Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours (smoker) | 3 hours (oven) | 3 hours (grill)
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Smoking, Grilling, Baking
  • Cuisine: American BBQ
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These tender, smoky ribs are juicy, fall-off-the-bone delicious, infused with bold smoky flavor and a perfectly balanced sweet and savory dry rub. Whether grilled, smoked, or baked, this foolproof method guarantees mouthwatering BBQ ribs every time!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (for binding)

For the Dry Rub:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika (smoked for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

For the BBQ Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ribs

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for maximum tenderness.
  2. Rub ribs with a thin layer of yellow mustard to help the seasoning stick.

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

  1. Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the rub, pressing it in for deep flavor.
  3. Let the ribs sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for 2+ hours for better flavor.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Smoker Method (Best for Maximum Smoky Flavor)

  1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hickory, applewood, or mesquite wood chips.
  2. Place ribs on the smoker, meat side up, and smoke for 3 hours.
  3. Wrap ribs in foil with a splash of apple juice or butter, and smoke for another 2 hours.
  4. Unwrap, brush with BBQ glaze, and smoke for 1 more hour until tender.

Oven-Baked Method (Great for Easy Cooking)

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  2. Wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake for 2.5-3 hours.
  3. Remove foil, brush with BBQ glaze, and broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.

Grill Method (For Charred BBQ Goodness)

  1. Preheat grill to 250-275°F (120-135°C) using indirect heat.
  2. Cook ribs for 2.5-3 hours, turning occasionally.
  3. In the last 30 minutes, brush with BBQ glaze and let it caramelize.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans!

Notes

  • For extra smoke flavor, add wood chips or pellets to your grill or oven.
  • Don’t rush the process—low and slow cooking ensures fall-off-the-bone ribs.
  • No smoker? Use liquid smoke (½ teaspoon mixed with apple juice) for smoky depth.
  • Wrap ribs in foil during cooking to lock in moisture.

Find it online: https://homelandflavors.com/tender-smoky-ribs-recipe/