First Smoke - What Do You Recommend

SmokingCanuck · January 27, 2012, 02:51:07 PM

Hello, just picked up a BDS 4 rack and have been hanging around the forum learning from the more experienced. I have done the seasoning as recommended by Bradley and even ordered some Bubba Pucks. So I'm ready to go.............kind of ???.

For my first smoke I want to try something nice and easy. What would you guys/gals recommend as a good first smoke? My wife and kids have heard me talking a lot over the last few weeks of all the goodness to come, so now it's time to walk the walk. I have "Hickory" bisquetts, no meat yet and it's weekend time. ;D

Thanks for such a great forum, I've learned quite a bit and enjoyed the discussions and pictures of your smokes.

devo · January 27, 2012, 03:03:23 PM

One of my first smokes was ribs, you can follow this if you decide thats what you want to do

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=10182.0

OH and welcome to the forum

beefmann · January 27, 2012, 03:15:40 PM

welcome aboard,

I would go with pork shoulder, maybe 10 to 12 lbs,

rub with
1 tsp / lb paprika
1 tsp / lb black pepper
1 tsp / lb garlic powder
1 tsp / lb onion powder
1 tsp / lb ground mustard

coat it let stand over night and smoke next morning with 2 hours of oak, misquete or hickory... box temp of 225 and shoot for 195 for pulled pork.. good luck

CoreyMac · January 27, 2012, 03:16:09 PM

Yup, I vote for ribs also. You can make mistakes but they are fairly straight forward. BABYBACKS ALL THE WAY. ;D

rigstar · January 27, 2012, 03:21:26 PM

welcome to here as well, like you i was brand new to smoking just
under a year ago, there is so much info and help here from the
excellent members i still have a hard time believing it.
my first smoke was also ribs, they turned out ok, as i just kinda
winged it, wish i would've been on the forum before i did it;lol
now following advice and recipes i have read on here, there are a breeze!!
i have also done a beer can chicken which was very easy, smoked
then finished on the bbq.
i don't think you could go wrong with either

and you DEFINITELY made the right choice coming here!!

mikecorn.1 · January 27, 2012, 03:55:00 PM

Poke butt is most forgiving. Takes a
While. Go with some BB ribs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DTAggie · January 27, 2012, 04:51:19 PM

Baby back ribs are pretty easy and do not take a lot of time. I like the 2-2-1 method on baby backs and 3-2-1 on spare ribs. Boston Butt is very easy but can take a long time depending on size. PATIENCE is important no matter what you try.

Chicken breasts are very easy as is beer can chicken.

Welcome my friend!

KyNola · January 27, 2012, 07:15:28 PM

As usual I will be swimming upstream against the consensus of opinion but ribs would not be my first choice. I would either go with pork butts or a very simple bacon wrapped chicken breast. You can butterfly boneless skinless chicken breasts and stuff them with very thin sliced ham and your favorite cheese. Close the breast up and then tightly wrap with bacon and into your smoker.

Habanero Smoker · January 28, 2012, 02:34:39 AM

I agree with KyNola. Ribs require some practice.

For fool proof, the butt is the best choice, but it takes a long time. If you want a quick reward for your efforts; chicken, bacon wrapped chicken breast, pork loin, ABT's are a good choice. Many of those recipes can be found on this forum; or go to the Recpe Site for some ideas.

SmokingCanuck · January 28, 2012, 05:33:42 AM

Thanks all - going to pop over to the recipe forum and if the weather holds up, we'll be smokin today.

rigstar · January 28, 2012, 06:54:51 AM

good luck in your first smoke!!!

whereabouts in canada are you?

SmokingCanuck · January 29, 2012, 05:05:51 PM

Burlington On. :D

Georgia Chad · January 30, 2012, 06:32:42 AM

I would strongly disagree on the ribs. They have been my MOST difficult meat to smoke.

I have already hit Home-Runs with, per the Boss ;)

Hot Smoked:
Whole Chickens
Turkey Breast
Boston Butt
Cold Smoked:
Salmon
Ribeyes
Pork Chops

Ribs are the only meat I cannot get right.

For hot smoking, Boston Butt Is by far the simplest. Next comes Turkey Breast

Indy Smoker · January 30, 2012, 08:15:00 AM

I would go for pork shoulder if you have the time as they are the most forgiving. I suggest getting a Maverick thermometer to monitor the internal temp if you don't already have one. Also make sure to keep the drip pan clear of any grease build-up,this will prevent a grease fire and a disaster. I use a putty knife to keep the center hole clear. Don't forget to FTC (foil,towel, cooler) for at least 2-3 hours).

If you want to try something quick and easy the first time go for some nuts ot Atomic Buffalu Turds !!

First Smoke - What Do You Recommend

devo

beefmann