Baby back ribs - binder needed???

[johnnyB]

Hi all - Ive always smoked ribs without a binder and they have turned out excellent. a friend is telling me to use either a mustard or Mayo binder. Question - what difference does the binder make to the final product - is it worth it and any preference on Mayo vs mustard? Thanks so much for you input

Jb

 

[Like Smoke]

The binder is helpful for giving your dry seasonings something to hang on to. I use plain mustard ( I am not a mayo fan) and rub a light coating on the protein. Next I sprinkle on my kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and finish it off with my dry seasonings. I am a mop and slop guy, so after about an hour or so and up to cooking temp, I start mopping on my BBQ sauce. Trial and error will guide you to the particular seasoning you like. I have a few I like and use them for my smokes. I am to old to try all of them that are out there on the market, claiming to be the best. Good luck on the smoking journey, try new things and you will end up with good eats for your family and friends.

 

[RayClem]

I have done ribs with no binder and I have done them with binder. Try it both ways and see which you like best.

When doing a large piece of meat like a pork butt or beef roast, I definitely like using a binder as you need to add so much seasoning that you need the binder to allow it all to adhere. With a thinner piece of meat like a steak, chicken, pork chop or ribs, a binder is less necessary.

You might expect that using mustard as the binder might make it taste like mustard, but that does not seem to be the case.

 

[Slimpicker]

Anything mustard based works awesome, but I just did my BB's today without my usual binder and they were just as good as ever.

The mustard will flavor out during the cook and add a bit of a bark/skin by hanging onto the rub. (like Ray said)

 

[BobbyQ]

Last time I did ribs was the first time I used mustard. It helped speed up the adherence of the rub because I was in a hurry. Didn’t add anything to the flavor. I’ll probably do it again.

 

[Shedd]

I’ve always used mustard however it’s definitely helpful to use some kind of a binder. If the ribs are cold they will sweat and it could take your rub off along with it.

 

[johnnyB]

Thanks all for tips - happy 4th!!!