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

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

Tender, slow-smoked St. Louis-style pork ribs glazed with a tangy cherry BBQ sauce, perfect for a backyard cookout. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 320 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 450 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: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and soak 2 cups of hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp onion powder to make a dry rub. Pat dry 2 racks of St. Louis-style pork ribs (about 3 lbs each) and evenly coat both sides with the dry rub.
  3. Step 3: Place the ribs bone-side down on the smoker grate, add the soaked hickory wood chips to the smoker box, and smoke for 4 hours, maintaining 225°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the cherry BBQ sauce by combining 1 cup cherry preserves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: After 4 hours, brush the ribs generously with the cherry BBQ sauce and continue smoking for an additional 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes, until ribs are tender and the sauce is caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving with extra sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Cherry 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 Cherry 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 Cherry 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 Cherry 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.

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