Spiced Smoked Pork Ribs with Smokey Mo’s Dry Rub

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork ribs coated in a flavorful, spice-forward dry rub inspired by Smokey Mo’s BBQ, slow-smoked until tender with a smoky crust. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 315 minutes pairs pork ribs, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 300 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl to create the dry rub. Rub evenly over 3 lbs pork ribs, covering all sides.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F and add 1.5 cups hickory wood chips for smoke. Place ribs bone side down on the smoker rack and smoke for 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a spray bottle. Every 45 minutes, lightly spritz ribs to keep them moist and enhance tenderness.
  4. Step 4: Smoke ribs an additional 2 hours until meat pulls back from the bones and a tender crust forms. Remove ribs and rest for 15 minutes before slicing between bones to serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Smoked Pork Ribs with Smokey Mo’s Dry Rub take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Spiced Smoked Pork Ribs with Smokey Mo’s 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 ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Smoked Pork Ribs with Smokey Mo’s 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 Spiced Smoked Pork Ribs with Smokey Mo’s 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 Spiced Smoked Pork Ribs with Smokey Mo’s 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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