How to Make Smoked Baby Back Ribs - A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoked Baby Back Ribs are a classic barbecue dish that never fails to impress. The tender, juicy meat falls off the bone with each bite, and the rich, smoky flavor is simply irresistible. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving some mouthwatering ribs, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

One of the best things about making smoked baby back ribs is the process itself. It's a labor of love that requires patience and attention to detail...

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Ingredients

  • 2 (3 pound) racks of pork spareribs
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 6 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 cup BBQ rub, divided
  • 2 cups apple juice
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle light beer
  • hickory and apple wood chips, unsoaked

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 hrs
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs 40 mins
  • Total Time: 13 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Remove silver skin from the back of each rack. Rub each rack with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit for 20 minutes.
  • Slather 3 tablespoons mustard on 1 rack, then shake 1/3 cup BBQ rub on top; rub in on all sides until evenly coated. Repeat on the second rack and refrigerate both racks, covered, 8 hours to overnight. Set aside remaining BBQ rub.
  • Remove ribs from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes. Spread the remaining 1/3 cup rub over the ribs.
  • Meanwhile, mix dry wood chips with charcoal in a smoker and preheat, according to manufacturer's instructions, until temperature is a steady 225 degrees F (107 degrees F).
  • Place a water pan on the smoker (or use the smoker's water tray, if it has one) and add water to the depth of the fill line. Place ribs in the smoker and close the lid.
  • Combine apple juice and beer in a spray bottle. Spritz ribs every hour, rotating each time you spray. Cook for 3 hours, then remove ribs and check temperature. Wrap ribs in aluminum foil, and return to the smoker.
  • Smoke until meat pulls away easily from the bone, 1 3/4 to 2 hours. Remove from the grill and check temperature; an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 170 to 180 degrees F (77 to 82 degrees C). The ribs will be very juicy but the outside will not be crispy.
  • Remove the foil and return ribs to the smoker. Cook until crispy, 15 to 30 minutes; an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 190 to 195 degrees F (88 to 91 degrees C). Remove from the grill and tent with foil to allow juices to resettle into the meat before slicing and serving.
  • Nutrition

    892 cal.

    • Total Fat: 62g
    • Saturated Fat: 22g
    • Cholesterol: 240mg
    • Sodium: 8480mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 59g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 263mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 931mg