Short ribs: Whole plate or separate?

[jjdbike]

Hey folks,

Planning a beef plate rib smoke on my KBQ.

I'm wondering what the pros and cons are of smoking the whole plate intact vs separating them.

Here are my assumptions and concerns.

• Whole plate intact, take longer to cook, retain more moisture so juicer, only bar on top. Potentially more moist, but less bark and less rub.
• Bones separated, cook faster, less moist, bark and rub all around. Tastier but potentially less moist.

Has anyone here smoked them separately?

Your thoughts, opinions or experiences?
JD

[Steve R.]

Do you like less cooking time and more bark? If so, separate them in 2 bone pieces.

[Jfrosty27]

I’ve never separated the bones. However I think the "when they’re done, they’re done" principle applies here. If you monitor the cook, and pull them when probe tender, they shouldn’t dry out. I’m sure cook time will be less for the single bones though. But hey, what do I know? Nothing according to my wife. Looking forward to what the Pit has to say.

[theroc]

We've done them both ways. Slight preference for leaving the plates intact. You're spot on about the trade-off between the moisture and the bark. There was not wrong with the ribs cooked separately, but they're something about the presentation of slicing into those big racks and seeing the amazing juiciness of the ribs as you serve them.

[Uncle Bob]

Spot on..................

And while we work to produce good bark, not all those who enjoy our efforts are as fond of the bark so would have a choice between outer and inner.

[jfmorris]

Uncle Bob you are spot on about that. I have a brother in law who I found one time picking through the pulled pork specifically trying to find pieces with no bark on them. Whereas his wife (my sister) and me were both going AFTER the bark. Of course, I probably ate the best peices while pulling the pork, haha. Some ignorant people think that black stuff is "burned" too.

[bbqLuv]

Flip a coin, I like them either way.

[jjdbike]

You guys rock!
Thanks everyone!
I’ll most certainly post a report.!
JD

[texastweeter]

I'm a whole plate kind of guy

[CRO]

https://jesspryles.com/bbq-beef-ribs-with-hardcore-carnivore-black/

I have used this method multiple times, fantastic!!

[Andrew]

They're great both ways. Separate will give you more bark but I prefer the whole rack together.

Either way don't wrap them. And take them off when the probe goes in like butter... I've seen this as low at 200 and as high as 208.

I have also found they do not benefit as much from a long hold like brisket does. Just let 'em cool to 170ish and serve!

[jjdbike]

Thanks everyone,
There's some interesting perspectives here.

• Never wrap
• Wrap only in butcher paper
• Full rack = more moist AND more impressive presentation
• Probe tender
• Interesting compromise - cut into two rib portions

Crazy idea to ponder... some folks inject chicken, turkey, and especially brisket. Short ribs have been called "brisket on a stick". Why not separate into two rib portions and inject, e.g. beef stock, or butter, beef stock & Worcestershire or hot sauce? It would maximize rub, bark & moisture.
JD

[RonB]

Try one and report back.

[Uncle Bob]

The amount of intramuscular fat is so high injection would be a completely unnecessary process. Adding additional flavors would only be for those who don't like intense beefy flavor. Salt is the only enhancement you need.

[Andrew]

Injection is not necessary for beef ribs…. Tons of collagen and tons of fat.

[jjdbike]

Thanks folks,
That idea to try next was only in response to the concerns about drying out, especially if separated into single or pairs of bones… just trying to boost moisture.
JD

[Murdy]

I've never done them any way but separated, never thought they were dried out, and they were covered with glorious bark.

[Spinaker]

I would not worry bout retaining moisture. Beef ribs have plenty of that. If you separate them, they will cook faster and you will get more bark. That being said, I always leave them whole. I like to slice them after cooking and I just love the way they look as one while rack of ribs. Other than that, I suppose cooking them individually is a better way to go, but I never bother. Either way, you will love them. KBQ'd Beef ribs are amazing.

[jjdbike]

I've never done them any way but separated, never thought they were dried out, and they were covered with glorious bark.

Thanks much brother!
JD

[jjdbike]

I would not worry bout retaining moisture. Beef ribs have plenty of that. If you separate them, they will cook faster and you will get more bark. That being said, I always leave them whole. I like to slice them after cooking and I just love the way they look as one while rack of ribs. Other than that, I suppose cooking them individually is a better way to go, but I never bother. Either way, you will love them. KBQ'd Beef ribs are amazing.

Thanks much,
I'll report back w/ results!
JD