Smoky BBQ Pork Ribs

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Smoky BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Ribs:
  • 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups apple juice (for basting)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar (for basting)
• For the Dry Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• For the BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:
   • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption and tenderness. Use a paper towel to grip and pull off the membrane.
   • Rub both sides of the ribs with olive oil.
2. Apply the Dry Rub:
   • In a bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients.
   • Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs. Press the rub into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
   • Cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill or Smoker:
   • Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (110°C). If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat.
   • Add wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry) to create smoke.
4. Cook the Ribs:
   • Place the ribs on the grill or smoker, bone side down.
   • Cook for 2 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature of 225°F (110°C). Add wood chips as needed to maintain smoke.
   • After 2 hours, begin basting the ribs every 30 minutes with a mixture of apple juice and apple cider vinegar.
5. Wrap the Ribs:
   • After 3 hours of cooking and basting, remove the ribs from the grill.
   • Place each rack of ribs on a large piece of aluminum foil. Baste once more with the apple juice mixture and wrap tightly in foil.
   • Return the wrapped ribs to the grill or smoker and cook for an additional 2 hours.
6. Make the BBQ Sauce:
   • While the ribs are cooking, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, until it thickens.
7. Finish the Ribs:
   • After 2 hours in the foil, carefully unwrap the ribs and discard the foil.
   • Brush both sides of the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce.
   • Place the ribs back on the grill or smoker (unwrapped) for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the sauce to set and the ribs to caramelize.
8. Serve:
   • Remove the ribs from the grill or smoker and let them rest for a few minutes.
   • Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Enjoy your smoky BBQ pork ribs!