Jeekinz
Washing Up
So I go to Lowes at 930am and pickup a Char Griller Super Pro ($119) and a couple bags of various wood chunks and charchoal. I couldn't decide, I've always been a propane person. I put the unit together and follow the directions on seasoning the grates (2-3 hrs). I had a package of cut pork ribs in the fridge which turned out to be my first victim. I also tried my first dry rub. Yea, I read a bunch of recipies, as long as you throw a bunch of spices together it will come out good. I decided to smoke with mesquite chunks. Basically, I made a small fire, just smaller than a shoebox, on the right side of the grill. There are 4 segments to the cooking grate, the one above the fire I placed aside so I could add to the fire easily. Directions said to soak the wood chunks in water for an hour....so I did a few pieces but it didn't seem to make a difference on how fast it burned or how much smoke developed. The ribs smoked on the left side (indirect heating) for 5 hrs at 200-225. Also, about every half hour I basted the ribs with a mixture of 1 c water, 1 c. red wine vinegar, and 1/3 c brown sugar. I must say, the grill puts out ALOT of smoke, I went through one whole bag of wood ( about the size of a small back pack. Be aware, your clothes will smell like the smoke terribly, almost to the point where it makes you gag. (my coat is in the wash now). when all was said and done... they turned out good. They had a real serious smoke flavor (I wasn't really familliar with) and the meat was hot pink and juicy. I had some BBQ sauce on the table for dipping which added even more flavor and cut a little smokiness.
Final word: PROS-Smoking is not too difficult, the equipment is cheap, it's fun tending to the grill (especially if you have a few cocktails on hand) and the flavor is tremendous. CONS - do not wear good clothes, if your hungry..forgeddaboutit.
Final word: PROS-Smoking is not too difficult, the equipment is cheap, it's fun tending to the grill (especially if you have a few cocktails on hand) and the flavor is tremendous. CONS - do not wear good clothes, if your hungry..forgeddaboutit.