Smoky Cherry-Wood Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub

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

Tender rib tips smoked over cherry wood, coated in a bold, spiced dry rub for a perfect backyard barbecue treat. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 255 minutes pairs pork rib tips, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and pat dry 3 lbs pork rib tips, then rub 1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper evenly over the ribs, massaging well to coat every surface.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups cherry wood chips for smoke flavor. Place the rib tips on the smoker grate and close the lid.
  3. Step 3: Smoke the rib tips for 3 to 4 hours, maintaining 225°F, until the meat is tender and the edges have a deep mahogany color with a smoky aroma.
  4. Step 4: During the last 30 minutes, brush the rib tips lightly with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to enhance the bark and moisture, then remove from smoke and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Cherry-Wood Rib Tips with Spiced Dry 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 Smoky Cherry-Wood Rib Tips with Spiced Dry 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 Smoky Cherry-Wood Rib Tips with Spiced Dry 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 Smoky Cherry-Wood Rib Tips with Spiced Dry Rub 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 Smoky Cherry-Wood Rib Tips with Spiced Dry 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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