HOW TO CONQUER CHARCOAL- SMOKE FIGHT EPISODE 1

 

Ribs So Good, They'll Make You GO YIAM YIAM: A Charcoal Grilling Guide for the Cowboys

Smoke charcoal Ribs: Its almost a Love Story...sorry darlin...I am just being honest

Let's face it, folks. There's something magical about ribs cooked over charcoal. The smoky aroma that flows through your backyard, the sizzling sound from the burning fat, the sheer satisfaction of knowing you have conquered the grill... it's pure BBQ bliss. It's a kind of magical experience that makes you want to sing and maybe even do a little "dirty" dancing.

But let's be real, grilling ribs can feel intimidating. You see those perfectly charred, glistening ribs on "Food Network", "There's no way I can do that!" You picture yourself battling a raging inferno, only to end up with a pile of charcoal-infused ash and a severely burnt piece of meat. You're a good cook, but ribs? That's a whole other level, right?

Fear not, my fellow rib-lover! This guide will walk you through the process, turning you from "rib newbie" to "master of the smoky char" in no time. We'll break down the steps, dispel the myths, and sprinkle in some humor along the way because, let's be honest, cooking ribs should be fun!

Step 1: The Ribs: Choosing Your Meat Weapon

The first step in your rib-grilling journey is choosing your weapon of choice. There are two main contenders:

• Baby Back Ribs: These are the fancier, more delicate cousins of the St. Louis ribs. They have a thinner layer of fat and a slightly sweeter flavor. Think of them as the Beyoncé of the rib world 👉stunning, delicious, and undeniably fabulous.
• 
  
• St. Louis Ribs: These ribs are known for their meaty, hearty nature. They have a thicker layer of fat and a richer, more savory flavor. Picture them as the rockstar of the rib world – powerful, bold, and always in demand.

Which one should you choose? It's like choosing between a perfectly tailored suit and a rugged leather jacket – it all depends on your personal style. If you're a fan of delicate flavors and a bit of drama, go for the baby backs. If you prefer bold, full-bodied flavors and a good time, the St. Louis ribs are your best bet.

😎Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment! You can even mix and match. At the end of the day, whatever you choose, I guarantee you that you will leak you fingers and rub your tummy

Step 2: Preparing Your Ribs for Grill Glory

Now that you've chosen your ribs, it's time to get them ready for their charcoal destiny.

• Don't trust everything you read in the internet...Most of the procedures start with dry rubbing your meat...No, no and no. Not for this recipe.
• All you have to do is to get a big plastic container, something that can store all your ribs together in the refrigerator. Put them all together in the container and pure over a litter of red dry wine... or maybe two litters if they are a lot of babies in there. Make sure the wine covers all of the babies. That' s it, nothing else. Refrigerate them overnight. This allows the wine to penetrate the meat, creating a symphony of deliciousness.

Step 3: The Charcoal Crusade: Launching Your Smoky Symphony

It's time to get those coals burning! Charcoal grilling is an art form, and the key to success lies in creating the perfect bed of embers.

• Fire Up the Grill: Start by building a good bed of wood charcoal in your grill. Wood charcoal is the one you wan to use. That is the second secret ingredient I am sharing. You'll want a hot fire for those gorgeous grill marks. Think of it like a rock concert – you need enough energy to get the crowd moving.
• 
  
• The Even Coal Spread: Once the charcoal is getting white , spread them evenly across the grill. You want those ribs to cook evenly, not just in a single hot spot. Think of it like a dance floor – everyone needs space to move and groove.

💪Pro Tip: Five minutes before you spread the charcoal, take your ribs of the refrigerator and off the wine and just apply a bit of salt, good old traditional sea salt on both sides of each rib 

Step 4: The Meat and Greet: Getting Your Ribs on the Grill

Your fire is roaring and your ribs are ready to party. It's time to get them on the grill!

• The Hot Side Dance: Place your ribs on the grill under the hot wooden charcoal. Let them cook for about 40 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Think of it as a hot tango:
•  👉 intense, passionate, and full of flavor.
• 
  
• The Sauce Embrace: After 40 minutes, your ribs are now evenly cooked. Sometimes it might take longer depending on the heat beneath, so make sure you flip them around until they are cooked well. It's time to wrap those ribs in a smoky BBQ sauce embrace. Take them out of the fire and into an oven tray to be able to "draw" on them. Using a basting brush, spread your sauce evenly over both sides of each rib. 

💥Pro Tip: Your sauce its the big secret of this delicious outcome. I cannot tell you everything about the sauce...it wont be a secret anymore if I do so 😃 but I can tell you enough to climb the stairs of success. In your final sauce mixture make sure to include, original BBQ sauce, vinegar, HP sauce, mustard, soy sauce and a little splash of natural honey.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch: Glazing for Glory

It's time for the grand finale – the caramelization of the killer sauce mixture ontop of the smoky rib.

• Caramelization: Put your ribs back into battle. Back to the charcoal for another 6 minutes, three minutes on each side to get your sauce glue on the juicy meat. 
• 
  
• Rest Time: Once cooked, let your ribs rest for 1 minute only before slicing and serving. Don' t you dare lose more time. Cut your ribs in half and let the joy of tearing down the meat rib by rib to your primitive guests

The Grand Finale: Your Rib Masterpiece

There you have it! Your journey to rib-grilling glory has begun. Now get out there, fire up the grill, and get ready for some seriously delicious ribs! And remember, if you're ever unsure, just remember the golden rule: If it smells good, it probably tastes good!

Beyond the Basics: Rib-grilling Tips for the Advanced BBQ Connoisseur

Now that you've got the basics down, let's dive a little deeper into the world of rib-grilling and unlock some advanced techniques that will elevate your BBQ game to the next level.

The Sauce Dilemma: Choosing Your Flavor-enhancing Elixir

Choosing the right BBQ sauce is like picking your favorite band – it's a matter of personal preference. But there are some general guidelines to follow:

• Sweet, Smoky, and Savory: A good BBQ sauce should strike a balance between sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. It should enhance the natural flavors of the ribs, not overpower them.
• The Thick and Thin Debate: Some sauces are thick and sticky, while others are thin and runny. It's a matter of taste, but a thicker sauce will create a more caramelized glaze.
• The "Make Your Own" Route: For the adventurous BBQ enthusiast, consider making your own sauce. It's easier than you think, and it allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.

The Sidekick Saga: Creating the Perfect Rib-worthy Side Dishes

No rib feast is complete without a selection of delicious side dishes. Think of them as the supporting cast, adding another layer of flavor and texture to your BBQ main course.

• The BBQ Classics: Cornbread, , potato salad, coleslaw, and mac and cheese are all well known side dishes that pair perfectly with ribs.
• The Creative Twist: Don't be afraid to get creative with your side dishes! Try serving your ribs with grilled vegetables, a vibrant fruit salad, or a refreshing slaw made with a unique combination of flavors.

The Rib-Grilling Mindset: Enjoy the process and the people surrounding you

Rib-grilling isn't just about cooking meat – it's about creating an experience. It's about slowing down, enjoying the process, and savoring the flavors. So embrace the ritual, enjoy the company of friends and family, and let the aroma of smoky ribs fill your backyard with warmth and joy.

Remember: Rib-grilling is about having fun and creating memories. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!