Binding ribs

[LarryLoveVA]

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?

 

[NDKoze]

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

 

[swthorpe]

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.

 

[Paul Case Luca]

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.

 

[NDKoze]

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.

 

[LarryLoveVA]

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.

 

[Pork Belly]

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.

 

[DivotMaker]

Larry, the ribs look incredible!  Nice job!

 

[es1025]

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

 

[SuperDave]

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

 

[es1025]

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

 

[DivotMaker]

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