Well, the wife is gone for the day until dinner time. I'm working from home, so I though I'd throw on some ribs. First, let me first start by saying, that I have a gas smoker. The el-chepo from Walmart. So, I know that those purists out there will say that I'm cheating. But you know what? Good. Cause my cheat produces great ribs with very little hassle. Second, know that I use the 3-2-1 method for ribs that calls for wrapping in foil. So, for the same purists, I know I'm using a "crutch", but I don't care. Once again, I produce great ribs for little work. Third, well, I'm sure that someone else will complain about something, so, for that person, know that I produce great ribs with little hassle. Fourth, did I mention that I produce great ribs with little hassle?
Method: 3-2-1. Temp 225 to 250. 3 hours uncovered in smoker; 2 hours wrapped in foil; 1 hour with foil open. For the last hour I add a bit more rub and throw some pepper jelly on top for glaze.
Ribs: standard cheap pork ribs. I am doing only one small rack. Dinner is just for myself, wife and son.
Rub: Don't have a clue. I was going through the spice drawer and found two sets of rubs I made earlier in the year. Both were almost empty, so I mixed them and threw them on the ribs. Other than pulling the membrane from the ribs after defrost, that is the only prep. There are lots of good rub recipes on the net. Just google "Smoked Pork Rib Rub".
Now to business:
Here is my smoker. It has seen lots of use, but never been cleaned.
I smoke ribs with Hickory. Hell, I smoke everything with Hickory because a buddy gave me a shit load of it for free. And, yes, I know my deck is in bad shape. The house actually has 3 decks and this one has the lowest priority.
The smoker comes with a little firebox. I tossed that and cut the bottom off a coffee can. It holds more and bigger chunks of wood. More smoke for longer.
Here is the soaked wood in the firebox.
Here is the slab of ribs ready to get started.
Rib cooking temp needs to be between 225 and 250 (low and slow). You have to get above 212 to boil the water in the bowl.
Updates soon.