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01-19-2008, 01:59 PM | |
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HELP! I have a smoker and don't know how to use it!
OK. Here's the deal. I got a smoker for Christmas. But the deal is that I have no idea how to use it. I know there are some excellent smokers on the Planet, so here is my plea for help.
Description of smoker here Basically, I know nothing about smoking meats. I'm looking for advice from you guys as basically a beginners guide to smoking. I know the recipe supercenter is out there, but as far as how to smoke something, I have no clue. As far as what kinds of meat to use, how long to cook it for, what to season it with, what kind of wood chips to use, and what to do to keep it from drying out. As well as any tips for me to get started. Any recipes that would be good for beginners would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for all your help. (I already know that antifreeze makes an excellent marinade) |
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06-29-2008, 05:22 PM | #121 |
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All the meat-smokers I know start by asking your age-wants-stats-freedom-then usually price ....
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06-29-2008, 06:22 PM | #122 |
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Well, my ribs turned out a solid "OK". The rub was good, but I used a little too much. But the flavor was excellent. I don't know what the MSG would have added, but the flavor was pretty solid. Might consider taking out the season salt and adding it back to salt, just to see what I'm missing.
There were 2 different sets of ribs I cooked. One set were essentially quartered ribs so they were easier to pack. Those I got from my parents. I overcooked those. Tasted good once you got in past the outside rib, but you could definitely tell they were overcooked. The next set I bought from Wal-Mart because they were cheap (I wanna say like $1.50 per pound) and I was doing this anyway, so I picked them up. Those were turned out really pretty solid. Although that chunk of meat on the backside made them a little harder to manage and monitor. I did half of them with Cattleman's Classic and the others with KC Masterpiece original. In BFE, we don't have any of the good stuff. I think I'll stick with the Masterpiece though. All in all it was a good experience. Came out with some OK Q and learned a lot. Thanks for your help fellas. It is much appreciated. |
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06-29-2008, 07:10 PM | #123 |
Cast Iron Jedi
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06-29-2008, 07:24 PM | #124 | ||
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Quote:
You'll be very, very happy if you start making your own BBQ sauce. That KC Masterpiece stuff is swill. Quote:
It makes quite a bit, but it'll what you don't use will fit back inside the ketchup bottle and will keep in the fridge for up to a year. This recipe is from the Kansas City BBQ Society, called Kansas City Classic Sauce. As you see, I've made a few alterations for what I like better. But if you only do one thing, make your own chili powder. Another tip: buy all of your spices whole. Keep them in the freezer until you need them. When you need them, pull out what you need, lightly toast them in a DRY skillet, then grind them. It makes all the difference in the world. Toasting them brings their essential oils to life. If they're already cracked or ground, you lose a tremendous amount of flavor in very little time. |
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06-29-2008, 07:35 PM | #125 | |
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If you need any other sauce ideas, I can hook you up - I hate to see a BBQ brother in need, using Masterpiece.
I rarely EVER buy sauce anymore. And if you're partial to Gates, this recipe is spot on. http://recipes.egullet.org/recipes/r1689.html Quote:
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06-29-2008, 07:51 PM | #126 |
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That's great FMB. I'd give you rep, but I can't give you anymore. I've found some sauce recipes online, but nothing very good. I don't know where to get whole spices out here, but may head to Denver sometime for some.
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06-29-2008, 07:52 PM | #127 | |
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Quote:
Whole spices in the freezer will last a LONG time. |
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06-29-2008, 07:53 PM | #128 |
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Cool. Thanks!
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07-18-2008, 08:24 PM | #129 |
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I am going to buy this smoker at SportsAuthority tomorrow. It looked like the same one from the picture on the box. I found it for $135 (with coupon.)
I will be smoking this weekend. |
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07-18-2008, 08:59 PM | #130 |
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That's a great price. I've been told that Sports Authority sells that model and that they also carry some nice wood chunks.
Lest there be any confusion, the name is Weber Smoky Mountain Cooker/Smoker. Let us know if it is indeed the same, I know some others who might like to buy one at that price. |
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07-18-2008, 10:08 PM | #131 |
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No. It is a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker. On sale for $179, 25% off coupon good through tomorrow makes it $135. The coupon is good through tomorrow.
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=854907 Bought my wife a nice new bike there too. They are 20% off and then the 25% off for the coupon. |
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07-18-2008, 10:14 PM | #132 | |
Like I woke up in Wonderland..
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07-18-2008, 10:25 PM | #133 | |
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Quote:
Dang, I misunderstood. But I certainly hope you enjoy your new smoker. Let us know how your first smoke goes. |
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07-18-2008, 10:38 PM | #134 |
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When I clicked the link in the main post that is the smoker that came up. Got great reviews on Cabelas website. almost a 4 out of 4 with over 120 reviewers.
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07-19-2008, 07:14 AM | #135 |
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Yeah, I really like mine. It is a "cheater" smoker, but I am nowhere near good enough to try what some of these guys pull off. I'm moving that way though.
I think you will really enjoy it. Read the directions about using for the first time. Read through some of the responses here. These guys helped me out a lot. Let me know if you have specific questions. I think it will be a good investment for you. |
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