Not-Your-Everyday Smoked Pork Spare Ribs

4.7
(153)

These smoked spare ribs are our family's favorite. Slightly sweet and spicy, the light, cider-based mop sauce doesn't overpower the delicious meat that falls off the bone. We've also used this recipe for pork shoulder with great success. Barbecue sauce is never needed, but if you must, only use your favorite.

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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
3 hrs 30 mins
Additional Time:
4 hrs
Total Time:
7 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Ribs:

  • ½ cup packed brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon jalapeño seasoning salt (Optional)

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 6 pounds pork spareribs

  • 3 cups apple wood chips, soaked

Mop Sauce:

  • 1 cup apple cider

  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (Optional)

  • 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Make the ribs: Mix brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, salt, cumin, cinnamon, jalapeño seasoning, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl.

  2. Place spareribs into a glass baking dish and rub generously with seasoning mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

  3. When ready to cook, prepare an outdoor charcoal grill for indirect heat, or preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).

  4. While the grill is preheating, make the mop sauce: Stir cider, vinegar, jalapeño pepper, hot pepper sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl.

  5. When the coals are gray and ashed over, place two handfuls of soaked wood chips directly on them. Place ribs onto the grill grate, bone-side down. Cover and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Every hour, baste ribs with mop sauce and throw handfuls of soaked wood chips onto the coals. Add more coals as needed to ensure the cooking temperature doesn't drop below 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Discard any leftover mop sauce.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of seasoning rub and mop sauce. The actual amount consumed will vary.

304 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

927 Calories
61g Fat
33g Carbs
59g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 927
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 61g 78%
Saturated Fat 22g 111%
Cholesterol 240mg 80%
Sodium 1506mg 65%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 59g 119%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 147mg 11%
Iron 6mg 31%
Potassium 876mg 19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.