Slow-Smoked Pork Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub
Juicy pork ribs coated in a sweet and spicy dry rub, slow-smoked to tender perfection with a caramelized bark. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 320 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, brown sugar, tablespoons paprika 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.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups soaked hickory wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of the 3-pound pork ribs for better smoke penetration.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
- Step 3: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
- Step 4: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of soaked hickory wood chips for a balanced smoky aroma.
- Step 5: Place the ribs bone-side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 3 hours.
- Step 6: After 3 hours, spritz the ribs with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours to keep them moist and enhance flavor.
- Step 7: Continue smoking until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 195°F and the meat pulls back from the bones about 1/4 inch.
- Step 8: Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest for 15 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 Pork Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub 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 Slow-Smoked Pork Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub?
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 Pork Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub?
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 Pork Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub 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 Slow-Smoked Pork Ribs with Sweet and Spicy Dry Rub?
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.
