Slow-Smoked St. Louis Ribs with Maple Chipotle Glaze

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

Tender St. Louis ribs smoked low and slow, then glazed with a sweet and smoky maple chipotle sauce for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes turns pounds St. Louis style pork ribs, kosher salt, black pepper into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tsp chipotle powder in a bowl to create a dry rub. Rub this evenly over all sides of 3 pounds St. Louis style pork ribs, covering thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hickory wood chips soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. Place the ribs bone side down directly on the smoker rack and smoke for 3 hours uncovered.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, brush the maple chipotle glaze generously over the ribs and continue smoking for another 1 hour, brushing every 20 minutes, until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 195°F and the glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest covered loosely with foil for 15 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked St. Louis Ribs with Maple Chipotle Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 St. Louis Ribs with Maple Chipotle Glaze?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked St. Louis Ribs with Maple Chipotle Glaze?

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 St. Louis Ribs with Maple Chipotle Glaze 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 St. Louis Ribs with Maple Chipotle Glaze?

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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