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Smoked Ribs

Smoked Ribs
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Ingredients

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  • 2 racks Baby Back Ribs (approximately 2.5 lbs each)
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard (used as a binder)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ dry rub (mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper)
  • 1 cup apple juice or apple cider (for spritzing)
  • 1 cup high-quality BBQ sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preparation and Seasoning: Start by removing the thin, silver membrane (the silverskin) from the back of the ribs. Use a butter knife to loosen a corner and pull it off with a paper towel for better grip. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. Apply a thin layer of yellow mustard over all sides of the ribs to act as a binder. Generously coat the ribs with your BBQ dry rub, pressing it into the meat so it sticks well.
  2. Step 2: The Initial Smoke: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using fruitwood like apple, cherry, or hickory. Place the ribs on the smoker grate, bone-side down. Close the lid and smoke for 3 hours. During this time, spritz the ribs with apple juice every 45 to 60 minutes to keep the surface moist and help build the bark.
  3. Step 3: The Wrap (The Texas Crutch): After 3 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker. Lay out two large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. On each piece, place half of the butter slices and a drizzle of honey. Lay the ribs meat-side down onto the butter and honey. Add a small splash of apple juice before sealing the foil tightly. Return the wrapped ribs to the smoker for another 2 hours. This step braises the meat, making it incredibly tender.
  4. Step 4: The Glaze and Final Set: Carefully remove the ribs from the foil; they will be very hot and fragile. Place them back on the smoker grates, meat-side up. Brush the tops generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Close the lid and cook for one final hour. This allows the sauce to “set” and become tacky, while the meat finishes reaching the perfect internal temperature.

Find it online: https://www.diannemeals.com/dinner/smoked-ribs/