Description
Smoked 3-2-1 Spare Ribs are tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a rich smoky flavor. This foolproof BBQ method ensures perfect results with a caramelized crust and juicy interior. Ideal for gatherings and customizable with different rubs, woods, and sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 rack spare ribs
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup dry rub (brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
- 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Wood chips or chunks (hickory, apple, or cherry preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Coat the ribs lightly with yellow mustard.
- Apply the dry rub evenly on all sides.
- Smoke the Ribs (3 Hours)
- Preheat smoker to 225°F and add wood chips/chunks.
- Place ribs meat side up on the grill grates.
- Smoke for 3 hours, spritzing with apple juice/vinegar every 45 minutes.
- Wrap the Ribs (2 Hours)
- Lay out two sheets of aluminum foil.
- Place ribs meat side down, add butter, honey, and apple juice.
- Wrap tightly and return to smoker for 2 hours.
- Finish the Ribs (1 Hour)
- Unwrap and place ribs back on the smoker, meat side up.
- Brush with barbecue sauce and smoke for another hour.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Variations: Add extra cayenne for spice, use fruit-based BBQ sauce for tang, or skip sauce for dry rub ribs.
- Wood Selection: Experiment with pecan, mesquite, or cherry for different flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: BBQ, Main Dish
- Method: smoking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smoked spare ribs, 3-2-1 ribs, BBQ ribs recipe, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked pork ribs