Smoked Cherry-Infused Rib Tips with Classic Pit Rub

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

Tender rib tips smoked over cherry wood with a peppery dry rub, delivering a smoky and slightly sweet barbecue flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork rib tips, cherry wood chips, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 240 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 lbs pork rib tips and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to make the dry rub. Rub this mixture evenly all over the rib tips, ensuring they are well coated.
  2. Step 2: Soak 2 cups cherry wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then drain. Prepare your smoker to maintain a steady 225°F temperature. Add the soaked cherry wood chips to the smoker box to create fragrant smoke.
  3. Step 3: Place the rib tips on the smoker grate, bone side down, and smoke for 3 to 4 hours, maintaining 225°F and replenishing wood chips as needed. Smoke until the rib tips are tender and the rub has formed a dark, flavorful crust.
  4. Step 4: Remove the rib tips from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve warm with your favorite barbecue sauce or sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Cherry-Infused Rib Tips with Classic Pit Rub 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 Smoked Cherry-Infused Rib Tips with Classic Pit 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 Smoked Cherry-Infused Rib Tips with Classic Pit 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 Smoked Cherry-Infused Rib Tips with Classic Pit Rub 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 Smoked Cherry-Infused Rib Tips with Classic Pit Rub?

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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