Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Peppercorn Dry Rub
Tender rib tips infused with cherry wood smoke and coated in a bold peppercorn dry rub for a smoky, peppery finish. This bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork rib tips, cherry wood chips, crushed black peppercorns 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork rib tips
- 2 cups cherry wood chips
- 2 tbsp, crushed black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp crushed black peppercorns, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl to create the dry rub.
- Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil all over 3 lbs pork rib tips, then coat evenly with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat for full coverage.
- Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups cherry wood chips for smoke.
- Step 4: Place the rib tips in the smoker and smoke for 4 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the meat is tender and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Step 5: Remove from the smoker and rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Peppercorn Dry Rub take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 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 Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Peppercorn Dry Rub?
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 pork rib tips from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Peppercorn Dry Rub?
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 Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Peppercorn Dry Rub 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 Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Peppercorn Dry Rub?
BBQ & Smoked 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.
