How Often To Spray Meat When Smoking (3 Simple Steps)

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Wondering how often you should spritz your meat when smoking? Spraying is a great way of keeping the meat moist. It can also result in a fantastic smoky flavor and juicy meats.

We’re here to answer all your questions about how often to spritz. Have a read of the guide below and you’ll be smoking like a pit master!

How Often Do I Need To Spray Meat When Smoking?

Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer. All cuts of meat have different cooking processes and need to be sprayed differently. 

We’ve outlined some of the most common cuts so that you can go straight to what you’re looking for. 

How Often Do I Need To Spray Ribs?

For ribs, you want to start spritzing after the first 90 minutes of smoking. After that, spritz every 30 minutes. Continue to do this for the next 90 minutes. 

What to Spritz Your Ribs With

Wondering what to spray your ribs with while smoking? We have tested all the most popular liquids, from apple juice to beer and everything in between here.

How Often Do I Need To Spray Beef Brisket?

For brisket, we recommend letting it smoke for at least 2 hours before spritzing. 

You can then spritz every 45 minutes which will keep brisket nice and juicy. 

Avoid overdoing it and make sure you close the lid immediately after spritzing. 

Wondering What to Spritz Brisket With?

Here is what you should spritz your brisket with. Everything from beer to champagne to apple has been tested!

How Often Do I Need To Spray Pork Butt or Shoulder?

For pork butt, you can get away with spraying every 45-60 minutes. 

A good spritz for pork shoulder is a combination of apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and water. 

Like, the other meats only open the smoker when you have to, to avoid losing heat. 

How Often Do I Need To Spray Pulled Pork?

Everyone will have a different opinion when it comes to spraying pulled pork.

Some people go every hour, every couple of hours, or not at all. 

We recommend keeping it simple and spritzing every 1-2 hours. 

How Often Do I Need To Spray Other Pork?

Pork chops and pork loin are both great options that can be spritzed. 

If you spray pork too soon the rub will wash off, so let the meat rest in the cooker. 

Stick to your recipe because some cuts of pork need 2-3 hours while others need 4-6 hours. 

What Will I Need For Spraying?

There are a couple of things you will need before you get started:

• A spray bottle
• Your piece of meat
• The rub or marinade for the meat
• Your spritz ingredients 
• A pellet smoker or charcoal grill
• A meat probe or internal meat thermometer
• A baking sheet (for after smoking)

To Spritz Or Not To Spritz?

If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably already decided spraying is for you. 

But, if you’re after an alternative some meats work better with mopping or basting. 

Before starting, consider what other spices and marinades you are using before spritzing. 

Basic Spritz Recipe

To ensure a nice balance of flavor, crispy bark, and amazing meat you need a good spritz recipe. 

Pretty much anything can be used as a spritz, it just depends on your flavor preferences. 

If you’re stumped, check out our basic spritz recipe below. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups of apple juice
• 1 cup of water

Method:

• Mix all the ingredients and put them in a spritz bottle. 

Optional:

• For extra flavor add some tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 

Other Alternative Spritzes 

If you’re looking for something simpler or after a particular flavor, these alternatives are perfect!

• Dr. Pepper
• Apple Juice
• Vinegar
• Apple Cider Vinegar 
• Worcestershire Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Pineapple Juice
• Beer
• White Grape Juice

Does Spritzing Effect Cooking Time?

Spritzing or spraying has little effect on meat with an internal temperature of 250 F and up. 

It will depend on what you’re cooking as to whether this method changes your cooking time. 

The smoking process will often take a longer period if it has been sprayed. 

Spraying can give the meat an incredible layer of flavor and provide extra moisture.

 But, in the barbecue world, it’s still a controversial practice and you have to do your research. 

Specific types of meat will also require a different cooking process. 

So, be sure to keep a close eye on your pellet grill to ensure you come out with amazing flavor. 

How often do you spray your meat when smoking?

Smoke On!

Charlie

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