Get the napkins out and fire up your smoker for these Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs! Flavorful, smoky, and a crowd favorite!
Have you ever had “fall of the bone” ribs? If not, you have come to the right place because if you follow the steps below, you’ll have the best ribs you have ever tasted!
After years of trial, error, and tweaks…this recipe is a family favorite and is definitely pure perfection!
Years ago, I bought my hubby a Pitboss Smoker for Fathers Day. He had been eyeing them at the store and I finally pulled the plug excited for some good smoked foods.
The first few attempts of smoking weren’t so great, but hey, at least he kept at it, right?!
After a while, he became better and better and last year, we upgraded smokers and got a Traeger. Mainly due to wanting more space for more to smoke, but both smokers are great if you are in the market for one!Crazy fact, I had never had ribs until my hubby made them for me. I never ordered them at a restaurant (too much work), and certainly never tried making them myself!
His first trial run was pretty good. To be honest, I didn’t know what they were supposed to taste like, so I probably wasn’t the best judge. The meat was a bit tough, but overall, good flavor.
He of course, wanted to perfect it, so switched types of ribs (St Louis to Baby Back), adjusted the heat settings, methods, seasonings, and more!
Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs are tender and delicious when slowly smoked. Get amazing, flavorful, and rich BBQ ribs with this easy recipe!
One bite into the new, updated version and I was HOOKED! As in, couldn’t get enough! The meat was tender, fell off the bone, and had great flavor!
Since then, we make sure our freezer is always stocked up with ribs to smoke (especially when they go on sale).
The only thing we tend to change up these days is the seasoning. So many great choices, you can’t go wrong! I’ve listed a few of our favs below in case you want to check them out!
If you give these Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs a try, be sure to let me know what you think!
Favorite Seasonings:
What are baby back ribs
Back ribs are cut from where the rib meets the spine after the loin is removed. The upper ribs are called baby back ribs, but not because they come from a baby pig!
They're only called baby because they are shorter in relation to the bigger spareribs. They are our favorite type to smoke, versus the spare rib.
Ingredients needed for the BEST Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Rack of Ribs- remove the membrane
Mustard- we use Dijon; however, you can use original or even Jalapeno if desired
Seasoning- our fav is Chupacabra, but feel free to use your fav seasoning
Apple Juice- just a simple bottle of apple juice will work great
Apple Cider Vinegar
BBQ Sauce- use your favorite! Love spicy, add some heat. Prefer sweet, go that route! Have fun with it!
How to smoke the perfect ribs
Check out these other great smoker recipes from the blog
Incredible Smoked Chicken Wings
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Smoked BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 rack ribs *membrane removed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup seasoning *use desired amount (more/less)
- ¼ cup apple juice
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup BBQ sauce *more/less (optional if you prefer dry ribs)
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225 degrees.
- Combine the apple juice and apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. Set aside.
- Remove membrane from ribs and pat dry.
- Spread Dijon mustard evenly over both sides of ribs.
- Coat both sides of ribs liberally with seasoning of choosing.
- Place ribs onto smoker grates for 5-6 hours, or until probe tender (about 190 degrees).
- 1x each hour while ribs are smoking, spritz the apple cider/juice mixture onto ribs evenly. *Only the top side of ribs
- Last 30 minutes of smoke time, brush BBQ sauce onto ribs.
- Once temperature is reached, remove from smoker and serve!
Mike says
What wood do you prefer for smoking?
Kristin Hayes says
We love using the Traeger Wood pellets, our go-to blend is the Pecan BBQ or Hickory BBQ!