What is the 3-2-1 Rib Method?
Essentially, 3 2 1 ribs go like this:
Ribs are a staple for any Pit Boss’ diet. There are so many ways to craft a bossin' flavor profile on your ribs: smoking, dry rubbed, or barbecued. The 3-2-1 rib method is a simple and foolproof way of cooking ribs to yield juicy, fall off the bone tenderness - every time. It’s ideal forspare ribs, and it’s the perfect starter recipe for first-timers or anyone looking for that melt in your mouth rib style.
How to do 3 2 1 ribs
To get started, prep your ribs by patting them dry, removing the membrane, and trimming if your butcher hasn’t already. Cooking times can vary, so think of the 3-2-1 method as less of a recipe, and more of mouthwatering journey. As you move through the final steps, begin checking your ribs for doneness. You’ll know your ribs are ready when the internal temp is 185° – 190°F and if you poke a toothpick into the meat, it slides through with little or no resistance. Just like butter.
1. Smoke Unwrapped on the Grill
3hours of smoking. We generously coated every inch of the ribs with mustard and Pit Boss Sweet Rib Rub. Lay them on the grill bone side down and smoke at 225°F.
2. Wrap Ribs in Foil
2hours wrapped tightly in foil. Some Pit Bosses add a liquid during this processand some don’t. We recommend trying both ways and letting us know what you think@PitBossGrills. For sweet juicy flavor add a little butter, brown sugar, and honey. Then, as your sealing up the foil, you can pour in a ¼ cup of apple juice for a steamed, tender texture. Place the foil wrapped ribs back on the grill flesh side down for 2 hours.
3. Unwrap and Throw the Ribs Back on the Grill
1hour of cooking unwrapped and slathered in barbecue sauce (or leave them dry if you prefer, but we recommend you spritz them with 50/50 apple juice and apple cider vinegar if you do). Lay the unwrapped ribs on the grill with the bone side down. You want to start checking for doneness within the first 20 minutes or so. As they get 20-30 minutes to being done apply and reapply as much barbecue sauce as you want. Towards the very end you can even crank the grill temp up, if you want to make sure your sauce gets nice and tacky.
Try our Delicious Rubs for Your Next Round of Ribs
Pit Boss rubs and seasonings are a complex blend of herbs and spices that are made to bring flavor bombs with every bite. Formulated from championship pit masters who lent their award-winning expertise, these rubs were created to impress your guests. Try out our fan favorite Pit Boss Sweet Rib Rub or Hickory Bacon with the 3 2 1 rib method for your next smoke session!
FAQs
If you're looking for the biggest cooking area, Pit Boss is the way to go; if you need something in the middle range, one of Traeger's pellet grills is more likely to meet your exact needs. But because we can't account for your desired amount of cooking space, Pit Boss gets the nod on maximum area.
Is there a griddle and smoker combo? ›
The Gather Grills Solution: Your Ideal Fire Pit Griddle Grill Combo. Gather Grills has combined all the best parts of outdoor cook tables into a single epic charcoal cooking device. It is a grill and skillet, smoker and fire pit, plus a cook table where your guests can actually sit.
Can you use a Pit Boss pellet grill as a smoker? ›
To do this, you would simply set up your grill as recommended in the “Pellet Grill Setup” portion, leave it on the “smoke” setting, and track the progress using a remote thermometer or a meat probe. In addition to smoking and “low and slow” BBQ, a Pit Boss Pellet Grill can get hot enough for you to grill and sear.
Are Traeger and Pit Boss owned by the same company? ›
In 2018, Joe and Brian Traeger were hired by Danson's, which owned several grill companies, including Louisiana Grills and Pit Boss Grills.
What is the difference between a pellet grill and a pellet smoker? ›
Both are defined by the variety of fuel used. But pellet grills are more versatile because they can be used as both grills and smokers. Pellet smokers are only smokers, but they have a higher edge when it comes to performance.
What are the disadvantages of a wood pellet grill? ›
Con: You can't use them everywhere.
Moving them a lot may cause damage to electrical parts, and they tend to be heavy. It's also worth noting that, because they use electricity, they're not meant for wet-weather use. This makes them less versatile than other outdoor grills if you live in a rainy climate.
Can you leave pellets in a Pit Boss smoker? ›
Do: Empty your hopper after using your grill. Leaving unused pellets in your hopper can cause them to rot since they will be exposed to the elements of your outdoor environment. Most Pit Boss Grills have a hopper clean-out feature which allows for easy cleaning and swapping pellet flavors.
Will a Pit Boss griddle rust? ›
To get the best possible food and to keep your Pit Boss as good as new, regular grill maintenance is crucial. Cleaning, re-seasoning, and proper grill storage can all help prevent rust and various other issues.
Can I use a metal spatula on a Pit Boss griddle? ›
The actual Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle manual says you should use “non-metallic utensils”. That being said, I personally use metal spatulas on my Ultimate Griddle.
What pellet grills are better than Traeger? ›
But over the years, we've found pellet grills that are better value, more feature packed, or better built.
- If you want better value than a Traeger – Z Grills 700D4E. ...
- If you want more versatility than a Traeger – Camp Chef Woodwind. ...
- If you want something unique – Grilla Grills Alpha Connect.
WHY ARE TRAEGER PELLET GRILLS SO EXPENSIVE? All Traeger's feature patented craftsmanship, premium materials, and industry-leading technology. All of our grills go through a vigorous testing process by our team of engineers.
Are Pit Boss smokers reliable? ›
Pit Boss finishes their smokers with a durable and rust-proof powder-coat finish. Even the grates are porcelain-coated steel. When it comes to the quality, durability, and efficiency of materials, Pit Boss takes the cake.
Is it OK to use pit boss pellets in a Traeger? ›
Both Traeger and Pit Boss pellets are generally of high quality and made from 100% natural hardwood, which makes them compatible for use in Traeger grills. Benefits:Flavor Variety: Using Pit Boss pellets in your Traeger grill can provide a wider range of flavors to experiment with.
