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A gloved hand holds a glazed, saucy rack of barbecue ribs.

3-2-1 Pork Ribs: Smoky BBQ Method

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 rack of St. Louis-style pork spare ribs
  • Yellow mustard binder
  • Your favorite BBQ rub
  • Apple juice for spritzing
  • Foil Wrap:
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey optional
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • 1. First Stage - 3 Hours.
  • Preheat smoker to 225°F.
  • Remove the membrane or score it from the back of the ribs.
  • Apply a light coat of yellow mustard.(optional).
  • Season generously with BBQ rub on both sides.
  • Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker.
  • Smoke for 3 hours at 225°F.
  • Lightly spritz with apple juice as needed.
  • 2. Second Stage - 2 Hours.
  • Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil.
  • Add butter, brown sugar, honey and apple juice.
  • Place ribs meat-side down on the mixture.
  • Wrap tightly in foil.
  • Return to smoker at 225°F for 2 hours.
  • 3. Final Stage - 1 Hour.
  • Carefully remove ribs from foil.
  • Place ribs back on the smoker, bone-side down. (Keep in foil).
  • Apply BBQ sauce during the final 20-30 minutes. or if you want it sticky, for the full hour.
  • Allow sauce to tack up and develop a beautiful glaze.
  • Cook until ribs reach your desired tenderness.
  • Important: Keep your smoker temperature steady at 225°F throughout the entire cook. The 3-2-1 timing is a guideline. Actual cooking time will vary depending on rib thickness and tenderness.
  • Rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.