C
capnamerca
Guest
I think I'm in trouble ... .
Found a New Braunfels Bandera for 50% off the other day. I've been needing a grill for a while, and have always wanted to try the smoking style. So when I came across the deal, I snapped it up. Seasoned in the vegatable oil for a few hours yesterday, did steaks last night, and today I jumped in the deep end. A rack of pork spare ribs and two chicken halves. Chicken went for about 3 hours, and the ribs got 4.5. Used charcoal briquettes, and pecan chips for flavor. All I have to say is - WOW. This is my first crack at this stuff, with no braising and just Tony Chachere's for a rub, and these ribs were better than 90% of anything I've ever had. Of course, as with any adventure, I caused more questions than I answered today .
Temperature control today was a major issue for me. It felt like, if I kept the dampers open enough to get the temp at 220, I chewed through charcoal like it was candy. I used almost an entire 10-lb bag, and still wasn't successful in keeping the temps high enough with regularity. I'm going to switch to cut wood (bulk from academy, probably) the next time I smoke - will that last longer/burn hotter? Any other suggestions?
The ribs were still a bit chewy - I'm sure that another hour would have done them right. I've already been reading some other recipies, and time seems to be the biggest concern. My research is on-going, but if anyone has a favorite site or "best practice" that they'd like to share with a rookie, it would be much appreciated. I'm especially in the market for recipes that are simple - I'd rather not use sauces or baste or wrap in foil - I realize these things are Good Things, but for now, I'm gunning for simple.
I'll be around - thanks for having me at bbq-bretheren.
Found a New Braunfels Bandera for 50% off the other day. I've been needing a grill for a while, and have always wanted to try the smoking style. So when I came across the deal, I snapped it up. Seasoned in the vegatable oil for a few hours yesterday, did steaks last night, and today I jumped in the deep end. A rack of pork spare ribs and two chicken halves. Chicken went for about 3 hours, and the ribs got 4.5. Used charcoal briquettes, and pecan chips for flavor. All I have to say is - WOW. This is my first crack at this stuff, with no braising and just Tony Chachere's for a rub, and these ribs were better than 90% of anything I've ever had. Of course, as with any adventure, I caused more questions than I answered today .
Temperature control today was a major issue for me. It felt like, if I kept the dampers open enough to get the temp at 220, I chewed through charcoal like it was candy. I used almost an entire 10-lb bag, and still wasn't successful in keeping the temps high enough with regularity. I'm going to switch to cut wood (bulk from academy, probably) the next time I smoke - will that last longer/burn hotter? Any other suggestions?
The ribs were still a bit chewy - I'm sure that another hour would have done them right. I've already been reading some other recipies, and time seems to be the biggest concern. My research is on-going, but if anyone has a favorite site or "best practice" that they'd like to share with a rookie, it would be much appreciated. I'm especially in the market for recipes that are simple - I'd rather not use sauces or baste or wrap in foil - I realize these things are Good Things, but for now, I'm gunning for simple.
I'll be around - thanks for having me at bbq-bretheren.