What is the apple juice for in smoking ribs?

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

johncoby

Newbie
Original poster
Feb 9, 2009
8
10
Houston
I have see the 3-2-1 method of cooking ribs. It calls to splash the ribs with apple juice and wrap with foil for 2 hours.

What does the apple juice do? Can I use other juices?
 
The apple juice is the moisture the ribs will use to kinda baste themselves while in the foil. I think you could use a different juice but you may get a different flavor with it
 
Cranberry might be good. Think I'll try that next time.
 
I use 2 parts apple juice to 1 part beer. Put in the fridge over night, with onion slices, smashed garlic cloves, whole jalapenos, and black peppercorns to soak. Next day when I smoke then foil, use to braise.
After they're done, drain the juices from the foil, and mix in to my BBQ sauce.
DON'T WASTE THE JUICE!!!!! Especially after pulling apart a butt. Mix the juice with vinegar from pickled jalapenos, and use as a finishing sauce for pulled pork.
603f990b_vbattach20571.gif
 
Apple juice to pork is like cake is to ice cream! Apple juice really compliments the Pork flavor.

beard
 
I've used apple, cherry and orange all with good success, and different effect! It's good to experiment, I usually play with only one variable at a time though, to try to keep track of the results.
 
I spritz with apple juice when ribs sweat, as well as braise.If you like sticky sweet add honey and sugar to foil pouch.
 
You & me both. People keep giving me fifths of JD as gifts (cause I like to drink). Little do they know that most of the JD goes to spritzing meat.

Can't beat Jim Beam for drinking. Course Early Times & coke is my fav.
 
The last time I smoked ribs, I used a combination of Dr Pepper, apple juice, rum, and some apple cide vinegar for my braising fluid and it came out great. I had read about the Dr Pepper on here awhile back and decided to try it.

mike
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky