Slow-Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce

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

Tender pork ribs smoked low and slow, slathered in a tangy, slightly sweet barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 345 minutes blends kosher salt, black pepper, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 330 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp kosher salt, 2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over both sides of 2 racks of St. Louis style pork ribs.
  2. Step 2: Place ribs bone side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 3 hours, maintaining 225°F and adding wood chips as needed for smoke.
  3. Step 3: While ribs smoke, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp liquid smoke, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, wrap ribs tightly in foil and smoke for an additional 2 hours to tenderize.
  5. Step 5: Unwrap ribs and brush both sides generously with the prepared BBQ sauce. Place back on the smoker for 30 minutes uncovered to let the sauce caramelize.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs from smoker and rest for 10 minutes before slicing between bones and serving with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 345 minutes (15 min prep + 330 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce?

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 Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce 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 St. Louis Style Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce?

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.

Related recipes