Easy Smoked Ribs

5 from 7 votes
5 Comments

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These delicious baby back ribs are smoked slowly to absolute perfection. After cooking for hours to give them that incredible smokey flavor, they are coated in our tangy BBQ sauce made from scratch. Trust us, you are going to love them.

smoked ribs on two plates with a side of bbq sauce

Smoked Ribs

Smoking ribs brings really brings out the tenderness and flavor of the meat. We’ve been using this recipe for years for smoking ribs – with and without a smoker. See our instructions below for smoking ribs on a grill. They smell so good, all of the neighbors will want to come over for dinner!

Ingredients Needed

This ribs recipe calls for two racks of baby back pork ribs. If you have a Costco membership, you can get pre-seasoned pork ribs that work great. If not, you can season the ribs with your favorite dry rub in addition to salt and pepper. In addition to the ribs, you will want to have the ingredients for our homemade barbecue sauce on hand:

  • Ketchup
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Mustard
  • Soy sauce
  • Vegetable oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Chili powder
  • Tabasco sauce
2 racks of smoked ribs on a baking sheet


How Long Does it Take to Smoke Ribs?

The key to bone tender ribs is to cook them low and slow. The juices simmer and the meat is so tender, it can literally be cut with a butter knife or fork. We cook our ribs for about 6 hours for optimal smoky flavor.

What if I Don’t Have a Smoker?

No problem! Before we owned a smoker we were able to smoke our ribs on our traditional grill. There are a few supplies you will need: a smoker box and Hickory wood chips soaked in water for at least 30 min.

You simply add the soaked Hickory chips in the smoker box and place it in the grill. Grill the ribs with the bone side down, meat side up, over indirect medium heat until the meat is very tender and has pulled back from the end of the bones (about 1 ½ to 2 hours). During the last 20 minutes of grilling time, baste generously with the homemade bbq sauce.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Are smoked ribs fully cooked?

Yes, smoked ribs are fully cooked when smoked according to this recipe.

Can smoked ribs be pink?

Yes. As you can see in our photos, the outer edge of the meat is a pinkish color. This is normal reaction when meat is smoked.

How do I store and reheat leftover ribs?

Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap, then place ribs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, remove from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place the ribs on a sheet of foil and baste them leftover barbecue sauce. Tightly seal the foil, then bake at 225 for about 30 minutes.

Can I freeze smoked ribs?

Yes. Wrap the ribs in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil, or in a resealable plastic freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I cut ribs?

Use a sharp knife for meat, like a steak knife. Grip one side of the ribs and lift so you can see the back and cut the meat between the bones.

sections of smoked ribs on two plates with a side of bbq sauce

Homemade BBQ Sauce

These Smoked Ribs have the best BBQ sauce. It is so much better than anything you can find in a bottle from a store. We slowly smoke the ribs then brush on our delicious homemade barbecue sauce and voila! You have a mouth-watering meal to serve your family and friends.

The sauce can be used on more than just these ribs. We make the sauce all the time for other recipes too. Try it with pulled pork, shredded chicken, or grilled chicken for a burst of barbecue flavor.

What to Serve with Ribs

These ribs are great with our yummy BBQ side dishes. There are all types of salads to choose from for summer BBQ’s and get togethers. You can find our whole collection of them here: The Best BBQ Side Dishes Or try some of our all time favorites.

More BBQ Recipes

There are so many ways to enjoy food on the barbecue. With these delicious recipes below, you won’t need any more incentive to fire up the grill.

  • Top 10 Best Grill Recipes is a one-stop shop for all the things you want to grill this season. Readers’ picks featured, so get ready for some yummy options!
  • Honey BBQ Chicken – grilled chicken in a tangy barbecue sauce.
  • New York Steaks – these steaks have the most amazing rub, they are so flavorful.
  • Grilled Cilantro Lime Halibut is so easy to make and doesn’t taste fishy at all. Just flaky, fresh and fantastic.
  • Barbecued Pork Tenderloin has a sauce that is sweet, savory and simply irresistible.
  • Grilled Ranch Potatoes in Foil are so convenient when you’re grilling meat. Load them up with your choice of toppings and toss them on the grill right next to your ribs, steak or chicken.

How to Smoke Ribs

smoked ribs on two plates with a side of bbq sauce

Easy Smoked Ribs

5 from 7 votes
These easy-smoked ribs are smoked slowly to absolute perfection. After cooking for hours to give them that incredible smokey flavor, they are coated in our tangy BBQ sauce made from scratch. Trust us, you are going to love them!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Smoker Pellet Grill

Ingredients

For the ribs:

  • 2 racks baby back pork ribs about 4 lbs. (optional: we like to get the pre seasoned ribs from Costco)
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper freshly ground

For the sauce:

Instructions

  • Set the ribs out at room temperature 20-30 minutes before grilling. Season with salt and pepper. Then start up the smoker and set to high smoke.
    Ribs set out at room temperature
  • Place each rack of ribs on the smoker and smoke for 6 hours.
    Ribs in the smoker
  • About 1 hour before the ribs are done cooking, make the BBQ sauce and set aside a cup of the sauce in a small bowl.
    Ribs in the smoker getting basted with bbq sauce
  • During the last 30 minutes of grilling time, baste generously with a small bowl of sauce. Serve warm with the remaining sauce on the side.
    smoked ribs on two plates with a side of bbq sauce

To make the sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Set aside. Pour some of the sauce into a small bowl for basting ribs.
    Sauce Pan of homemade BBQ Sauce on a pot holder

Nutrition Information

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 28gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 873mgPotassium: 619mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 346IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 2mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I would say these ribs, because you can smoke them, smother in the sauce, and enjoy any kind of another side dish! My husband, and I enjoy smoking meats, chicken, turkey! I think these ribs, a nice cold beer, any cold drink would be an excellent 5 star for Superbowl Sunday😋

  2. 5 stars
    I have been making these ribs for the past couple of years during football season, and boy are they good! These ribs will be on my table this weekend for Super Bowl. Go Chiefs!!!

  3. 5 stars
    Smoked ribs are a must this time of year!! It’s feels so nice outside, that all we want to do is grill! The meat just falls off the bone & the flavor is so good!!

  4. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!