Jump to content

Big Green Egg & Other Ceramic Grills All Encompassing Thread


Mac8111

Recommended Posts

13 hours ago, Baboontyme said:

Sounds similar to what I've mentioned on pages way back in the thread. I'm sure the water pan helps but I think there's something to the theory about the heat coming in on the side of the plate setter, as well. Obviously would be more of an issue on an 18.5" like my Primo where a brisket basically touches the lid on both sides at the start vs a bigger one. I'd be curious to hear from those that have never had this problem what size ceramic they have. I also wonder if the fire is just too close to the plate setter. Maybe a half fill would work better. 

I'm not exactly buying briskets left and right to cook for people these days, perhaps in non pandemic times I'll do some experimenting. Next brisket I cook, however, I will be going back to the WSM. 

So, you have a Primo, a WSM, and the stick burner trailer?  Good to have options.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, Mortimer said:

I usually try to cook to 203. 

This is a red flag for me. You need to start probing tender around 195 every 15min or so. Each will finish at a different temp, Prime usually finishes lower. You might just be overcooking every time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I keep hearing about these magic briskets that finish sub 200, but I’ve yet to actually see one. Butter probe tends to appear in the 200-203* range quite consistently for me (almost always Prime from Costco) and even then I’m only pulling when the whole thing is done, so some sections are 204-206 by the time I pull and I don’t recall ever thinking those sections were over cooked

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did the pork belly burnt ends yesterday.  No pics.  I basically followed the John Setzler method.  The cook went fine.  Two things I would change next time:  (1) Leave the foil off longer at the end to get some actual bark on the chunks, and (2) come up with a good sauce for the final mix.  I won't tell you what I used, as it may provoke ridicule.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, CycleTex87 said:

Did the pork belly burnt ends yesterday.  No pics.  I basically followed the John Setzler method.  The cook went fine.  Two things I would change next time:  (1) Leave the foil off longer at the end to get some actual bark on the chunks, and (2) come up with a good sauce for the final mix.  I won't tell you what I used, as it may provoke ridicule.

I've used various barbecue sauces to finish as well as butter, brown sugar, and honey.  Butter, brown sugar, and honey is awesome.  While the basic rib rub that I use on the chunks tastes great, I am going to experiment with a rub with more heat. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been using the BGE like crazy lately. Need to pick up some additional toys for it. Thinking a rack extender or foldable grill grate for adding wood chunks, or perhaps a cast-iron griddle. Suggestions? I've already got the butane, cordless lighter, CyberQ fan/probes, Kick Ash basket and rain cap.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

46 minutes ago, Jerry Callo said:

I've used various barbecue sauces to finish as well as butter, brown sugar, and honey.  Butter, brown sugar, and honey is awesome.  While the basic rib rub that I use on the chunks tastes great, I am going to experiment with a rub with more heat. 

I used the Pryles Hard Core Carnivore Red, and didn't think it imparted much flavor, honestly.  I really thought about adding some black pepper but didn't.  Maybe I needed to use more of the rub in the first place.  The meat itself is awesome.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got a BGE a few weeks ago- did steaks for the first time tonight.

Did reverse sear, interior of the steak was perfect medium rare, but still not getting the sear I was hoping for. 

Let the steak sit in the fridge dry brining for a couple of hours before the cook. Let it get up to about 550 before putting vegetable oil on the steak and throwing it back on to sear. Basically followed the recipe on amazingribs.com
 

Amy ideas on what else to do to get a good sear? Might need to find a way to get a skillet on there to sear 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just got a BGE a few weeks ago- did steaks for the first time tonight.
Did reverse sear, interior of the steak was perfect medium rare, but still not getting the sear I was hoping for. 
Let the steak sit in the fridge dry brining for a couple of hours before the cook. Let it get up to about 550 before putting vegetable oil on the steak and throwing it back on to sear. Basically followed the recipe on amazingribs.com
 
Amy ideas on what else to do to get a good sear? Might need to find a way to get a skillet on there to sear 

You could get the grates to let you cook cowboy style, right on top of the coals.

