Cajun Honey Smoked and Fried Ribs
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Cajun Honey Smoked and Fried Ribs are the ultimate backyard delight, and let me tell you why. Picture this: tender, smoky ribs with a sweet honey glaze that’s just spicy enough to keep things exciting. Trust me, these beauties are gonna steal the show at your next cookout!
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I remember the first time I tried this recipe – I was blown away by the flavor combination. The smoky goodness from the smoker, paired with that Cajun honey rub, creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, when you finish them off with a quick fry, you get that perfect crispiness that makes every bite irresistible.
Now, if you're looking for something to impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen, you’re in luck. These ribs are simple to prepare, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. So, let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor profile is out of this world. The Cajun honey rub adds a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that gets your taste buds dancing. And the smoking process?
It infuses the meat with that rich, smoky flavor that makes you want to go back for seconds – or thirds!
Another great thing about these ribs is how versatile they are. You can easily tweak the spice level to fit your crowd. Want something milder?
Go easy on the rub. Feeling bold? Load it up!
These ribs are so good, they’ll have everyone at the table asking for your secret.
Plus, the combination of smoking and frying gives you the best of both worlds. You get that tender, juicy meat from the smoker and the crispy edges from the fry. Seriously, these disappear faster than a cold beer in July!
Ingredients & Tools You'll Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. For this recipe, you’re going to need some baby back ribs, a killer Cajun honey rub, butter, honey, and garlic. The rub is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp on it!
I usually go heavy on the rub to really pack in the flavor.
You’ll also need a smoker set to 225°F, along with a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot for frying. Make sure you’ve got enough oil to submerge those ribs for that perfect crispy finish. And don’t forget a sharp knife for slicing and a basting brush for that honey glaze.
We want these ribs looking as good as they taste!
How To Make It
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these delicious ribs! The process is straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re new to smoking or frying. I’ll walk you through it step by step, and soon you’ll be the star of your next gathering.
Preparation
First, you’ll want to prep your ribs. Start by removing the silver skin on the back of the ribs if it’s still there. This helps the rub penetrate the meat better, and we want all that flavor to soak in!
Once that's done, cover the ribs in about 2 tablespoons of Cajun honey rub. Don’t be shy – really work it into the meat.
Next, it’s time to fire up the smoker. Preheat it to 225°F and let those ribs sit for a bit while the smoker gets going. Once it’s ready, place the ribs on the smoker grates and close the lid.
You’re looking for that sweet spot where the ribs start to pull back from the bone – it usually takes a few hours, so grab a cold one and relax!
Cooking
While those ribs are smoking, let’s whip up the honey glaze. In a saucepan, melt together butter, honey, garlic, and the remaining Cajun honey rub. The aroma will be incredible!
You’ll want this glaze ready to go when the ribs are done smoking.
After a few hours, check on those ribs. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat starts to pull back from the bones, creating that beautiful presentation. Once they hit that point, take them off the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Now comes the fun part – flash frying! Heat your oil to about 375°F and slice the ribs into individual portions. Toss them into the hot oil for just a minute or less.
We want them to crisp up but still maintain that juicy tenderness inside. When they’re golden brown, pull them out and let them drain on paper towels.
Finally, toss those crispy ribs with your honey glaze and sprinkle some chives on top for that pop of color. Yum!
Serving & Variations
When it comes to serving, these Cajun Honey Smoked and Fried Ribs are the star of the show. I love pairing them with some classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. They also go great with a nice cold beer or sweet tea to balance out the spice.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a twist by mixing different spices into your rub or experimenting with different glazes. You could even throw some grilled veggies on the side for a fresh touch!
And if you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat them in the oven to bring back that crispy goodness!
Wrapping Up
So there you have it – Cajun Honey Smoked and Fried Ribs that are sure to wow your taste buds and impress your friends. This recipe is all about bringing people together and enjoying great food.
Recipe created by Nick Keith for Trust Me Try It.
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Ingredients
- 1 Rack of Ribs
- 4 Tbsp of TFTI’s Honey Cajun Rub
- 3 Tbsp garlic
- 1/4 a cup of honey
- Chives to taste
- 1 stick of butter
- Frying oil
Instructions
- Cover in 2 Tbsps of Cajun Honey Rub and put on the smoker at 225* until the ribs start to pull back from the bone
- Melt together butter, honey, garlic and remaining rub
- Slice ribs and flash fry
- A minute or less so they stay moist but crispy
- Toss on your sauce and top with chives
