Description
These bold and flavorful smoked party ribs are the perfect centerpiece for your next gathering, featuring a sweet and smoky rub and a glossy barbecue finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 pounds party ribs (pork spare ribs cut into smaller portions)
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons paprika (smoked if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (coarsely ground)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder or ancho
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple juice (optional)
- 2–3 cups your favorite barbecue sauce
- 2–4 chunks of wood for smoking (hickory, apple, or cherry)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to a steady 225–250°F (107–121°C).
- Trim excess fat and silver skin from the ribs.
- Apply the mustard binder evenly over each rib section.
- Make the rub by mixing the spices together and apply it to the ribs.
- Load the ribs bone-side down directly on the smoker grates.
- Manage the smoke and temperature by adding wood chunks to the smoker.
- Spritz with a mix of apple cider vinegar and apple juice every 30–45 minutes.
- Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil if needed during the stall for extra tenderness.
- Finish with barbecue sauce during the last 20–30 minutes on the smoker.
- Check doneness by looking for meat pulling back from the bone and rest the ribs before serving.
Notes
Use a trusted barbecue sauce that you love. For variation, try different wood flavors or adjust the rub ingredients to your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rib portion (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: smoked ribs, barbecue, party food, comfort food, backyard cooking