Or just get the fire super hot before searing. Issue is how to finish if you don’t want black and blue.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I put a cast iron skillet or griddle pan on top of my grates sometimes, and let the iron really get hot for a couple minutes (this is key, you're using the heat capacity of the iron to help you sear), before dropping the steak on for sear. Also, if you're after a really good crust, try a mayo sear.

Horrid phone flash photo, pan sear on a Jr size kamado:

sear.thumb.jpg.f88bbb61720542949e339006d8a7ce76.jpg

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, BillyMadison said:

Just got a BGE a few weeks ago- did steaks for the first time tonight.

Did reverse sear, interior of the steak was perfect medium rare, but still not getting the sear I was hoping for. 

Let the steak sit in the fridge dry brining for a couple of hours before the cook. Let it get up to about 550 before putting vegetable oil on the steak and throwing it back on to sear. Basically followed the recipe on amazingribs.com
 

Amy ideas on what else to do to get a good sear? Might need to find a way to get a skillet on there to sear 

You will never get much of a sear on grates. Put a cast iron in there when you crank up the heat and let the steak rest while it gets hot after the reverse sear. Little oil and butter in the cast iron right before you drop the steak back in. Maybe 90 seconds a side and you're done. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/9/2020 at 11:30 PM, pops said:

You will never get much of a sear on grates. Put a cast iron in there when you crank up the heat and let the steak rest while it gets hot after the reverse sear. Little oil and butter in the cast iron right before you drop the steak back in. Maybe 90 seconds a side and you're done. 

 

On 8/9/2020 at 10:17 PM, DDD Dad said:


You could get the grates to let you cook cowboy style, right on top of the coals.

Or just get the fire super hot before searing. Issue is how to finish if you don’t want black and blue.

 

On 8/9/2020 at 11:08 PM, Sam Lin said:

I put a cast iron skillet or griddle pan on top of my grates sometimes, and let the iron really get hot for a couple minutes (this is key, you're using the heat capacity of the iron to help you sear), before dropping the steak on for sear. Also, if you're after a really good crust, try a mayo sear.

Horrid phone flash photo, pan sear on a Jr size kamado:

sear.thumb.jpg.f88bbb61720542949e339006d8a7ce76.jpg

Awesome - thanks for the replies. Will probably go cast iron next go round.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You will never get much of a sear on grates. Put a cast iron in there when you crank up the heat and let the steak rest while it gets hot after the reverse sear. Little oil and butter in the cast iron right before you drop the steak back in. Maybe 90 seconds a side and you're done. 


I’ve had my egg for 14 years and this is the answer. The wife likes the pretty grill marks so sometimes I do steaks on the grate, but nothing sears like cast iron.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been using the BGE like crazy lately. Need to pick up some additional toys for it. Thinking a rack extender or foldable grill grate for adding wood chunks, or perhaps a cast-iron griddle. Suggestions? I've already got the butane, cordless lighter, CyberQ fan/probes, Kick Ash basket and rain cap.

8b5133959a1c11d0cb6b161e3d0a0e88.jpg

The packages keep coming
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Make sure that's a gen2 iKamand. The gen1 is a totally untrustworthy piece of shit. And you can see the suggestions earlier in the thread for cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol as firestarters, if you don't want to run the extension cord for the Looftlighter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
52 minutes ago, Chewbacca said:

Gotta love Amazon.  Just got the Smokeware and put it on.  Feels well made.  

My deal with the original Kamado Joe smoke cap was it was initially hard to turn, got a little easier after the first couple of cooks, then as grease and smoke built up on it, it got impossible to turn, especially when hot.  The Smokeware cap is the perfect solution, so far.  I’ve used it three or four times. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/7/2020 at 2:11 PM, Dry Elbows said:

@crimsonlonghorn have you tried using a BBQ guru on your BGE to hold temp?

 

 

On 7/7/2020 at 7:54 PM, DDD Dad said:


It will change your life.

That and a couple of other add ones that are posted up thread will enhance your enjoyment and ease your cooks.

