Maple-Mustard Glazed Pork Ribs with Smoked Applewood Flavor

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

Tender pork ribs infused with sweet applewood smoke and finished with a sticky maple-mustard glaze for a balanced smoky-sweet bite. This american-inspired pork ready in about 275 minutes pairs pork baby back ribs, kosher salt, ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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: 255 min Serves 6 American cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of 3 lbs pork baby back ribs. Season all over with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker or grill with a smoker box to 225°F and add 2 cups applewood chips for a sweet smoke flavor.
  3. Step 3: Place the ribs bone-side down on the smoker and cook for 3 hours, maintaining 225°F.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  5. Step 5: After 3 hours, brush the maple-mustard glaze evenly over the ribs and continue smoking for another 45 minutes, applying more glaze every 15 minutes to form a sticky finish.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs from heat, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Mustard Glazed Pork Ribs with Smoked Applewood Flavor take to make?

Total time is about 275 minutes (20 min prep + 255 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-Mustard Glazed Pork Ribs with Smoked Applewood Flavor?

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-Mustard Glazed Pork Ribs with Smoked Applewood Flavor?

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-Mustard Glazed Pork Ribs with Smoked Applewood Flavor 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-Mustard Glazed Pork Ribs with Smoked Applewood Flavor?

American 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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