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User Guidelines and Instructions => Basics for a Beginner => Topic started by: LarryLoveVA on December 13, 2014, 10:48:29 AM

Title: Binding ribs
Post by: LarryLoveVA on December 13, 2014, 10:48:29 AM

Just got a Model 3 and am preparing for first smoke.  I did my 4 hour seasoning smoke and prepared ribs (2 racks baby back about 1 1/2 lbs each) with dry rub when I saw the recommendation to bind the ribs before applying dry rub which I neglected to do. Any suggestions for recovering from this skipped step? 

Also which is more appropriate for baby back ribs apple juice or water for liquid during the smoke?

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: NDKoze on December 13, 2014, 11:18:16 AM

You could still put some yellow mustard on and rub it in. I would even add a little extra rub.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: swthorpe on December 13, 2014, 03:53:57 PM

I use EVO instead of yellow mustard, so you could apply some EVO and then apply more rub.   For my loaf pan next to the smoke box, I always use apple juice.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: Three Sons BBQ on December 13, 2014, 07:22:45 PM

No binder... Not a problem to be honest.

If the ribs were moist at all you are mostly fine.

Binder just helps for the tough nooks and crannies.

Adds no flavor... Just acts like a little glue.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: NDKoze on December 13, 2014, 08:37:36 PM

I think the binder does add flavor because it creates a great flavorful crust when combined with the rub.

It's not that ribs without binder would not still be really good. It just adds a texture and flavor that pushes the results over the edge.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: LarryLoveVA on December 21, 2014, 11:07:57 AM

As a follow up I attached photos of the finished product.  6 hours on about 235 seemed a bit long but no suffering on taste rather the texture of the top layer of the ribs seemed a bit firm, didn't have the "fall of the bone" experience but they tasted pretty good.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: Pork Belly on December 22, 2014, 09:11:39 AM

I never used a binder until I bought the #3 and started on this site. I find I use less rub with a binder. Typically I go with cheap yellow mustard as it is less expensive than olive oil.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: DivotMaker on December 22, 2014, 07:33:00 PM

Larry, the ribs look incredible!  Nice job!

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: es1025 on December 24, 2014, 05:44:05 PM

I have used water and vegetable oil as a binder for ribs, both work fine. Tmo, ribs are water based binder.

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: SuperDave on January 02, 2015, 08:12:16 PM

I was a watching an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and the guy used warm bacon grease as his binder. 

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: es1025 on January 03, 2015, 10:33:23 AM

Pork grease on pork, that has to be good...

Title: Re: Binding ribs
Post by: DivotMaker on January 04, 2015, 04:58:34 PM

Oh yeah, baby!  Bacon grease makes almost everything better! ;)