Best Starting Point?

[greenmountainsmoke]

So I have been immersing myself in smoking since getting the firebox attachment to my Char-griller last year (have already made some modifications). I feel pretty good about controlling heat and smoke after spending several month experimenting. I am mostly doing small things like apps, with the biggest being a pork tenderloin. Wondering what is a good entry point for a longer smoke? Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

~JH

 

[mytmouz]

I say a brisket. They are not difficult to cook at all if you don't over think it, and even if you screw it up, it is still better than most of the restaurant offerings out there, so your audience will think you are a master...

 

[pjtexas1]

It's really hard to mess up a pork butt.

 

[Groundhog66]

It's really hard to mess up a pork butt.

Yup, pork butt is the best way to start out...very forgiving.

 

[jdefran]

I concur with pork butt. Nearly impossible to screw up, usually cheaper than other meats, and will allow you to get an understanding of tending a fire for 5+ hours.

Keep it simple and continue to enjoy the process of learning.

 

[greenmountainsmoke]

What might be a good size for a pork butt? Several people have mentioned that to me before. I know its related to how many I want to feed, but what is a good rule of thumb for amount/person? Thanks!
~JH

 

[Groundhog66]

I like 'em to be between 5-8 lbs, you can always freeze any leftovers.

 

[BBQ_MAFIA]

Pork Butt is the way to go.

 

[Right on Q]

+1 for pork butt. Very forgiving

I started with ribs and quickly went to butts

 

[Bigbears BBQ]

6-8 lb butt

 

[redchaserron]

Another one for pork butt. Very forgiving...and very yummy. Make sure you make a good slaw to go with it.

 

[BTM88]

Butts butts butts. Like said before 5-7 lb butt. It'll give you a good day of smoking.

 

[Smoking Piney]

Definitely a pork butt. It cooks well in a wide range of temperatures and they are delicious.

 

[COS]

If you feel your ready for a long cook then I say a pork butt, but if your not then I say loin back ribs, there about a 4hr cook. If things go wrong you only have to tend for 2-3hrs vs 6-7hrs with a butt.

 

[Smoking Piney]

If you feel your ready for a long cook then I say a pork butt, but if your not then I say loin back ribs, there about a 4hr cook. If things go wrong you only have to tend for 2-3hrs vs 6-7hrs with a butt.

Agree.

A butt is easy, but make sure you have the time to see it through. It's done when it's done, and every butt I've cooked has been different in timing.

 

[BillN]

Ditto on the pork butt...

 

[greenmountainsmoke]

Thanks all for your help. I think it's the idea of smoking for so long that is more intimidating that the reality of it. Just need to plan ahead for a day that I can be home (tough to do w a 2 year old, but worth it).

~JH

 

[Bigwoods4x4]

Count another vote towards pork butt....as long as the fat renders you're golden.

FYI: Although it's not the "purist" way of doing it you can smoke the butt/shoulder until you hit 160 internal then wrap and put it in the oven @ 250-275 until it hits the 205 range. MUCH easier to do with a kid in the house.

 

[COS]

Thanks all for your help. I think it's the idea of smoking for so long that is more intimidating that the reality of it. Just need to plan ahead for a day that I can be home (tough to do w a 2 year old, but worth it).

~JH

That's the reason why I say loin back ribs, only a four hour cook. Once you feel confident in your fire management skills then you can go on to longer cooks.

 

[Jason TQ]

I concur with pork butt. Nearly impossible to screw up

Challenge accepted! :becky: