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

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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.

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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