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Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Honey BBQ Glaze Recipe

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4.1 from 44 reviews

Tender and flavorful smoked baby back ribs seasoned with a homemade dry rub and finished with a sticky honey BBQ sauce glaze. These ribs are slow-smoked to perfection for a deep smoky taste and succulent texture, perfect for an impressive meal.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ribs and Dry Rub

  • 1 rack of baby back ribs
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried mustard

BBQ Sauce Glaze

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness, then place the ribs on a large sheet of foil and set aside.
  2. Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and dried mustard. Use a fork to break up any clumps in the brown sugar for an even mixture.
  3. Apply the Rub: Evenly sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of the ribs. Rub the spices in thoroughly to ensure they stick well and form a flavorful crust.
  4. Preheat Smoker and Start Smoking: Preheat your smoker on the smoke setting. Place the ribs, foil open, directly onto the smoker grates. Smoke the ribs for 1 hour to infuse them with smoky flavor.
  5. Wrap and Increase Heat: After the initial smoke, wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to form a sealed package. Increase the smoker temperature to 300°F. Wait approximately 10-15 minutes for the smoker to reach the new temperature.
  6. Cook Until Tender: Cook the wrapped ribs for 2½ to 3½ hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature between two bones in the center of the rack for accuracy.
  7. Prepare BBQ Sauce Glaze: While the ribs cook, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey in a bowl to create a sweet and sticky glaze.
  8. Apply Glaze and Finish Cooking: Once the ribs reach 195°F, carefully unwrap and brush the honey BBQ glaze all over the ribs. Return the ribs to the smoker with the lid closed to cook for an additional 15 minutes, basting with the glaze every 5 minutes to build a sticky, baked-on finish.
  9. Serve: Remove the ribs from the smoker once the glaze is set and serve immediately while juicy and hot.

Notes

  • Removing the membrane is crucial for tender ribs and better spice absorption.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach the perfect internal temperature of 195°F for optimal tenderness.
  • If you do not have a smoker, an oven can be used at low temperatures to approximate the cooking process, although the smoky flavor will differ.
  • Feel free to adjust the spice rub according to your preferred heat level by adding cayenne or smoked paprika.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/smoked-baby-back-ribs-with-honey-bbq-glaze-recipe/