Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub

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

Tender, smoky rib tips coated in a bold, spiced dry rub slowly smoked to perfection for deep Southern flavor. This southern american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 315 minutes pairs pork rib tips, brown sugar, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the dry rub by mixing 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 3 lbs pork rib tips with paper towels and evenly coat all sides with the prepared dry rub, pressing it into the meat. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of hickory or apple wood chips to generate smoke. Place the rib tips on the smoker grate, bone side down.
  4. Step 4: Smoke the rib tips for 4 to 5 hours until the meat is tender and pulls back from the bones slightly, maintaining a steady temperature of 225°F and replenishing wood chips as necessary.
  5. Step 5: Remove the rib tips from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving with your favorite barbecue sauce if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub 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 Rib Tips with Spiced 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 pork rib tips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Rib Tips with Spiced 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 Rib Tips with Spiced 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 Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub?

Southern 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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