 

Got a CyberQ after my Labor Day brisket went to shit due to fluctuating temperatures. Using it today for the first time to do a pork butt and it's amazing how steady the temp is holding. Will report back after we eat tonight but my guess already is that it will be tasty. My only complaint is that the wifi signal doesn't make it all the way to that part of the yard so I have to go into the kitchen and get close and use bluetooth. Guess this means I need to upgrade to a mesh wifi system now. 

 

IMG_4863.thumb.jpg.3d4759fcf7fe824ce0c2ccacf55c8f59.jpg

Edited by crimsonlonghorn
  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m curious why some BGEs have fluctuating temps. Mine holds very steady over a 9+ hour smoke. It might go lower by 10 degrees over several hours but I’ve never seen a large spike. I’ve had small spikes when the water gets low in my drip pan. If I leave to play golf, or whatever, I just make sure there’s plenty of water in the pan before I leave.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’m curious why some BGEs have fluctuating temps. Mine holds very steady over a 9+ hour smoke. It might go lower by 10 degrees over several hours but I’ve never seen a large spike. I’ve had small spikes when the water gets low in my drip pan. If I leave to play golf, or whatever, I just make sure there’s plenty of water in the pan before I leave.

It's either air flow or fuel.

 

I did pulled pork last weekend. Egg was at 250 when i went to bed at midnight, and it was still there when i pulled them to wrap at noon. But i usually clean it out before a long cook. Ash can do funny things.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, HouTex said:

I’m curious why some BGEs have fluctuating temps. Mine holds very steady over a 9+ hour smoke. It might go lower by 10 degrees over several hours but I’ve never seen a large spike. I’ve had small spikes when the water gets low in my drip pan. If I leave to play golf, or whatever, I just make sure there’s plenty of water in the pan before I leave.

For me it's just inexperience and user error. 

The problem on Labor Day was that I lit too much charcoal at the start and wasn't patient enough to let it heat up slowly. Then it got too hot and then I was constantly opening and closing vents all day trying to get it to get it right and ended up ruining the meat.

This morning I just lit the charcoal in one spot with my propane torch and then followed the directions and let the computer and the fan bring it up to temp slowly. It has been steady now between 250 and 255 for 6 hours straight. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Wasting Billables said:

Also having issues with temperature stability. (I have a kick ash basket.) Does it make a difference when lighting the lump to leave the lid and vents open to get a full inferno then close up and set the vents, or waiting for small flames and then close lid and set the vents to where you want? 

I always run wide open until about 50 degrees short of target temp then close shit down. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Wasting Billables said:

Also having issues with temperature stability. (I have a kick ash basket.) Does it make a difference when lighting the lump to leave the lid and vents open to get a full inferno then close up and set the vents, or waiting for small flames and then close lid and set the vents to where you want? 

Recommend not going for full inferno before closing down. The thermal mass of ceramics plus coals makes it very slow to lower the temp. As mentioned, set your vents 50-100 under target temp.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I leave lid open about 10 mins, then close lid but leave top and bottom vents full open. Shut both to halfway about 50* short. Then to my target vent positions about 15* short. This is when I briefly open to throw in wood chunks and get final plate in place. After nasty smoke clears I put on meat and expect temp to be below target for 30 mins or so. Only then do I fine tune vents if needed. Within 30 mins I’m pretty locked in and it won’t move much at all

  • Hook 'Em 3
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, Chewbacca said:

And since it's from Costco, i always cook both in the package. It freezes really well after you pull it.

This.  I packed left over cooked pork butt in 1# vacuum sealed packages.  Use them later for pulled pork sandwiches, carnitas tacos or nachos, green chili pork stew, pork fried rice . . .

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pulled the pork butt last night and served it on Hawaiian buns with cole slaw and the Franklin vinegar sauce. Goddam that was some good eating.

My 13 YO son ate three sandwiches after football practice. 

My only complaint was that it was a tiny bit dry, even with the water pan. I probably need to mop it more than I did? But once you put the sauce on it, it was great. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...