Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub

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

Tender rib tips smoked over cherry wood and coated in a spiced dry rub bring deep smoky flavor with a balanced kick of heat and sweetness. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 315 minutes pairs pounds pork rib tips, cherry wood chips, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 pounds pork rib tips and evenly coat them with the dry rub mixture, pressing gently to adhere all over.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups cherry wood chips to the smoke box for flavor.
  4. Step 4: Place the rib tips on the smoker grate away from direct heat, smoke for 3 hours at 225°F, maintaining consistent smoke.
  5. Step 5: After 3 hours, wrap the rib tips tightly in aluminum foil and continue cooking for an additional 1.5 hours to tenderize.
  6. Step 6: Unwrap and place rib tips back on the smoker for 30 minutes to firm the bark, then remove and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Spiced 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 pounds pork rib tips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced 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 Spiced Dry Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Dry Rub?

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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