The Ultimate 3-2-1 Smoked Pork Spare Ribs – BBQ Bliss
Get ready to become the backyard BBQ hero, because I’m sharing my foolproof recipe for the most incredible smoked pork spare ribs you’ll ever taste. We’re talking fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, sweet, and a little spicy – the perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds)!
The secret? It’s all about the 3-2-1 method, a simple smoking technique that guarantees mind-blowing results every single time. And don’t worry, even if you’re a beginner at smoking meats, I’ll guide you through every step. Before starting, be sure to make a batch of BBQ Dry Rub or use your favorite blend. Plan on a full day to get the ultimate flavor from this Smoked Pork Spare Ribs recipe!
What is the 3-2-1 Method?
The 3-2-1 method is a smoking technique where you:
- 3: Smoke the ribs unwrapped for the first 3 hours, infusing them with gorgeous smoky flavor.
- 2: Wrap the ribs in foil with tasty additions for 2 hours, steaming them until they’re incredibly tender.
- 1: Unwrap the ribs, slather them with sauce, and smoke for a final hour to create a sticky, caramelized crust.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Pork Spare Ribs Recipe
- Beginner-friendly: If you can follow simple instructions, you can master this.
- Customizable: My homemade BBQ dry rub provides a flavor base, but feel free to make it your own!
- Unforgettable flavor: The balance of smoke, sweetness, and a hint of heat is addictive.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a backyard get-together or a weeknight meal, these ribs always impress.
Watch how to make this recipe!
More Grilling Recipes
- Foil Grilled Corn
- Esquites Mexican Corn Salad
- Reverse Sear Tomahawk Steak
- Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
- BBQ Pulled Pork
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3-2-1 Smoked Pork Spare Ribs
Ingredients
- 3 racks pork spare ribs
- Olive oil as needed
- 1 batch BBQ Dry Rub or use your favorite rub
- 8 oz. jalapeno pepper jelly or jam
- 1 stick butter cut into tablespoon size pieces
- 1/2 cup Sugar in the raw as needed to coat ribs
- 1/2 cup apple juice (or pineapple juice or bourbon)
Dry Rub
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions
Make Dry Rub
- Mix ingredients together for dry rub and set aside in a container.
Make the Ribs
- Apply olive oil and dry rub to three racks of pork spare ribs.
- Smoke ribs at 220 F on the pellet grill for 3 hours, flesh side up.
- Remove ribs from the smoker and wrap them in foil, pouring over a healthy dollop of jalapeno pepper jelly, a few dabs of butter, a sprinkling of sugar in the raw and 1/2 cup apple juice.
- Wrap them well and put them back on the smoker for another 2 hours to steam.
- After 2 hours, remove the foil, pour the marinade over the top, and add another healthy dose of dry rub.
- Put back into the smoker for another hour.
- Enjoy!
Video
