I finally pulled out my electric smoker this last weekend and was able to find enough time to smoke two racks of pork ribs. I wanted to share the result and also provide the recipe/method I used this time.
I have limited experience using my electric smoker, as I tend to use my BBQ grill more often. This is the 3rd run of ribs I have done on the smoker, and they turned out the best by far. I ended up getting some tips from a friend who used to manage an award-winning BBQ restaurant, so the successful run is really to his credit.
I first purchased two racks of pork spare ribs, cut St. Louis style, from my local grocery store. They were about 3 pounds each, and I ended up needing to portion them off slightly in order to get them to fit in the vertical smoker as they were quite large. I used Famous Daves Rib Rub, which I had not used before, but now recommend. Here is how they came out:
My friend’s method for the perfect pork spare ribs is as follows: Smoke with Hickory wood, meat side up, for 2 hours at 275 degrees. Pull out the meat and put a handful of brown sugar on the rack, then cover in foil with the meat side down. Put the covered ribs (meat side down) back in the smoker for another 2 hours at 275 degrees. Pull the ribs out, and you are ready to feast on some of the greatest ribs you will ever eat!
Here are some progress pictures:
These ribs came out great – not too mushy where it falls off the bone without trying, but also perfectly tender with a slight bark from the caramelization of the rub, brown sugar and smoke. They were a sweeter version of ribs, and next time I may add some heat to them, but for this run I kept them sweeter as my wife and kids aren’t fans of spicy things. We did not even need any BBQ sauce, as the flavor was fantastic without anything else added.
This method was surprisingly easy and simple, yet the best ribs I have ever had. I will be replicating this same method going forward!
Do you have a rib recipe or method you like to use? Would love to hear it!
Appreciate you reading this post,
Brian