Smoked Baby Back Ribs

            Nothing beats smoked baby back ribs on game day. I cook them outside to get that juicy, sticky, and messy texture my wife’s all-time favorite. She always requests them for her birthday, and this simple recipe never fails. A sweet and spicy rub, made from a flavorsome blend of spices, brings out the best flavor. While I usually use baby back ribs, spare ribs work with great success too. For competition-style ribs, the meat pulls from the bone easily but does not fall apart. If you prefer them more tender, just cook them longer to let them continue tenderizing. I always pair them with Cheesy Funeral Potatoes—a combo that won’t disappoint.

Ingredients:

• Baby Back Ribs (I like to buy the 2-pack from Sam’s Club)
• Mustard
• BBQ Rub (I like to use Strawberry’s BBQ Rub)
• 12 oz can of Cherry Coke
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• BBQ Sauce (My favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s Original)

Preparing the Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Instructions:

• Preheat your pellet smoker to 250 degrees. If you’re using a different smoker, make sure it’s set at the same temperature.
• Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs using a spoon to lift it off, then use a paper towel to pull it away.
• Place the ribs on a cutting board or sheet pan, and spread yellow mustard on the meat side down to act as a binder for your BBQ Rub. I recommend using Strawberry’s BBQ Rub, but feel free to use your favorite BBQ Rub.
• Flip the ribs and season the other side with mustard and BBQ Rub, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
• Place the ribs on the top rack of your smoker and let them cook for an hour and a half.
• After an hour and a half, a bark should begin to form. At this point, you can spritz the ribs with Cherry Coke from a spray bottle every 30 minutes to add flavor and moisture.
• After 3 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place 3-4 pats of butter, brown sugar, and a drizzle of honey on the foil before laying the ribs meat side down. Wrap them tightly and return to the smoker.
• Continue to cook for 2 hours. When you open the foil, be careful as steam will escape.
• Turn the ribs right side up and sprinkle on some additional BBQ rub. Let them cook for 30 more minutes.
• Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and smoke for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to become sticky.
• The ribs should be at around 205 degrees when ready. If they’re not quite there, continue cooking until the desired temperature is reached.
• Once done, cut and serve the delicious, tender smoked baby back ribs!

NUTRITION:

Here’s an estimate of the nutrients in smoked baby back ribs per 3-ounce (85 grams) serving, without added sauces or sides:

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 22-24 grams
• Fat: 18-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3-5 grams
  • Sugars: 1-3 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 60-70 mg
• Sodium: 600-700 mg
• Iron: 1.5-2.5 mg
• Calcium: 15-25 mg

Serving the smoked baby back ribs:

Here are some tips on how to serve them:

• The ribs need to be cut between bones into individual portions after leaving them to rest outside the barbecue. A typical rack of ribs typically consists of 10–13 bones therefore cut them into sections which will receive three or four bones each.
• The rubbed ribs require a brush application of sauce or you can serve the sauce for direct dipping after they have been cut into pieces. Spend thirty more minutes in the smoker to achieve a sticky texture for the rib meat if you want it to solidify.
• The rib dish pairs with various sides which complement its taste. Here are some traditional choices:
• The refreshing coleslaw offers a contrasting experience between its heavy ribs and its soft creamy flavor.
• The addition of lightly sweetened flaky cornbread brings out the flavors of the ribs during their consumption.

• Grilled vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus, corn on the cob, or potatoes are great accompaniments.
• Pickles: The tartness of pickles provides a nice contrast to the smoky, sweet ribs.

• Garnish: Add some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and extra freshness.
• Pair with drinks: Smoked ribs go well with a variety of beverages, including cold beer, iced tea, or even a refreshing soda like Cherry Coke.
• Serve hot: Ribs should be served immediately after cooking, as they taste best when hot off the smoker.

Enjoy the delicious, tender smoked baby back ribs with your favorite sides and beverages for a perfect meal!