Are you craving juicy, tender ribs that practically melt in your mouth? Forget takeout – this easy electric smoker ribs recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your backyard (or even on your patio!). Perfect for a weekend barbecue, a family gathering, or even a cozy weeknight dinner, these ribs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide for achieving unbelievably tender and flavorful ribs using your electric smoker. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds St. Louis style pork ribs (baby back ribs also work well)
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ rub (see note below for a homemade option)
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional, but adds authentic smoky flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane: This crucial step ensures tender ribs. Use a butter knife to loosen and peel off the membrane from the back of the ribs. This prevents the ribs from becoming tough and chewy.
- Apply the rub: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with your BBQ rub, ensuring full coverage. Press the rub into the meat.
Smoking the Ribs:
- Preheat your smoker: Set your electric smoker to 225°F (107°C). Allow it to reach the desired temperature before adding the ribs.
- Place the ribs in the smoker: Arrange the ribs bone-side down in your smoker. Avoid overcrowding the smoker.
- Add apple juice: Pour the apple juice into a smoker pan or foil pan placed on the bottom of the smoker to maintain moisture and add flavor.
- Smoke for 4-6 hours: Smoke the ribs for approximately 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F (90-93°C). The exact time will depend on your smoker and the thickness of your ribs. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Wrap the ribs (optional): For extra tender ribs, you can wrap them in butcher paper or aluminum foil during the last 2-3 hours of smoking. This helps to trap moisture and speeds up the cooking process.
The Glaze:
- Prepare the glaze: While the ribs are smoking, combine brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan.
- Simmer the glaze: Simmer over low heat until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add liquid smoke (optional) during the last minute.
Finishing the Ribs:
- Unwrap (if wrapped): If you wrapped the ribs, carefully unwrap them during the last hour of cooking.
- Apply the glaze: Brush the ribs generously with the glaze during the last 30 minutes of smoking. You can add more glaze during the final 15 minutes for extra flavor and a nice, glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious, fall-off-the-bone ribs with your favorite sides. Coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, and baked beans are all excellent choices.
Homemade BBQ Rub Recipe:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with wood chips: Use different types of wood chips, such as hickory, mesquite, or pecan, for varying smoky flavors.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the ribs and your smoker. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.
- Add other liquids: You can also use chicken broth or water instead of apple juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and tender electric smoker ribs! This recipe is a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for quick dinner ideas and a fantastic way to elevate your homemade cooking skills. Let us know in the comments how your ribs turned out!