Trying the 3-2-1 for ribs

[milleti]

So this is my first try for these, using 3 oz. of hickory.  Rubbed the ribs with mustard and then applied a nice rub which is more on the sweet side with not much spice.  They are now on the last hour with a honey spice sauce on them for the last hour.  If these things taste as good as they smell, pigs really can fly!  Guess it didn't help to put that foil in the kitchen garbage can, the house smells great which is making this last hour pass so slowly.

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[DivotMaker]

Sounds good, Milleti.  Many of us have found that the 3-2-1 or 2-2-1 methods just aren't necessary in these smokers.  They're just so moisture-controlled that the "traditional" methods just aren't needed!

Next time you cook ribs, go 5 hours @ 225. without peeking or wrapping, and see what you think.  You'll find you have ribs that are just as moist, and have a better bark than wrapped ribs.  This is a constant debate on here, so take this for what it's worth!    I just say try it, and see if it works for you!  That's what makes these smokers so great!...."Lazy Q" at its finest!

[milleti]

DivotMaker,

Will try it without the foil next time.  The 3-2-1s turned out great, momma really raved about them (photo attached) but she also said to give your recommendation a try.  Momma is very supportive of creating good Q.

[Walt]

The ribs look great.  After you do the no wrap method let us know which you liked better & what you perceived the difference was.

[DivotMaker]

Ain't nothing wrong with those, Milleti!  Let us know if you become a "no peeky" convert!

[old sarge]

milleti - welcome

I did the foil routine before and really did not notice a difference. What I did notice is that it added time to the smoke, let heat out of the smoker, and reminded me of why I retired my stick burner (tending to the equipment).  The ribs were good but for my old tastebuds, the extra steps just were not worth the effort.

The great thing about smoking (and you see this at competitions), every one has their favorite method. Whatever works for you and yours is what counts. And experimenting is tasty fun.

Happy smoking.

DAve

[swthorpe]

I agree with  Divot and Sarge.   I did the 2-2-1 method several times before converting to the 5 hour unwrapped method.   The only change for me is I take them out after about 4 hours, apply some sauce, and then back in the smoker for the last hour or so.

[milleti]

DivotMaker, made the ribs as you suggested and momma is doing cartwheels over them.  She said they were just great, much better than the 3-2-1s.  Thanks so much for the suggestion, you ever make it to Florida I have a cold beer for you!

[DivotMaker]

Awesome, Tim!  Glad the ribs were a hit!  That's what we're all about here - good Q!!  Thanks for the cold one!