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–+ servings
Barbecue Ribs

Tender Barbecue Ribs with Smoky Flavor That Everyone Loves

This tender barbecue ribs recipe brings smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness—perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 ribs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Rub Ingredients
  • 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar Substitute with light brown sugar if necessary.
  • 1 tbsp Salt Do not omit for the best taste.
  • 1 tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper Substitute with white pepper for a milder flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Smoked paprika can be used for an enhanced smoky taste.
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can replace it if smoked is unavailable.
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used, but potency may differ.
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder Use fresh onions as a substitute, adjusting the quantity.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Ground Mustard Optional if you prefer a simpler flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Baby Back Ribs Spareribs or St. Louis style can also be alternatives.
  • 1 cup Apple Cider or Juice Feel free to substitute with any other fruit juice.
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Use your favorite variety or a homemade sauce.

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • Aluminum foil
  • Instant-read Thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Start by removing the tough membrane from the back of the baby back ribs and trim any excess fat. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Coat both sides of the ribs with the homemade barbecue rub and let sit for about 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your smoker to 180°F and smoke the ribs for 3 hours, adding wood chips halfway through.
  4. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil with a sprinkle of brown sugar and drizzle of apple cider, then increase smoker temperature to 225°F to cook for an additional 2 hours.
  5. Unwrap the ribs, discard excess liquid, then brush with BBQ sauce and smoke for another hour.
  6. Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before cutting between the bones to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rackCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Choose high-quality ribs, monitor temperature for optimal doneness, and customize the rub to personal taste as needed.

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