trimmed my first packer, 2 quick questions

[Noob]

So i trimmed and rubbed my first packer. It started at 12.9 lbs and i trimmed off 37.5 oz of fat. Is it normal to cut just over 2 lbs of fat? The HARD fat on the underside of the point was 16oz by itself. Also since I am now left with a 10.55 lb brisky, do i adjust cooking times to the new weight or the pre-trimmed weight? I am guessing 1 hr/lb at 250°.

[Kloogee]

I think most people will say to throw your timer out the window and cook it til it's done. In other words when it's jiggly or probes smooth like butter. Ay estimate of time someone gives you is just going to be that, an estimate. Cook her til she's done. Good luck!

[Big Portagee]

Originally Posted by Kloogee

I think most people will say to throw your timer out the window and cook it til it's done. In other words when it's jiggly or probes smooth like butter. Ay estimate of time someone gives you is just going to be that, an estimate. Cook her til she's done. Good luck!

Right on the money, too many variables to give a set time. Start 2 hours before you want to serve and wrap in foil and towels. Will stay warm for hours.

[Noob]

Originally Posted by Big Portagee

Right on the money, too many variables to give a set time. Start 2 hours before you want to serve and wrap in foil and towels. Will stay warm for hours.

Do you mean 12 hrs?

[Offthehook]

Trim as much as you want, leave a nice cap and cook until tender. Hours per pound will drive you nuts. It's not baking

[Noob]

And for the 2nd question, 37.5 oz of fat comming off a 12.9lb brisky, sound right?

[Offthehook]

Originally Posted by Noob

And for the 2nd question, 37.5 oz of fat comming off a 12.9lb brisky, sound right?

I don't weigh it but sometimes it's alot

[Noob]

Originally Posted by Offthehook

I don't weigh it but sometimes it's alot

Thanks bud

[landarc]

It does not sound alarming to me that a lot of fat came off, it all depends on the trim given at the time the animal is initially butchered, some trim closer than others. So, yeah, 2 pounds happens at times.

As for timing, at 250F, if you are trying to time your start, allow 1.5 hours per pound for a packer. That allows for a window of time, if you get done in 10 hours (likely) you can easily hold a packer in a warm oven or cooler for 4 to 5 hours. It gives you a little leeway if you end up chasing temperatures of something goes wrong. You can always adjust for too much time, it is hard to get more time when you have run out.

But, cook to feel, you want to work with cooking to probe tender, that is the best way.

[LittleHill Smoke]

Try searching Pitmaster T brisket and look for his video page in his sig.. Ton of info in his videos and their very entertaining. Also look for his Night Train vid.

[Noob]

Originally Posted by landarc

It does not sound alarming to me that a lot of fat came off, it all depends on the trim given at the time the animal is initially butchered, some trim closer than others. So, yeah, 2 pounds happens at times.

As for timing, at 250F, if you are trying to time your start, allow 1.5 hours per pound for a packer. That allows for a window of time, if you get done in 10 hours (likely) you can easily hold a packer in a warm oven or cooler for 4 to 5 hours. It gives you a little leeway if you end up chasing temperatures of something goes wrong. You can always adjust for too much time, it is hard to get more time when you have run out.

But, cook to feel, you want to work with cooking to probe tender, that is the best way.

Great advice

[landarc]

The thing is, the number one mistake I see most first time BBQ cooks make, on all meats, is to under cook. And the number one reason why, is they cut it too close, underestimate how long it takes and everyone wants to eat. Then it is so disappointing. Allow more time, understand when and how you can adjust the factors, it all gets so much easier, but, it all starts with allow enough time.

You get that smoke rolling, and after about 5 to 6 hours, you get that smell of meat and carmelizing proteins and sugars, you get to wanting to eat that BBQ so bad and you rush it, or folks rush you etc...if you ever get to go to a competition, there is this witching hour, between 5 and 7 in the morning, the air is cool, early light, everyone's pork butts and briskets are coming out of the stall, all that smoke and rub and meat, the aroma just hanging in the cool air, man, it is the most beautiful smell, and you know that you want to go look, and it is just not time to eat yet.

[Richard_]

how important is trimming the fat ?

[landarc]

I find that if you don't trim it down to 1/8", I find it is too fatty for my taste. Of course, you can just not eat the fat, but, then all the rub goes to waste. So I trim to 1/8" of the fat cap, which renders nicely to leave just a little fat. The fat chunk between the point and flat, if you don't trim it, it never renders right and then it makes things greasy. No Bueno.

[Bludawg]

I used weigh the trim so I had an Idea of the yield. Average trim was about 2.5 lb.Now I don't bother. As to cookin time It's done when it probes tender .I cook a 300 and wrap in BP between 4-5 hrs and done in an average of 6.5 hrs