Smoked Ribs

As the rich, smoky aroma fills the air, you know something delicious is on the way. These Smoked Ribs are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, taking about 4 hours to prepare and cook. The secret to their mouthwatering flavor lies in a delicious dry rub combined with a homemade barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress at their next backyard barbecue or family gathering. Smoke these ribs on a lazy Sunday or for a special holiday meal. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dry rub a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The ribs become incredibly tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious.
• A sweet and spicy dry rub brings out intense flavors in every bite.
• The homemade barbecue sauce creates a sticky, glazed finish.
• Perfect for both beginners and seasoned grillers alike.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients before getting started:

For the Rub

• 3 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp dried mustard

For the Ribs

• 1 rack baby back ribs

For the Sauce

• ½ cup barbecue sauce
• 3 tbsp honey

Note: Adjust sugar according to taste preferences.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Brown sugar can be replaced with white sugar.
• Paprika can be substituted with smoked paprika for added flavor.
• Use any barbecue sauce you prefer.
• Honey can be replaced with maple syrup.

How to Make It

Prep your grill and gather your ingredients for this flavorful rib dish.

Prepare the Ribs

Take the membrane off the back of the ribs and place them on a large sheet of foil; set aside.

Make the Dry Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and dried mustard. I use a fork to break up any clumps in the brown sugar.

Apply the Rub

Evenly distribute the rub on the top and bottom of the ribs, then rub it in to make sure the spices stick.

Smoke the Ribs

Preheat your smoker to the “smoke” setting. Place the ribs with the foil open directly on the grates and smoke for 1 hour.

Wrap and Cook

Wrap the foil around the rack to form a package. Turn the smoker up to 300°F, which will take about 10-15 minutes to come to temp. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, checking between two bones in the center of the rack.

Make the Barbecue Sauce

While the ribs are cooking, mix together the barbecue sauce and honey in a separate bowl.

Glaze the Ribs

Once the ribs reach the desired temperature, brush the barbecue sauce all over. Close the lid and let them continue to cook for 15 minutes, basting with the barbecue sauce every 5 minutes to achieve a sticky glaze.

Serve and Enjoy

Take the ribs off the smoker and serve immediately while they’re still warm and delicious.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the texture may change.
Reheat: Microwave or oven; about 10-15 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to remove the membrane for tender ribs.
• Monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking.
• For a deeper flavor, let the ribs marinate with the rub overnight.
• Ensure the smoker is fully preheated before adding the ribs for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
• Pair with cornbread for a hearty side.
• Enjoy with baked beans for a true barbecue feast.