BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Recipe Discussions => Meat => Topic started by: Lil Smokey on August 25, 2012, 05:17:50 PM

Title: First timer
Post by: Lil Smokey on August 25, 2012, 05:17:50 PM
Hey All,

I am super excited because I just got an Original Bradley Smoker as a wedding present!  I have always wanted one.  But now as I am gearing up to use it for the first time, I realize with no experience with cooking with smokers at all, this could turn out very interesting..  I heard everyone on here is awesome so I thought I would try here first.

I am planning on using it for the first time next week for my Fantasy Football draft which is at my place.  I am wanting to to a bunch of ribs, possibly babyback ribs.  I will be seasoning the smoker in the next day or two.

Any recipes or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!   
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: GusRobin on August 25, 2012, 06:23:00 PM
Here is a link to the forum's web site.

http://www.susanminor.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?180-Our-Time-Tested-and-Proven-Recipes (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?180-Our-Time-Tested-and-Proven-Recipes)

For baby backs I would use a variation of the 3-2-1 method, maybe use 2 1/2 -2-1 When you foil it, drizzle honey on the rack, sprinkle some brown sugar and a tablespoon of butter. Put in meat side down. When you take it out of the foil, be careful to save the juice and mop the ribs with it as you start the last hour.
Don't forget to remove the membrane before you start the ribs.
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: TedEbear on August 25, 2012, 08:20:34 PM
Quote from: Lil Smokey on August 25, 2012, 05:17:50 PMAny recipes or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

Welcome to the forum.  Did you read the How to Make Ribs in a Bradley Pictorial (http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=10182.0) at the top of this section?

Title: Re: First timer
Post by: beefmann on August 26, 2012, 11:50:00 AM
welcome aboard
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Lil Smokey on August 26, 2012, 02:35:33 PM
Thanks All!

This may sound like a dumb question for most of you but.. What's the 3-2-1 method? 

I did read the rib pictorial and it definitely got me going. I am still a bit nervous with doing this for the first time here this week.  I understand the membrane removal and applying rub so it can sit overnight but the cooking is still a bit over my head at this point.

I am trying to find a good start up step by step guide to guide me through this first time and get my feet wet.  I will probably rely a bit on the pictorial that was posted
Title: First timer
Post by: mikecorn.1 on August 26, 2012, 02:45:27 PM
Look at the link that Tedbear provided. All you kneed to know about making ribs in the Bradley is there.
Also, I don't apply rub and let them sit overnight. Just prepare and throw them in the smoker. JUST WHAT WORKS FOR ME ;)

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Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Toker on August 26, 2012, 02:47:40 PM
3-2-1 is 3 hours of smoke, 2 hours of foil and 1 hour of sauce.
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: muebe on August 26, 2012, 06:30:40 PM
Welcome from Southern California and congrats on your new toy ;)
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Habanero Smoker on August 27, 2012, 02:45:08 AM
Hi Lil Smokey;

Welcome to the forum.

All the steps for cooking are in that pictorial. The pictorial is for spare ribs, so if you are cooking baby backs you want to reduce your cooking time. I don't cook baby backs, so I don't know the adjustment times.

I recommend applying the rub 20 - 40 minutes prior to cooking. I find applying the rub to ribs too early give them a hammy flavor.
Title: First timer
Post by: mikecorn.1 on August 27, 2012, 05:44:13 AM
Habs hit it on the nose. That's why I don't overnight anymore.


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Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Lil Smokey on August 27, 2012, 05:48:47 AM
You guys are awesome!  Thanks for all the help!  I have gone over that pictorial a few more times and am more confident.  I seasoned the smoker last night and I must admit.. I am REALLY excited to get into this!

2 questions.. First, The pictorial says give a splash of apple juice when you foil.  Is this something everyone does?  Why, why not?  And then second, I assume that for the last hour of smoke after you sauce it is out of the foil, correct?

Thanks again everyone!
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: NePaSmoKer on August 27, 2012, 05:52:34 AM
No not everyone  :o
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: KyNola on August 27, 2012, 07:17:58 AM
Some folks add apple juice to the foil as it is supposed to aid in the cooking process and keep the ribs from drying out.  I've done it with and without liquid in the foil and don't see a lot of difference.  Yes, you are correct that the last hour is out of the foil.  Also, there is no need to continue to apply smoke after the first 3 hour period.
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: TedEbear on August 27, 2012, 07:29:32 AM
Quote from: Lil Smokey on August 27, 2012, 05:48:47 AMFirst, The pictorial says give a splash of apple juice when you foil.  Is this something everyone does?  Why, why not?

I add maybe 1/2-2/3 cup of apple juice in mine to aid in the steaming process for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.  I use the juice afterwards to make some Vermont Maple Glazed Pig Candy (http://www.amazingribs.com/recipes/porknography/vermont_pig_candy.html) to brush on the ribs during the final 15 minutes.

Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Kahunas on August 27, 2012, 08:24:15 AM
Welcome and the single most importat thing to remember with a Bradley smoker is........Relax and have fun with it. Your gonna love it.
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Lil Smokey on August 27, 2012, 09:38:13 AM
Also, What rub do you guys recommend??  I went to Gander Mountain yesterday looking and they didn't have much of anything to choose from. 
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: TedEbear on August 27, 2012, 12:48:33 PM
Quote from: Lil Smokey on August 27, 2012, 09:38:13 AM
Also, What rub do you guys recommend??

A popular one around here is Jan's Dry Rub. (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?467-Jan-s-Dry-Rub)  Some people say it can make a brick taste good.   :)

There's also a recipe for Jan's Spicy Dry Rub (http://www.susanminor.org/forums/showthread.php?740-Jan-s-Spicy-Dry-Rub), if you like your ribs to bite back.   ;)
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: SiFumar on August 27, 2012, 04:32:17 PM
Welcome!  Remember we like pictures!  Jan's Rub is outstanding on pork and chicken.(haven't tried on beef yet)
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Lil Smokey on August 28, 2012, 05:56:38 AM
Can I get this Jan's rub at Wal Mart or where would I find it?

Title: Re: First timer
Post by: KyNola on August 28, 2012, 07:13:57 AM
You can't buy it.  You make it.  TedEBear provided you with a link to the recipe(s).  Know how I know?  Because Jan is my wife and we developed the Rub for the folks on the forum. :)
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: CLAREGO on August 28, 2012, 07:47:04 AM
 :o now thats a rub  8)
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Smoker John on August 28, 2012, 05:34:19 PM
Welcome, have fun smoking those ribs
Title: Re: First timer
Post by: Lil Smokey on August 30, 2012, 11:12:19 AM
Thanks for the help everyone!!  The ribs turned out great and everyone really enjoyed them!!

I did have a problem with the smoker that maybe you have experienced?  When I was warming up the smoker it stayed at about 150* and wouldn't go any higher..  I switched outlets and it took about 45 mins but it did get up to 225*-250*.  I didn't think it should have taken that long but I was happy I was finally there.  Then I put the ribs in and again, stayed at 150* (this is with the heat cranked as far as it will go now just trying to get some heat.. After 3 HOURS, I finally got up to 225*..  Thoughts??

I just used the oven after my smoking was done but I really don't think it should be working like this.  I talked to a friend of mine who is a big smoker and he said it should have taken maybe 10 mins to get up to 225*.  Just thought I would get everyone's input?