Ultimate Smoky BBQ Ribs with Spice Infusion
Transform your next gathering into a culinary masterpiece with these Ultimate Smoky BBQ Ribs, infused with a robust, homemade spice rub that captivates the senses! Although I have yet to officially enter any competitions, I firmly believe these delectable ribs could rival any award-winning recipe. The active preparation time is minimal, allowing for thorough soaking, marinating, and slow cooking, ensuring every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a novice, these ribs are designed to impress your friends and family, making them the star of any barbecue or celebration.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cumin
1/8 cup (Ground)
Chili Powder
1/8 cup (Ground)
Black Pepper
1/8 cup (Ground)
White Pepper
1/8 cup (Ground)
Cayenne Pepper
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Dark Brown Sugar
1/8 cup plus 2 tablespoons (Packed)
Salt
1/4 cup (Kosher or sea salt)
Paprika
1/8 cup (Ground)
Garlic Powder
1/8 cup (Powdered)
Onion Powder
1/8 cup (Powdered)
Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup (Liquid)
Pork Spare Ribs
3 full racks (Fresh)
Instructions
1
24 hours prior to cooking, fill a clean, empty squirt bottle with cider vinegar.
2
Remove the silverskin membrane from the back of each rib rack and trim any excess fat or thick pieces.
3
In a bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, dark brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well-integrated.
4
Lightly mist the ribs with cider vinegar to ensure the spice rub adheres well.
5
Generously apply the rub to all surfaces of the ribs, massaging it in to enhance flavor absorption. Treat your meat right – it’ll thank you later!
6
Cover the seasoned ribs and refrigerate for a full 24 hours to allow the flavors to permeate.
7
Prepare for grilling by soaking hickory wood chips in water overnight. Drain and place them in a large aluminum foil pan, adding a small amount of water to keep them moist (but not swimming). Cover tightly with foil and poke holes for smoking.
8
Preheat your gas grill, keeping the temperature set to the lowest setting. Place the wood chip pan directly on top of the burner shield.
9
Smoke the ribs at a steady 200°F (93°C) for approximately 3.5 hours. Avoid raising the grill lid too often to maintain consistent temperature and smoke concentration.
10
For added flavor, during the last few minutes of cooking, brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the ribs for a delightful glaze.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
25g
Carbs
40g
Protein
2g
Fiber
13g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Ultimate Smoky BBQ Ribs?
The ribs feature a smoky, robust, and spicy flavor profile created by a homemade rub of cumin, chili powder, multiple peppers, and dark brown sugar.
How many racks of ribs does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 3 full racks of fresh pork spare ribs.
How long should the ribs marinate in the spice rub?
The ribs should be covered and refrigerated for a full 24 hours to allow the spice flavors to permeate the meat.
What is the purpose of cider vinegar in this recipe?
Cider vinegar is used to lightly mist the ribs before applying the rub, ensuring the spices adhere well and adding a touch of acidity.
What preparation is needed for the ribs before seasoning?
You must remove the silverskin membrane from the back of each rack and trim any excess fat or thick pieces.
What ingredients make up the spice rub?
The rub consists of cumin, chili powder, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, dark brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
What type of wood chips are recommended for smoking?
Hickory wood chips are recommended for providing the signature smoky flavor.
How long should the hickory wood chips soak?
The wood chips should be soaked in water overnight before cooking.
At what temperature should the ribs be smoked?
The ribs should be smoked at a steady temperature of 200°F (93°C).
How long is the total smoking time on the grill?
The ribs should smoke for approximately 3.5 hours.
Can I make these ribs on a gas grill?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for a gas grill set to its lowest temperature setting.
When should BBQ sauce be applied?
Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on the ribs during the last few minutes of cooking to create a delightful glaze.
How many calories are in a serving of these ribs?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 30 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The recipe contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the ribs?
Each serving contains 13 grams of sugar, primarily from the dark brown sugar in the rub.
Why is it important to keep the grill lid closed?
Keeping the lid closed helps maintain a consistent temperature and ensures a high concentration of smoke for better flavor.
How do you set up the wood chips for smoking on a gas grill?
Place drained chips in an aluminum foil pan with a little water, cover tightly with foil, poke holes, and place it directly on the burner shield.
How much salt is used in the spice infusion?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of kosher or sea salt.
What specific types of pepper are used in the rub?
The rub uses ground black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Is dark brown sugar or light brown sugar used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/8 cup plus 2 tablespoons of packed dark brown sugar.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients, including the meat and the components for the rub and prep.
What tags characterize this recipe?
Tags include bbq, ribs, grilling, smoked, spicy, pork, outdoor cooking, summer, and comfort food.
What is the preparation style for the garlic and onion?
Both garlic and onion are used in powdered form for the rub.
Does the recipe include fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 2 grams of fiber per serving.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper.
What kind of spare ribs are used?
The recipe specifies fresh pork spare ribs.
How much cider vinegar is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cider vinegar for the misting process.
How do you ensure the spice rub is 'massaged' in?
The instructions recommend generously applying the rub to all surfaces and physically massaging it into the meat to enhance flavor absorption.