House-Smoked Prime Pork Ribs with Mustard BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork ribs smoked low and slow, served with a tangy mustard-based barbecue sauce inspired by Southern traditions. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 290 minutes blends yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar 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 480 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: 270 min Serves 6 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of 2 racks (4 pounds) pork baby back ribs. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to make a dry rub. Rub evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups smoked hardwood chips. Place ribs bone side down on the smoker grate and smoke for 3 hours without opening the lid.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup yellow mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons honey in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and tangy.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, brush the ribs generously with the mustard BBQ sauce and continue smoking for an additional 1.5 hours, brushing with sauce every 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from smoker when internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing between bones and serving with remaining mustard BBQ sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does House-Smoked Prime Pork Ribs with Mustard BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 290 minutes (20 min prep + 270 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover House-Smoked Prime Pork Ribs with Mustard 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 House-Smoked Prime Pork Ribs with Mustard 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 House-Smoked Prime Pork Ribs with Mustard 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 House-Smoked Prime Pork Ribs with Mustard BBQ Sauce?

BBQ & Smoked pork 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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