Salt-and-Pepper Smoked Spare Ribs

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

Simple smoked pork spare ribs seasoned with just salt and pepper, highlighting the pure smoky flavor and tender texture. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 375 minutes pairs pork spare ribs, kosher salt, coarse black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F with hickory or oak wood chips to generate steady smoke.
  2. Step 2: Remove the membrane from the back of the 3 lbs pork spare ribs for better smoke penetration.
  3. Step 3: Evenly sprinkle 2 tbsp kosher salt and 2 tbsp coarse black pepper over both sides of the ribs.
  4. Step 4: Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker grate and smoke for 5-6 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Salt-and-Pepper Smoked Spare Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Salt-and-Pepper Smoked Spare 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 spare ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Salt-and-Pepper Smoked Spare 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 Salt-and-Pepper Smoked Spare 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 Salt-and-Pepper Smoked Spare Ribs?

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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