Cutting Racks of Ribs in Half - question

[MilitantSquatter]

I've got a dumb question that I think I know the answer to but would like confirmation....

Sean and I are planning on trying out approx. 10-12 recently bought rubs or combinations of rubs on ribs and chicken this Sunday or next.... The goal being to cook them all at once, agree on the 2 -3 three favorites and then continue to practice with those and narrow it down until the first contest. We'll do the same with the pork shoulder and brisket next but variety of rubs we wish to test are not as broad.

I'd prefer not to buy 10-12 racks for this purpose... especially if we don't like the finished flavor. I was thinking of just cutting the ribs in half this one time.

If I cut the ribs in half, should the ribs take approximately the same amount of time to cook as they would if the rack was left whole ?

Thoughts ?

 

[Frisco_Smoker]

I've got a dumb question that I think I know the answer to but would like confirmation....

Sean and I are planning on trying out approx. 10-12 recently bought rubs or combinations of rubs on ribs and chicken this Sunday or next.... The goal being to cook them all at once, agree on the 2 -3 three favorites and then continue to practice with those and narrow it down until the first contest. We'll do the same with the pork shoulder and brisket next but variety of rubs we wish to test are not as broad.

I'd prefer not to buy 10-12 racks for this purpose... especially if we don't like the finished flavor. I was thinking of just cutting the ribs in half this one time.

If I cut the ribs in half, should the ribs take approximately the same amount of time to cook as they would if the rack was left whole ?

My thinking is yes...it should, as the thickness is still the same.

Thoughts ?

I think they might take less time. You'd get heat from one additional side for each half. So, I think you get better heat penetration thus reducing cook time.

I could be wrong though.. just the way logic is taking me.

 

[stan]

I cut them in half from time to time and try different rubs on them. I think they may take a little less time but not much.

 

[thirdeye]

Vinny,

Why don't you buy 5 racks, keep em' whole and just season each half differently. Mark them with toothpicks or make a sketch so you don't get them mixed up?

 

[MilitantSquatter]

Thanks guys...

Very Good point Third Eye... So Simple.....

We were definitely planning on marking with toothpicks to know what each one had, but totally crossed my mind to split the rack with a rub on each side toothpick them accordingly....

 

[qman]

Thanks guys...

Very Good point Third Eye... So Simple.....

We were definitely planning on marking with toothpicks to know what each one had, but totally crossed my mind to split the rack with a rub on each side toothpick them accordingly....

Either way works, but if you decide to cut them in half, the time difference is minor. It might be a little less, but since you are not going to be cooking them by a strict time clock [are you?:shock: ] it is not enough to matter. So if it is eaiser to keep track of the different rubs by seperating them, that is what I would do.

 

[MilitantSquatter]

I'm with ya qman...

No strict time clocks here... Learned that lesson a while ago... it's done when it's done.... no sooner, no later.

Just wanted to confirm if my estimated times would stay close to the same.

 

[qman]

I'm with ya qman...

No strict time clocks here... Learned that lesson a while ago... it's done when it's done.... no sooner, no later.

Just wanted to confirm if my estimated times would stay close to the same.

Yup, don't thing you will notice the difference.

 

[kcquer]

One advantage to leaving the racks whole is that you might find a really good blend of rubs on one of those middle ribs:idea:

 

[Smoker]

I think the bigger issue is who else will you ask to help you judge which ribs are the best.....Perhaps some local KCBS judges????????????????

 

[rbsnwngs]

I think the bigger issue is who else will you ask to help you judge which ribs are the best.....Perhaps some local KCBS judges????????????????

i'm available for this as well
KCBS CBJ #7220

 

[BrooklynQ]

Same here.

 

[Sledneck]

I would come but being that since last night i cant even hold down water you might get insulted!

 

[BrooklynQ]

I would come but being that since last night i cant even hold down water you might get insulted!

I hope it wasn't something you ate yesterday. Or the day before.

Feel better Steve.

 

[Sledneck]

No i doubt it. My wife had the same stomach virus last week. Now i ts my turn i suppose. It really sucks!

 

[JohnMcD348]

No i doubt it. My wife had the same stomach virus last week. Now i ts my turn i suppose. It really sucks!

That nice of her to share. A sign of true love in my book. Sort of like Duth ovening her on a cold night, only a little for lasting.