Tender Smoky Ribs Recipe | YumAndJoy

Tender Smoky Ribs Recipe

These Smoky Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with deep smoky flavor, and coated in a perfectly caramelized BBQ glaze. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or baking, this recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful ribs every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Smoky, juicy, and flavorful – with the perfect balance of spices and sauce
  • Slow-cooked to perfection – for tender, fall-apart meat
  • Customizable rub and sauce – adjust flavors to your liking
  • Great for BBQs and gatherings – a crowd-pleaser every time
  • Works for grilling, smoking, or baking – choose your preferred method

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks baby back ribs (or St. Louis-style ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (helps the rub stick)

For the Dry Rub:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard

For the BBQ Glaze:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Ribs

  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a knife under it and pulling it off with a paper towel.
  • Rub the ribs with yellow mustard to help the seasoning adhere.

2. Apply the Dry Rub

  • Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl.
  • Evenly coat the ribs with the spice rub, pressing it into the meat.

3. Choose Your Cooking Method

Smoker Method (Best for Deep Smoke Flavor)

  • Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or applewood chips.
  • Place ribs on the smoker, bone-side down, and smoke for 3 hours.
  • Wrap in foil with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and smoke for 2 more hours.
  • Unwrap, brush with BBQ glaze, and smoke for 1 more hour.

Oven Method (Easy & Reliable)

  • Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
  • Wrap ribs tightly in foil and bake for 2.5 hours.
  • Unwrap, brush with BBQ glaze, and broil for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.

Grill Method (For That Charred Flavor)

  • Preheat grill to indirect medium heat (300°F/150°C).
  • Cook ribs bone-side down for 2 hours, flipping occasionally.
  • Brush with BBQ glaze and grill for 10-15 minutes over direct heat until caramelized.

4. Rest & Serve

  • Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-6 hours (smoker) | 3 hours (oven) | 2.5 hours (grill)
  • Total Time: Varies by method

Variations

  • Spicy Ribs: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder to the rub.
  • Sweet & Smoky: Brush ribs with maple syrup before serving.
  • Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce and soy sauce in the glaze.
  • Keto-Friendly: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked ribs for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 275°F oven for 15 minutes, wrapped in foil.

FAQs

1. How do I get a deep smoky flavor?

Use hickory, applewood, or mesquite wood chips in a smoker for the best results.

2. Can I use country-style ribs?

Yes! Adjust cooking time, as country-style ribs cook faster.

3. How do I know when ribs are done?

They should reach an internal temperature of 195-203°F (90-95°C) and pull apart easily.

4. Should I wrap my ribs in foil?

Yes! Wrapping in foil during cooking helps retain moisture and tenderness.

5. Can I make these in advance?

Yes! Cook the ribs a day ahead, then reheat and glaze before serving.

6. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

A sweet, smoky BBQ sauce works best—choose one with honey, molasses, or brown sugar.

7. How do I get a crispy crust?

Broil or grill the ribs for 5-10 minutes after glazing.

8. Can I use an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then broil with BBQ sauce.

9. Can I make dry rub ribs without sauce?

Yes! Skip the glaze and add more dry rub before serving.

10. What sides go well with smoky ribs?

Try coleslaw, mac & cheese, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad.

Conclusion

These Smoky Ribs are the ultimate BBQ dish, packed with bold smoky flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Whether you smoke, bake, or grill them, they’ll be a guaranteed hit. Try them today and enjoy the best ribs ever!

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Tender Smoky Ribs Recipe


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 3-6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Smoky BBQ Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with bold smoky flavor, and slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you grill, smoke, or bake them, these ribs are coated in a flavorful dry rub, slow-cooked until juicy, and finished with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. Perfect for cookouts, game days, or any BBQ craving!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dry Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks baby back or St. Louis-style ribs
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (for binding)

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ribs

  1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for a more tender bite.
  2. Rub a thin layer of yellow mustard over both sides of the ribs (this helps the seasoning stick).

Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub

  1. Mix all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Generously coat the ribs with the rub, pressing it into the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Ribs

Option 1: Oven-Baked Ribs
5. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
6. Wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 2.5–3 hours until the ribs are tender.

Option 2: Smoked Ribs (Best Flavor!)
5. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or applewood chips.
6. Smoke ribs meat-side up for 3 hours.
7. Wrap in foil and cook for another 2 hours.
8. Unwrap and cook for an additional 30–60 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce.


Step 4: Glaze with BBQ Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, vinegar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce over low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Brush the ribs generously with the sauce and broil or grill for 5 minutes until caramelized.

Serving & Storage:

  • Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread!
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • For extra smoke flavor: Use liquid smoke if cooking in the oven.
  • Make ahead tip: Season the ribs overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Prefer fall-off-the-bone ribs? Cook them low and slow for longer!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-6 hours (depending on method)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Smoking, or Grilling
  • Cuisine: American BBQ
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