Smoked Citrus-Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs

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

Tender pork ribs slow-smoked and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze combining fresh citrus and maple syrup for a balanced BBQ flavor. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes pairs pounds pork ribs, teaspoons kosher salt, teaspoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 210 min Serves 4 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Meanwhile, season 3 pounds of pork ribs evenly with 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, rubbing the spices well into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Place the ribs bone-side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 3 hours until tender and smoky.
  3. Step 3: While ribs smoke, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: After 3 hours, brush the ribs generously with the citrus-maple glaze, then smoke for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze and develop a sticky finish.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from the smoker, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve with extra glaze on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Citrus-Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 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 Citrus-Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs?

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 pounds pork ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Citrus-Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs?

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 Citrus-Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs 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 Citrus-Maple Glazed BBQ Ribs?

BBQ & Smoked pork 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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