Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Texas-Style Hot Link Sauce

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

Tender rib tips smoked over cherry wood paired with a spicy Texas-style hot link inspired barbecue sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 260 minutes blends pork rib tips, cherry wood chips, salt 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 650 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F and soak 2 cups cherry wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, season 2 lbs pork rib tips with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, and 2 tbsp brown sugar, rubbing evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place rib tips on the smoker grates and smoke for 3 hours, replenishing wood chips as needed to maintain smoke.
  3. Step 3: While ribs smoke, prepare the sauce by heating a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Stir until combined.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 sliced hot link sausages into the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the sausage infuses flavor.
  5. Step 5: Remove rib tips from smoker and brush generously with the hot link sauce. Return ribs to smoker for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs, let rest for 10 minutes, then serve with extra sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cherry-Smoked Rib Tips with Texas-Style Hot Link 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 Texas-Style Hot Link 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 Texas-Style Hot Link 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 Texas-Style Hot Link Sauce 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 Texas-Style Hot Link 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.

Related recipes