This smoked baby back ribs recipe results in the most tender and juicy ribs you’ve have ever eaten! With a few simple tricks, you will get a perfect BBQ ribs every time.
First of all, I have to say that this recipe is not a “quick start” recipe, because the ribs need to be smoked for several hours. However, the hands-on time is less than an hour. I had a ton of people asking me about this smoked baby back ribs recipe, so I figured it was time to share (and if you want to see other recipes, please let me know in the comments below!).
Baby recipe for smoked ribs
This smoked baby rib recipe is one of my secret weapons, and I think you should have it in your arsenal (because it will make you a hero in your next sauce!). The simple procedure creates a fall on the bones, and sticky ribs out with an incredible flavor. This is my family’s favorite dish during the summer. I will show you step by step how to prepare it.
Trager rib recipe
You will need a smoker for this recipe – you can use any brand or model you want.
The best way to smoke ribs
- Dry Rub: Rub the baby’s ribs with a dry cloth
- Start uncovered: Cooking the ribs directly on the smoker grates for many hours (this will give them a smoky taste)
- Wrap in foil: Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce, sprinkle with butter, wrap tightly in foil, and continue smoking until the ribs are very soft.
Baby ribs smoking after dry rub recipe
The first step in making amazing ribs is to apply a spice rub. This spice rub recipe is simple, and you probably already have all the ingredients on hand, including:
- brown sugar
- kosher salt & black pepper
- chili powder
- garlic powder (or garlic powder)
- chopped onion (or onion powder)
- smoked paprika
How to take off the membrane from ribs
Before applying the spice rub, you will need to remove the membrane that runs over the back of the ribs racks. The membrane will not soften during cooking and will be difficult to eat if not removed. To remove the membrane, you will need a small knife which is sharp to separate the membrane from the bone.. After that, you use a paper towel to help you grip, pull out the membrane, and remove it completely. Now you can rub the ribs with a spice mixture.
Can you apply dry rub before hand?
Yes! For maximum flavor, apply the rub on the baby’s back ribs and refrigerate overnight (for up to 2 days). That will allow salt, sugar and spices to really penetrate into the meat. However, if you do not have time or if you forget, you can smoke the ribs directly after rubbing.
How to smoke ribs
- Rub the baby back ribs back with a spice rub. If you have time, let them stay overnight in the fridge (see above).
- Smoke the ribs at 225˚F directly on the smoking grates for three hours.
- Place the ribs racks on large pieces of heavy aluminum foil, rub them with barbecue sauce and cover with butter, then wrap them tightly and continue smoking at 225˚F until the ribs are tender and soft, 2 hours or more.
- Open the foil packs and brush the ribs with more barbecue sauce. Cook for more 15 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce turns sticky and glazes the meat. Brush the ribs with the juice from the foil packs before serving.
What sauce can you use for smoked ribs?
You can use any type of barbecue sauce you like on smoked ribs (or use a homemade sauce!). As for the products that are easily bought in the store, I like Stubbs Original B-B-Q Sauce, which does not contain high fructose corn syrup and has a strong, peppery (and gluten-free) flavor.
How to cook ribs in the oven
You can also cook smoked baby back ribs in an oven in case you don’t have a smoker! Rub the ribs with a spice rub as directed. Wrap each seam tightly in an aluminum foil and arrange it on a baking sheet.
Bake the ribs in the 300˚F oven until they are very tender but do not fall off, for about two hours. Let the ribs cool (keep the juices in foil). Pour the juice into a bowl or measuring cup, then stir in the barbecue sauce, apple cider and apple cider vinegar.
When you are ready to eat, grill the ribs racks, rub them with the mixture of barbecue sauce and turn them over and over, until they are heated through and caramelized in spots (about 10 minutes).
Cut the racks into sections, arrange them on a serving platter and drizzle with more of the barbecue sauce mixture to taste.
Tips for smoking baby back ribs:
- You will need a smoker in this recipe. You can use any product or model you have, as long as you are able to monitor and maintain the cooking temperature.
- To get the best taste, apply baby racks back with spice rub for 1-2 days before smoking.
- Be sure to use a heavy aluminum foil when folding the ribs, and double up on the foil to create airtight packets.
- You can use any barbecue sauce of your choice.
