Expert: John Langenfelder - 3/19/2009

Question
Hi:

Is it practical to grill pork spare ribs using a hydrogen flame BBQ in which for every 1 molecule of hydrogen, there are 10 molecules of oxygen? The resulting flame is characterized as "oxidizing" or "lean" on a ratio of 10:1.


Thanks,

Green

Answer
you went right over my head, with that question. what are you, a rocket scientist?? ;-)

I doubt that the type of flame would have anything to do with cooking as heat is heat providing the heat is similar.  350 degrees using charcoal, propane or hydrogen shouldn't cause any different results.  Indirect cooking is the way to go with ribs.  direct cooking right above the flame is just going to burn up the ribs using any flame source.  ribs need to be cooked, low and slow.  If you do cook direct, then bone side down for 10-15 minutes with a flip to the meat ot top side for 10 minutes and continue the cycle until done.  Burning on the bone side will not harm the meat on the top side.