). Should I take it off at the end to solidify the bark?

I was thinking to inject it with bourbon to keep moisture and flavor.

Your input is appreciated (if you know what your talking about:)

1. Do a packer.
2. Salt pepper ok. No idea if that makes bark crustier or not. BBB Rub is delicious.
3. I'd trim if there's thick layer. Most ppl don't like to eat that, and it won't all melt.
4. Use a packer.
5. Wrap at 160.  Sure, take off at end if like. No idea if that matters.
6. Drink the bourbon.
7. Use decent meat. No Argentina.  No Venezuala. No Brazil.  Iowa.

Online Mordyk

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 4232
  • Total likes: 1132
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Some of this and some of that.
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1506 on: March 07, 2018, 11:37:32 AM »
So i am getting ready to go for a brisket (only second cut- untrimmed) despite flopping this piece multiple times.

here is my game plan lemme know what you would tweak.

My goal is to get a really crusty bark so for rub im thinking just salt and pepper on the very heavy side (like izzy).

Should I trim some of the fat so it doesnt hurt the bark, or just let it melt off naturally?

I read online 225F an hour/per pound (6 pounds) inside temp 210 to get the buttery taste. ( i usually overcook them because i follow recipes for packers and i only use half the quantity.)

I have the butcher paper so I could probably use it late in the cook (180 inside temp). Should I take it off at the end to solidify the bark?

I was thinking to inject it with bourbon to keep moisture and flavor.

Your input is appreciated (if you know what your talking about:)
sounds high. maybe try lower 200's
#TYH

Offline rs242

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2015
  • Posts: 1316
  • Total likes: 158
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1507 on: March 07, 2018, 01:13:44 PM »
sounds high. maybe try lower 200's
I found that my packers needed to go to 210 to be probe tender.

Offline rs242

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2015
  • Posts: 1316
  • Total likes: 158
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1508 on: March 07, 2018, 01:18:38 PM »
1. Do a packer.
2. Salt pepper ok. No idea if that makes bark crustier or not. BBB Rub is delicious.
3. I'd trim if there's thick layer. Most ppl don't like to eat that, and it won't all melt.
4. Use a packer.
5. Wrap at 160.  Sure, take off at end if like. No idea if that matters.
6. Drink the bourbon.
7. Use decent meat. No Argentina.  No Venezuala. No Brazil.  Iowa.
Izzy doesn’t salt and puts way too much black pepper if u ask me.
Try dry brining salt the meat a day before two days for thick meats.
I also like bbbr I started toning down the chili after my wife and kids complained.

Offline ushdadude

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 6603
  • Total likes: 1175
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1509 on: March 07, 2018, 01:23:48 PM »
Izzy doesn’t salt and puts way too much black pepper if u ask me.
Try dry brining salt the meat a day before two days for thick meats.
I also like bbbr I started toning down the chili after my wife and kids complained.

Agreed!

Offline rs242

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2015
  • Posts: 1316
  • Total likes: 158
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1510 on: March 07, 2018, 01:24:27 PM »

Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4469
  • Total likes: 452
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1511 on: March 07, 2018, 01:33:22 PM »
I also like bbbr I started toning down the chili after my wife and kids complained.

Next time just tone down the wife and kids.

Offline rs242

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2015
  • Posts: 1316
  • Total likes: 158
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1512 on: March 07, 2018, 01:34:28 PM »
Next time just tone down the wife and kids.
Tried didn’t work. Anyway I like the rub better this way.

Offline ADG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 1469
  • Total likes: 79
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: BK
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1513 on: March 07, 2018, 01:39:55 PM »
I like Izzy's bark alot.

I have a great price on untrimmed Packers but I don't have that many ppl to feed.

I'm with you on the American beef

Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4469
  • Total likes: 452
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1514 on: March 07, 2018, 02:11:02 PM »

I have a great price on untrimmed Packers but I don't have that many ppl to feed.


Slice it, freeze in ziploc bags in 1lb packages.

Offline ADG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 1469
  • Total likes: 79
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: BK
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1515 on: March 07, 2018, 02:47:26 PM »
Slice it, freeze in ziploc bags in 1lb packages.

After the cook?

Offline cholent

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 2749
  • Total likes: 546
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1516 on: March 07, 2018, 02:53:10 PM »
Don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers

Offline ADG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2015
  • Posts: 1469
  • Total likes: 79
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: BK
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1517 on: March 07, 2018, 03:51:29 PM »
After the cook?
Does that sound like a joke?

Offline ChaimMoskowitz

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 7273
  • Total likes: 1101
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1518 on: March 07, 2018, 04:02:39 PM »
After the cook?
You can do before or after.
I just found a new supply of forks!

Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4469
  • Total likes: 452
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Smoking Meats
« Reply #1519 on: March 07, 2018, 04:05:05 PM »
After the cook?

Yes. Then on Friday afternoon, you pull one out, let it defrost, and serve.