BBQers of the Huddle, teach me your ways!

[Hotsauce]

Step one: get a smoker (I suggest Big Green Egg, or a cheaper barrel style smoke from Lowes)

Step Two: this website is superb that gives you everything from recipes, to cooking techniques, to butchering techniques, etc.  They teach you how to cook everything, plus there are videos, which I like.

http://amazingribs.com

Step Three: start cooking!  My suggestion is to start with a pork butt (or a bone in pork shoulder is how you will find it labeled in a grocery store). Cook one that is 6+ lbs. and feed it to friends for feedback. The more cooks you get in, the better you will be.  

Here are some of my crafts:

My first barrel smoker, I got it for $5 at a yard sale. Didn't look like much, but she was a great smoker.  This was a turkey.

My first pork butt on the big green egg

Ribs, big green egg style

12 hr Brisket on the egg 

Prime rib on the egg

[Hotsauce]

On January 3, 2016 at 9:01 PM, ARSEN said:

I got into BBQing few months ago and its addicting!  Be careful because the second you start making your own BBQ, all relatives will be asking to come over to your house for holidays and parties and when they leave, they will take all your leftovers.

I did a lot of research on which smoker to buy and I decided on Weber Smokey Mountain 18.5 inch smoker

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I8ZTJ0?keywords=weber%20smokey%20mountain&qid=1451785224&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

After using it multiple times, I cannot be happier with a purchase... I mean 5 out 5 stars by 1.5K people... amazing.

I make my own rub, mop and BBQ sauce...  First, I did a lot of reading on spices and other things by buying a book and online research.  After a while you will make your own rub and BBQ and u will feel its the best and u will keep it a secret.  No one ever shares their signature BBQ recipe. :)

Pork butts take 12-14 hours.  Make sure to inject (buy a metal bbq syringe) with about a pint of marinade per 10lbs of meat.  Smoke it for about 10 hours at 225* then wrap it in foil and place in the oven for 3-4 hours at 225.

Ribs take about 4 hours.  I usually apply rub 10 hours before smoking...  I mop it every hour and apply BBQ sauce 15 minute prior to completion.

I make turkey, duck, chicken... etc.  Everything is amazing.

The only problem is... everyone wants to come for lunch so I always start preping around 7pm the day before...  If you want pork butt done around noon, it better be on a smoker around 12am and you aint gettting a lot of sleep that night.

ALWAYS use lump charcoal ( its more expensive).  It will burn for longer...  I smoked Pork Butt 2 days ago...  I went to bed at 1am and woke up at 6am and temperature was constant at 230*...

I would recommend you to buy blue tooth thermometer, it will buzz u if temperature gets too hot or too cold.

 

Good luck! 

 

I have used this Weber and it is no doubt the best barrel style smoker out there. My only gripe is that if someone is starting out, $300 is a lot of money to spend for the Cadillac of vertical barrel smokers. 

This is one that is $79 from Home Depot that would do the trick for you. I honestly would spend $300 on it unless you know that's he style of smoker you want.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Meco-Southern-Country-2-In-1-Charcoal-Water-Smoker-Grill-5031-4-181/205694083

+1 on lump charcoal.  Don't buy the typical charcoal you are used to.

whatever you do though, don't buy an electric smoker. I personally know a lot of guys who bought one and regret it down the road.

[Doyle]

 

fug everything else you smoked.  This looks awesome.  

[Hotsauce]

13 hours ago, Doyle said:

 

fug everything else you smoked.  This looks awesome.  

Thanks man.  This was the first Prime Rib I have ever tried cooking. It was amazing to say the least. I was nervous about doing a smoke and reverse sear, but as you can see if came out perfect. 

[thefuzz]

14 hours ago, Hotsauce said:

I have used this Weber and it is no doubt the best barrel style smoker out there. My only gripe is that if someone is starting out, $300 is a lot of money to spend for the Cadillac of vertical barrel smokers. 

This is one that is $79 from Home Depot that would do the trick for you. I honestly would spend $300 on it unless you know that's he style of smoker you want.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Meco-Southern-Country-2-In-1-Charcoal-Water-Smoker-Grill-5031-4-181/205694083

+1 on lump charcoal.  Don't buy the typical charcoal you are used to.

whatever you do though, don't buy an electric smoker. I personally know a lot of guys who bought one and regret it down the road.

I disagree with this, but to each his own.

With the time restrictions of my job, I don't get many days off where I can just "be around", much easier to get some smoking in with my electric.  Again though, to each his own.

[Hotsauce]

On January 6, 2016 at 11:33 AM, thefuzz said:

I disagree with this, but to each his own.

With the time restrictions of my job, I don't get many days off where I can just "be around", much easier to get some smoking in with my electric.  Again though, to each his own.

I know I am a bit of a Puritan when it comes to smoking, hence why I would never recommend buying an electric. I completely understand your reasons, it's easier and it doesn't require the same "skill" of babysitting it. Personally that is my favorite part. 

To me, buying an electric smoker is equivalent to someone buying a George Forman grill as their "grill". 

Again man, from one BBQer to another, to each his own and enjoy!

[Ja Rhule]

 

 

 

[thefuzz]

12 hours ago, Hotsauce said:

I know I am a bit of a Puritan when it comes to smoking, hence why I would never recommend buying an electric. I completely understand your reasons, it's easier and it doesn't require the same "skill" of babysitting it. Personally that is my favorite part. 

To me, buying an electric smoker is equivalent to someone buying a George Forman grill as their "grill". 

Again man, from one BBQer to another, to each his own and enjoy!

Oh, I don't prefer it, but kinda goes with the territory for me at this juncture.

One day I wan't an outdoor fixture of a smoker that can also be a pizza oven and outdoor kitchen....by the pool.....one day....

[Travis Galliher]

I'm looking to get started in the ways of the BBQ as well.  I got an old school 22" Weber Kettle, because cost was a factor, and I like the variety of ways I can utilize it.  I'm hoping it will be a good way to build some experience and knowledge before upgrading to a dedicated smoker.