Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Hot Link BBQ Sauce

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

Juicy pork rib tips smoked over cherry wood paired with a smoky, spicy hot link sausage infused barbecue sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 260 minutes blends pork rib tips, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F and soak 2 cups cherry wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Season 3 lbs pork rib tips evenly with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp brown sugar.
  2. Step 2: Place rib tips on smoker grates and smoke for 3 hours, replenishing cherry wood chips as needed.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 sliced hot link sausages to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors and thicken the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Brush the hot link BBQ sauce over the rib tips and return to the smoker for another 30 minutes to glaze and caramelize the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs, rest for 10 minutes, then serve with extra sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Hot Link BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Hot Link BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Hot Link BBQ Sauce?

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 Hot Link BBQ Sauce 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 Spiced Hot Link BBQ Sauce?

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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