stupid question about ribs.

[338lapua]

First off I love searching and reading different things on this forum. I have learned so much. I have seen several post where ribs are wrapped in foil with butter and Brown sugar. What exactly does that do? Does it help with the bark or give the ribs a sweeter taste?

 

[stickyfingers]

Adds moisture and sweetness for that one bite goodness.

 

[fwismoker]

I used to do that exact thing...the logic is tender ribs with great flavor but has nothing to do with bark.  I will say it isn't necessary for the best ribs but...

Experiment for yourself and have fun doing it!

 

[338lapua]

Thank y'all for your advice. I definitely plan on trying it.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

On another note, if ya haven't tried no foil & just letting them go the whole time.... They are tasty that way as well.... But like Keith said, experiment & find what you & your fam like, that's what it's all about.... And it fun to experiment as well ! Thumbs Up

 

[bryce]

On another note, if ya haven't tried no foil & just letting them go the whole time.... They are tasty that way as well.... But like Keith said, experiment & find what you & your fam like, that's what it's all about.... And it fun to experiment as well ! Thumbs Up

Do you shut down the smoke 3 hours or so into it?

Sure would be nice to not "have" to wrap'em up. Seems odd we can get juicy and tender ribs without foiling but I totally believe in your technique and will give it a shot with the extra slab I have in my freezer.

If they end up with a little tug but not chewy that would be great.

Bryce

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

On another note, if ya haven't tried no foil & just letting them go the whole time.... They are tasty that way as well.... But like Keith said, experiment & find what you & your fam like, that's what it's all about.... And it fun to experiment as well ! Thumbs Up

Do you shut down the smoke 3 hours or so into it?

Sure would be nice to not "have" to wrap'em up. Seems odd we can get juicy and tender ribs without foiling but I totally believe in your technique and will give it a shot with the extra slab I have in my freezer.

If they end up with a little tug but not chewy that would be great.

Bryce

Nope, I smoke all the way thru.... I've honestly never wrapped my ribs & they come out juicy & tender.... Give it a try, ya may just be surprised.... I don't wanna hijack this thread but here's a thread of my last ribs if you'd like to check it out.... Nothin fancy, just a few rib pics !

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/185326/kiddos-asked-for-ribbies

 

[bryce]

That's awesome, I'll try it. Thanks for the thread link. They look excellent!

Still take 5 hours'ish?

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

That's awesome, I'll try it. Thanks for the thread link. They look excellent!

Still take 5 hours'ish?

No prob, hope it helps....

Yep, right in that 4-5 hr range usually....give or take a little either way, depending on the thickness & if it's spares or BB's ! I usually smoke round 245-250*

 

[frog1369]

338lapua,

You can get great ribs with or without foil.  My family likes them either way but my friends really like the ones I foil.  You'll have plenty of cooks coming up, experiment, try it both ways, try new things.  The nice part is you get to eat your experiments.   Here is a link to a cook I did with the glaze recipe I used.  Went over very well.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/187483/smoker-temp-for-baby-backs#post_1355494

 

[fwismoker]

Soon I'll show how I do ribs in 60-90 minutes no foil needed, although you can and they're not burned and moist. Remember ribs have fats and connective tissue to keep the moist.

 

[h2so4ca]

In all the years I have been smoking ribs, I don't think I have ever foiled a rack of ribs. I see a lot of people do and if it works for them

I'm all for it. 

 

[stickyfingers]

Yeah, I do them both ways...don't really have a preference.

 

[joe black]

Ribs really look good. I have been wrapping mine for several years and lately have had some overdone product. I'm going to do the next batch naked and try to catch a look and feel at about 3 hours. Then I can judge from there and not guess at the foil. Good luck, Joe