Slow-Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs
Tender pork ribs smoked low and slow, finished with a sticky maple syrup glaze infused with a hint of smoky heat. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 315 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, tablespoon kosher salt, tablespoon 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 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork ribs
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and soak 1 cup of wood chips in water for 30 minutes to create a steady smoke.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder; rub this spice mixture evenly over 3 pounds of pork ribs, coating all sides.
- Step 3: Place the ribs on the smoker grate, add the soaked wood chips to the smoke tray, and smoke the ribs for 4 hours at 225°F, maintaining consistent smoke.
- Step 4: While ribs smoke, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder until smooth.
- Step 5: After 4 hours, brush the maple glaze evenly over the ribs and continue smoking for another 1 hour, allowing the glaze to caramelize and become sticky.
- Step 6: Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs take to make?
Total time is about 315 minutes (15 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 Slow-Smoked Maple-Glazed 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 pounds pork ribs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Maple-Glazed 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 Slow-Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs 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 Slow-Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork 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.
