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Easy Smoked Ribs Recipe

Easy Smoked Ribs Recipe

Krysta
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.
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Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Calories 700 kcal

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.
Keyword smoked ribs, pork ribs, BBQ recipe, slow-cooked, grill, tender meat, fall-off-the-bone