Description
Tender, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs smoked to perfection with a smoky, caramelized glaze. A BBQ favorite that’s juicy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
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2 racks baby back ribs (about 4-5 lbs)
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp paprika
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1 tbsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp onion powder
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1 tbsp chili powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup apple juice (for spritzing)
- 2 cups wood chips (hickory or applewood)
Instructions
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Prep the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Make the Rub: Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Rub generously over both sides of the ribs.
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Set Up the Smoker: Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips for smoke.
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Smoke the Ribs: Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker. Smoke for 3 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.
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Wrap the Ribs: After 3 hours, wrap ribs in foil with a splash of apple juice. Return to smoker for 2 hours.
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Glaze the Ribs: Unwrap ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and smoke uncovered for 30 minutes to caramelize.
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Rest and Serve: Let ribs rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
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For extra tenderness, let the ribs marinate with the rub overnight.
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Adjust smoke intensity by using milder (applewood) or stronger (hickory) wood.
- Don’t skip resting the ribs—it locks in the juices!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 35g