New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

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secla
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New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by secla »

Just purchased a proq frontier after using a kettle for a couple of years, but never used the kettle for indirect cooking as i felt it was a bit on the small side !

Im looking at what meat cuts i should use to practice on as i feel 5kg of brisket would go to waste or atleast not made the most of, I pretty much like all meats but i am wondering what are considered the best "cheaper" cuts to start with
GingerBen
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Re: New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by GingerBen »

Hi and welcome to the best hobby there is! I would start with things that are pretty cheap to get just in case they don't turn out how you expected first time. Chicken thighs/legs are a good starting point as smoked chicken is lovely and it's cheap.
Pulled pork is also very forgiving and cheap to buy a pork shoulder joint but it needs to cook for a long time so you'll need to get your method for how to set up the coals nailed. I recommend you tube for videos on minion or snake method.

Have fun
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BraaiMeesterWannabe
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Re: New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by BraaiMeesterWannabe »

I would start on baby back ribs

Long enough to feel like a proper cook but not too long.
essexsmoker
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Re: New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by essexsmoker »

Think I'd go with Braai. Ribs are a good start and loins are really easy.

Other than that pulled pork from a pork shoulder.
nabby
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Re: New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by nabby »

Pork ribs or beef short ribs are a good place to start. Also consider chicken wings and as mentioned already, pork shoulder for pulled pork. Don't forget to get a temperature probe or thermometer as it's the best way to tell when pork shoulder is ready to pull.

Good luck in making your choice!


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ScottishSmoker
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Re: New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by ScottishSmoker »

Agree with all, chicken thighs or ribs for a shorter (2,5h) cook or pork shoulder for a longer 6h cook.
Having said that, I did a lamb shoulder as third cook yesterday (so I consider myself as inexperienced) and that turned out pretty good, see below photo's

My favourite so far is pork (spare) ribs, just make sure you have a sticky sweet & spicy baste though :)

Image

Image

reg.
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Mj2k
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Re: New to smoking, What cuts to practice on

Post by Mj2k »

essexsmoker wrote:Think I'd go with Braai. Ribs are a good start and loins are really easy.

Other than that pulled pork from a pork shoulder.


Pork shoulder is very forgiving, but ribs give you many opportunities to test out when they are ready if you do a few slightly differently


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