Introduction: Smoked Ribs in the Smoker
Today I am going to make my smoked baby back ribs, thought I would share cause these are so good From start to finish this cook should take app 6 hours. Things you will need for this instructable:
Smoker
Wood chips…. I like apple
Brown sugar
Honey
Apple juice, spray bottle
Rub
Aluminum foil
BBQ sauce (whatever works for you). My recipe is at the end of this post, if you’re interested.
A good brand of beer… for the chef, totally optional of course.
Step 1: Unwrap Your Ribs and Remove the Membrane
. My wife is removing the membrane on the back of the ribs. That’s her fun, not mine. No matter what, this is done, no exceptions, no excuses, makes for a more tender rib. A long flat screwdriver or knife works great. Just slide it under the clear skin on the bone side and pull.
Step 2: Dry Rub
Next step, the rub. Put it on just before putting it in the smoker or a couple hours prior, doesn’t matter. The rub is liberally applied next, don’t miss anywhere. My rub is made up of:
5T brown sugar
1 1/2T kosher salt…. Less if you like
1/2T chili powder
1/4t black ground pepper
1/4t cayenne pepper or more for more heat
1t garlic powder
1/2t onion powder
1t red pepper flakes
Step 3: Into the Smoker
The smoker is heated to about 270 F, my new thermometer is very close to my digital, surprise. Wood chips are added, as is a container of water or apple juice, and when everything is up to temp the ribs are put in, meat side up for 1 1/2 hours. Then flip, meat side down for another 1 1/2 hours. Smoke them for about 1 1/2 hours. They might look a little dry but they’re not. If you want, spritz them with apple juice after the first hour and a half. That beer I mentioned, now would be a good time to pop the top.
Step 4: Add the Goodies
Preparation for the next step: 2 sheets of aluminum foil for each rack for wrapping the ribs in, some brown sugar to sprinkle on the ribs, honey on top of the brown sugar, and sprayed with some apple juice on top of the honey. Wrap tight, 1 seam down, 1 seam up. Back in the smoker.
Step 5: Back in the Smoker
After 2 hrs remove from the smoker, and uncover the ribs. Be very careful, as the ribs and juices will be very hot.
Step 6: Baste With Sauce
Baste the ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce and as in the picture put them back in the smoker for about 1 hour
My sauce recipe:
3 cups brown sugar
3 cups ketchup
¾ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup water or beer.
2T worcestershire sauce
2T garlic powder
3T dry mustard
2t paprika
5t salt
5t ground black pepper
2-3T lemon juice
5T hot sauce or to taste
Step 7: Done
This is them, done. Unfortunately didn't get a picture of them cut up and on the platter. Our guest just grabbed them too damn fast. Got thumbs up all around
If you make these ribs and enjoy them, or plan on making them please leave a comment. Thanks
I was running a little late on one occasion so after removing the ribs wrapped in foil from the smoker, I basted them with BBQ sauce, wrapped them back up and just let them rest. Cut about an hour off the cook time.and they still tasted excellent.
30 Comments
Question 4 years ago on Step 3
On step 3, is that a total of 4.5 hrs or 3? And when you say smoke fire 1.5 hrs, you are turning the temp down to about 200, yes?
Answer 4 years ago
Sorry for the confusion. It's 3 hours and during that time they're smoked for 1 1/2 hrs. Not 3 + 1 1/2. Temp does not go below 245 in the smoker
7 years ago
So did it take 6 3/4 hours in the smoker?
Reply 7 years ago
Oooops, that should be 1 hr, not 1 3/4 hrs I'll edit that, that's for reading.
7 years ago
I used to go to the trouble of smoking my ribs. I use turbinado sugar (probably shouldn't post that, now everyone will have better ribs) and just do them in a grill. 45 minutes bone side down, 30 minutes bone side up, and then wrap them in foil until done (about 1 hr 30 minutes).
Reply 7 years ago
Slow and low, my friend, that's what BBQ is all about. Time well spent with friends and a beer. Certainly no trouble and and the final product is well worth the effort put in. If you have the patience to use a crock pot, then you can hanle a smoker. One more factor.... it's fun.
Reply 7 years ago
I smoke a lot of other stuff, but to me, smoking ribs does not enhance them in any way. If you notice, the above cooking takes almost 3 hours if not more. I run the grill about 250 degrees, so it is low and slow.
Reply 7 years ago
I have smoked turkey breast and pork butt for 180 people at our RV Park in Florida, only complaint was they wanted more. On a smaller scale, ribs for 50 people (too expensive). You will definitely get an argument from them about smoking.
7 years ago
I've been wondering how to get that "fall off the bone" style ribs so I took a chance and tried this recipe. All I can say is WOW! The only variation was I used a commercial brand of bbq sauce on half and in a separate foil pouch I just left them with the rub. Truly fall of the bone good and I can't really say which I liked better. Thanks for the instructable!
Reply 7 years ago
You are so welcome, glad they turned out for you. Slow and low, the way to go. Thanx for reading.
7 years ago
Sounds like a Tx recipe I'll be trying! But the wife dosn't like the heat. I do my ribs in the Hondo Smoker by New Braunfels smoker MFG char coale and wood fired. Making your own Bar-B-Q sauce is fairly easy, however I don't use measuring tools, good judgment and sampling as I go. My Catsup base sauce consist of Brown sugar, Ground Clove, Groung Cinnamen, Garlic powder, garlic salt, Sage, crushed bay leaf and apple cider Viniger, or raw apple cider if available.
As you stated removing the membrane is essential to getting a good even smoke and tender ribs. 8-24 hrs prior to cook time I marinade my ribs in various concoctions, generally pineapple juice, or orange juice or grape juice, my last rack of ribs I juice up some brandied fruits. But rarely do I use dry rubs. Thanks for posting.
Reply 7 years ago
pineapple juice and bromelain extract are commonly used as marinades because bromelain breaks down proteins, tenderizing the meat. Another tenderizer is papain which comes from papayas. Papain is an ingredient in Accent.
Reply 7 years ago
Thanx for reading.
7 years ago
Nice job on the instructions. Ot all looks great. Thank you for the post!
Reply 7 years ago
Thanx for reading
7 years ago
Tempted to try this, but I'll need a smoker. Probably some one elses that didn't have much luck... I tell my sewing students to find a cheap machine that way, lol.
Any pitfalls to look out for? I'm a food docent in an 1840's museum kitchen, so cooking with wood fire I know about. Smoking is new. Like few clues.
How would pecan wood work? Just because we have a lot of it for the fireplaces.
Reply 7 years ago
If you're using your own wood, remove the bark and use only hardwoods. The resin in softwoods will sour the meat.
7 years ago
Ooooh! This sounds good! There's nothing like good ribs.
7 years ago
I have never smoked any meats, but I am going to use your instructable to give smoking a chance. I have a good feeling about it. Thanks for posting.
Reply 7 years ago
Thanx for reading.... good luck