A classic American BBQ dish, these smoked ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender meat that easily pulls from the bone. The sweet and savory glaze makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Easy Smoked Ribs Recipe
A classic American BBQ dish, these smoked ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender meat that easily pulls from the bone. The sweet and savory glaze makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 racks pork spare ribs membrane removed
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard as binder
- 4 tbsp BBQ dry rub your favorite blend
- 1/2 cup apple juice for spritzing and wrapping
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pats
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Trim any excess fat. Apply a thin layer of yellow mustard as a binder, then generously coat both sides with your favorite BBQ dry rub. Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- 2. Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Add your preferred smoking wood (hickory or apple wood works well).
- 3. First Smoke Phase: Place the seasoned ribs directly on the smoker grates. Smoke for 2 hours, spritzing with apple juice every 45-60 minutes to keep them moist.
- 4. Wrap the Ribs: Pull the ribs off the smoker and place them in an oven-safe pan or tightly wrap them in heavy-duty foil. Add on the pats of butter, sprinkle on the brown sugar, and drizzle with a little more apple juice. Seal tightly.
- 5. Second Cook Phase: Return the wrapped ribs to the smoker or transfer to an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C). Cook for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F (93-96°C) and they are probe tender.
- 6. Sauce and Finish (Optional): Carefully unwrap the ribs, discard the liquid. Brush both sides with your favorite BBQ sauce. Return to the smoker (or oven) for 30-60 minutes, unwrapped, until the sauce caramelizes. Alternatively, finish on a hot grill for a crispy glaze.
- 7. Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the smoker/oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider injecting the ribs with apple juice or a thin marinade before applying the rub. You can also vary the dry rub and BBQ sauce to create different flavor profiles, from spicy to tangy.
