Smoked ribs are a classic American dish that have been enjoyed for generations! My Dad helped me out to bring you the simplest smoked ribs recipe!

While you may think of them as something you can only get at a barbecue joint, making smoked ribs at home is easier than you might think!

This post is sponsored by the National Pork Board. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ribs are perfect for feeding a crowd this summer so if you are planning any kind of BBQ or dinner party - consider serving up some baby back ribs!

Not only do homemade smoked ribs taste amazing, they're also a great way to impress your friends and family when hosting!

Plus, when you make them yourself, you have total control over the flavor profile and can experiment with different seasonings which is a huge benefit.

Ingredients

• Baby back pork ribs
• Yellow mustard - this helps the dry rub to adhere to our ribs
• Dry Rub - make your own or use your favorite seasoning blend!
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup Honey BBQ Sauce - this adds that classic bbq flavor everyone loves in a rack of ribs!

For full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card!

Setting Up Your Smoker

This process is not as tricky as it sound! A few simple steps stand between you and this perfect smoked ribs recipe! Here are a few things to consider before firing up your smoker.

Choosing your smoker - From electric smokers to charcoal smokers, each type of smoker has its own unique benefits when it comes to smoking ribs.

Adding charcoal or wood chips - this will depend on your smoker type but we used applewood chips to smoke these ribs! It goes so well with pork.

Temperature and air flow - Temperature control is crucial because it affects how tender, juicy, and flavorful your ribs will be. The air intake controls airflow into your smoker, which affects temperature.

How To Smoke Ribs

Making perfectly smoked ribs can be intimidating for even the most seasoned home cook. From selecting the right meat to mastering the cooking process, there are many factors that go into creating mouthwatering, fall-off-the-bone smoked ribs!

1. Prep the smoker with applewood wood chips and preheat to 225 degrees. 
2. Prep the ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Starting at the small end, slide a butter knife under the membrane and peel it back slightly. 
3. Fold up a paper towel and grab onto the edge of the membrane and it should easily pull off the back of the ribs. 
4. Prep the dry rub by combining the ingredients in a small mixing bowl. 
5. Cover each side of the ribs with yellow mustard then season with the dry rub liberally on both sides. 
6. Place the ribs on the smoker and smoke for 2 hours. After two hours, baste with the honey bbq sauce and close the smoker.
7. After about 4-5 hours or when the ribs hit 200 degrees internal temperature remove the ribs from the smoker.
8. Slice into individual ribs and serve!

So fire up your smoker and get ready to impress your guests with these expert tips and tricks!

Removing the Membrane From The Ribs

If you have a hard time removing the membrane from the ribs, you aren't alone! Visit my oven baked ribs recipe for my easy hack for removing this!

Oven Baked Ribs - how to remove the membrane!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smoked Ribs

Don't rush this process! Smoking the ribs is time consuming but totally worth it.

Infusing that smoky flavor into the rack of ribs is a labor of love but you want to continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees.

Pork is technically safe to eat at 145 degrees however, for the tenderness you'll want from smoked ribs, wait it out until it reaches 200 degrees.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure this! It's one of my favorite kitchen tools and is essential to your smoking success.

Side Dishes to Serve with Smoked Ribs

Smoked ribs are always a crowd pleaser, usually served up with lots of delicious sides. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with your smoked ribs...

• Baked Beans
• Honey Bourbon Coleslaw
• BBQ Smashed Potatoes
• Refreshing Fattoush Salad

FAQ

📖 Recipe

Simplest Smoked Ribs Recipe

Delicious and easy to make smoked ribs right at home! Perfect for Summertime family dinners and backyard bbq.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baby back ribs, pork, smoked pork

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

6 hours hrs

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Author: Sara Ayesh

Equipment

• 1 smoker
• glass mixing bowls
• basting brush

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs. baby back pork ribs
• ¾ cup yellow mustard
• ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

• Prep the smoker with applewood wood chips and preheat to 225 degrees.
• Prep the ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Starting at the small end, slide a butter knife under the membrane and peel it back slightly.
• Fold up a paper towel and grab onto the edge of the membrane and it should easily pull off the back of the ribs.
• Prep the dry rub by combining the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
• Cover each side of the ribs with yellow mustard then season with the dry rub liberally on both sides.
• Place the ribs on the smoker and smoke for 2 hours. After two hours, baste with the bbq sauce and close the smoker.
• After about 4-5 hours or when the ribs hit 200 degrees internal temperature remove the ribs from the smoker.
• Slice into individual ribs and serve

Notes

Removing the membrane on the ribs can be tricky, but if you use my easy hack, it's a breeze! Simply slide a butter knife under the membrane on the smallest end of the ribs. Fold up a paper towel and carefully grab a piece of the membrane and pull in the opposite direction to easily remove it!