Smoking ribs is a delicious way to cook this classic dish, but it can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. In this blog post, we’ll go through the steps you need to follow to smoke perfect ribs every time.
Step 1: Choose the right ribs
There are two types of ribs: baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller, leaner, and more tender. Spare ribs are larger and meatier, with more fat and connective tissue. Both types of ribs can be smoked, but baby back ribs tend to cook faster than spare ribs.
Step 2: Prepare the ribs
Before you start smoking, you need to prepare the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by inserting a knife or your fingers under the membrane and pulling it off. Then, trim any excess fat from the ribs.
Step 3: Season the ribs
Season the ribs with your favorite rub. We choose to use our Southern Charm All Purpose Rub for this, but you can use any Woo Pig BBQ rub! Apply the rub generously to both sides of the ribs, making sure to rub it in well.
Step 4: Preheat the smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225°F. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered with white ash. If you’re using an electric or gas smoker, simply turn it on and let it preheat.
Step 5: Add the wood chips
Add your preferred type of wood chips to the smoker. Hickory and oak are popular choices for smoking ribs. Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker. This will help them smolder and produce smoke.
Step 6: Place the ribs in the smoker
Place the ribs in the smoker with the bone side facing down. Close the lid and let the ribs smoke for 3-4 hours. After 2 hours, you can wrap the ribs in foil to help them cook faster and keep them moist.
Step 7: Check the temperature
Check the temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ribs should be 185°F. If they’re not quite there yet, put them back in the smoker and continue cooking until they reach the desired temperature.
Step 8: Rest the ribs
Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat more tender.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy
Cut the ribs into individual portions and serve them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Enjoy your delicious smoked ribs!
In conclusion, smoking ribs is a great way to cook this classic dish. With these steps, you’ll be able to smoke perfect ribs every time. So fire up the smoker, grab your favorite rub, and get ready to enjoy some delicious, smoky ribs!