Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs

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

Slow-smoked pork ribs brushed with a sweet and smoky maple glaze, creating tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with a caramelized crust. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 290 minutes pairs pork baby back ribs, kosher salt, 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 6, 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 270 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove the membrane from the back of 2 racks of pork baby back ribs (about 3 lbs each). In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 3 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Rub this dry spice mix evenly over both sides of the ribs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Soak 2 cups applewood chips in water for 30 minutes. Preheat your smoker or grill set for indirect cooking at 225°F.
  4. Step 4: Place the ribs on the grill grate away from direct heat, add the soaked applewood chips to the smoker box or directly on coals, and smoke for 3 hours.
  5. Step 5: After 3 hours, brush both sides of the ribs with 1/2 cup maple syrup, then continue smoking for another 1 to 1.5 hours until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
  6. Step 6: Remove ribs from the smoker, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice between the bones and serve.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 290 minutes (20 min prep + 270 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 Maple-Glazed Pork 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 pork baby back ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork 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 Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs 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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs?

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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