Charcoal-Smoked Pork Ribs with Citrus Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-smoked pork ribs infused with smoky nuances and finished with a tangy citrus glaze inspired by Polynesian zest. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 260 minutes pairs kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of 2 pork baby back ribs racks (about 3 lbs total). In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Rub this spice mix evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  2. Step 2: Prepare charcoal grill for indirect heat at 250°F and add 2 cups soaked wood chips for smoking, closing lid to let smoke build.
  3. Step 3: Place ribs bone side down on the cool side of the grill, cover, and smoke for 3 hours maintaining 250°F, adding charcoal and wood chips as needed.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened into a glaze.
  5. Step 5: After 3 hours, brush ribs generously with the citrus glaze and continue smoking for another 1 hour, brushing every 20 minutes, until ribs are tender and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs from grill, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between bones and serve with extra glaze on the side for a smoky, citrus-kissed finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Smoked Pork Ribs with Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Smoked Pork Ribs with Citrus Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Smoked Pork Ribs with Citrus Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Smoked Pork Ribs with Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Smoked Pork Ribs with Citrus Glaze?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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