Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs with Blueberry Pesto

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

Tender smoked pork ribs glazed with a sweet maple syrup sauce and served alongside a vibrant blueberry pesto, balancing smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors. This bbq & smoked ready in about 315 minutes blends pork ribs, maple syrup, fresh Maine blueberries 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 520 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: 45 min Cook: 270 min Serves 6 520 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 smoking wood chips (preferably apple or hickory) in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Season 3 lbs pork ribs evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then place them in the smoker. Smoke for 4 hours, replenishing wood chips as needed to maintain smoke.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry pesto by blending 1/2 cup fresh Maine blueberries, 1 cup packed basil leaves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a food processor until smooth but still slightly textured.
  4. Step 4: After 4 hours, brush the ribs generously with 1/2 cup maple syrup and smoke for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze and deepen the flavor.
  5. Step 5: Remove ribs from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve ribs with a spoonful of blueberry pesto on the side for a fresh, fruity contrast.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 315 minutes (45 min prep + 270 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs with Blueberry Pesto?

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 Smoked Maple-Glazed Pork Ribs with Blueberry Pesto?

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 with Blueberry Pesto 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 with Blueberry Pesto?

BBQ & Smoked 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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