Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs

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

Sweet and smoky pork ribs glazed with a maple syrup and mustard sauce, smoked until fall-off-the-bone tender. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes pairs pork baby back ribs, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of 3 lbs pork baby back ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Mix 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl, then rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups apple or cherry wood chips for a fruity smoke.
  4. Step 4: Place ribs bone side down on the smoker grate and smoke for 4 hours without opening the lid.
  5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Heat over low heat, stirring until blended and warm.
  6. Step 6: After 4 hours, brush the maple glaze generously over the ribs and smoke for an additional 1 hour to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.
  7. Step 7: Remove ribs and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs?

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 baby back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs?

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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs 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 Maple-Glazed Smoked Pork Ribs?

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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