Ingredients:

  • 2 racks of pork spare ribs (about 4-5 pounds each)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 cups wood chips (hickory, apple, or your choice)
  • BBQ sauce of your choice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:

  • Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by gently loosening it with a butter knife and then pulling it off. This helps the rub and smoke penetrate the meat.

2. Create the Rub:

  • In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create your BBQ rub.

3. Apply the Rub:

  • Generously rub the spice mixture over both sides of the ribs, ensuring even coverage. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat.

4. Prepare the Smoker:

  • Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes to create smoke when they’re added to the coals or smoker box.
  • Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C), using charcoal or your preferred fuel source. Add the soaked wood chips to create smoke.

5. Smoke the Ribs:

  • Place the seasoned ribs on the smoker grates, bone side down.
  • Maintain the smoker’s temperature within the desired range and continue smoking the ribs for about 4-6 hours, or until they are tender. During this time, periodically add more wood chips to maintain the smoke.

6. Check for Doneness:

  • To check for doneness, you can use the “bend test.” Pick up the ribs with a pair of tongs; if they bend and crack slightly but don’t break apart, they are done. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach around 195°F (90°C).

7. Apply BBQ Sauce:

  • During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This gives them a sweet and sticky glaze.

8. Rest and Serve:

  • Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
  • Slice between the bones, and serve your delicious smoked BBQ ribs with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Enjoy the mouthwatering, smoky flavor and tenderness of your homemade smoked BBQ ribs. They’re perfect for a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or any occasion that calls for delicious and finger-licking-good ribs!