More than you ever wanted to know about smoke rings is here. But there is a section about how to get better smoke rings on your meat.
https://amazingribs.com/more-technique-and-science/more-cooking-science/mythbusting-smoke-ring-no-smoke-necessary
Thank you. That's great information!
I’m not sure smoke ring size correlates with smoke flavor.
I’ve heard it said the smoke is just another instrument in the bbq orchestra
That's an interesting analogy.
Add a water pan - The damp warm air helps. What matters though is you enjoy the cook and the eat!
Good point! and yes, my water pan had plenty of water in it.
@Babekyu I also have issues with smoke ring formation and it's driving me nuts. I'm having the same issue with different charcoals, woods, rubs, and cookers. Do you rub the meat the night before? I always let my rub sit overnight and I've wondering if that prohibits my smoke ring.
I did not season the meat the night before. I got up at 4 am, trimmed the meat, then seasoned, all the while, preparing the WSM.
I'm trying to think of the things I did differently from my other cooks, especially my one other brisket cook where I had a decent smoke ring (found here:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=46425.0):
Different charcoal.
- I used Kingsford Professional Briquets (Briquettes?) instead of Kingsford Original Charcoal.
-- I actually bought these by mistake.
Rubbed with coarse salt and black pepper vs. the other time where I used SPG and a Weber BBQ seasoning.
Began spritzing later in the cook.
- two and a half hours in vs. one hour (then every 30 minutes).
-- I delayed the initial spritz to achieve a better bark.
Spritzing solution consisted of apple cider vinegar and water vs. apple cider vinegar and apple juice.
Wrapped in tin foil at 165 degrees vs. not wrapping at all.
Different quality of meat all together.
- This brisket was purchased at Costco (USDA Prime) vs. my other one that I bought at my local butcher (possibly Angus).
It honestly sounds like the reason for no smoke ring could be any of the above, or none, or something completely different!
I'm obviously over analyzing this, when in fact I shouldn't be. Like others have stated, the end result was delicious and everyone enjoyed it. But like I stated earlier, it's my curiosity kicking in, and I'd like to be consistent.
**To the point about the meat being cold, is it acceptable to trim the brisket and put it back in the refrigerator the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is season it?
Thank you all.
PS - Ya'll are too funny with all the dittoing, lol.