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    Home » Grocer to Table » Smoked Spare Ribs; Smoker, Grill or Oven

    Smoked Spare Ribs; Smoker, Grill or Oven

    Posted on February 21, 2020 By Beth Neels

    222 shares
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    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.
    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.
    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.
    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.
    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.
    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.
    smoked ribs Pinterest image with text overlay.

    Who doesn’t love Smoked Spare Ribs?! We order them at festivals or BBQ joints. Why not make them at home? You don’t have to have a smoker to make luscious ribs! I make them on the grill and in the oven! Delicious, easy dinner for any night of the week!

    Smoked Spare Ribs on wicker basket close up..

    We make these spare ribs a lot during the spring, summer and fall but…. we love to do a few batches in the middle of winter! It’s so convenient to do the ribs inside when the weather is hideous!

    You can do them all year around! They are so delicious too! If you don’t have a smoker, don’t despair! You can can cook tasty Smoked Spare Ribs on the grill or in the oven!

    What you need

    • Good quality, organic ribs
    • dry rub
    • your choice of BBQ sauce
    Butcherbox baby back ribs in package.

    This is not a sponsored post for Butcherbox, but I receive a comission, if you sign up through the link I’ve provided.

    I recently teamed up with Butcher Box! If you haven’t heard of Butcher Box, you really should check them out! They are a subscription service that offers 100% grass fed beef, heritage pork, free range, organic chickens and wild caught Atlantic sockeye salmon, delivered to your door!

    Your order comes in eco-friendly, insulated box and all of their selections are frozen at the peak of freshness! Professionally packaged in dry ice.

    How are their prices? Can I afford this for my family? The meats average out to $6 per serving. So, if you were to purchase lower cuts of meat, such as ground beef, at your local grocer, it would certainly be cheaper.

    But… if you consider that the box includes premium cuts, such as filet mignon steaks, or sockeye salmon filet, the price is certainly cheaper than you would pay at your local grocer.

    Sliced ribs on wicker plate with cornbread.

    The most important point, of course, is that you are feeding your family, top quality meats, that unless you raise your own, would be nearly impossible to match! I take comfort in the fact that they are antibiotic free, and humanely grown on local farms. We always support our local farms and community!

    Consumption of organic meats is also better for the environment. The use of pesticides in the feed of traditionally raised meats, is harmful to us and to the planet! Plus… we love the convenience of having it deliverd to our door, which benefits both the planet, and us. No time wasted and no carbon footprint to the store!

    Organic meats also contain about 50% more omega 3 fatty acids, similar to salmon, which are healthy, and contain less saturated fat, according to Time.

    So, although all organic products may be more costly, in general, the health and environmental benefits are definitely clear!

    Every month there is a different special. Currently, get 2 grass fed filet mignon steaks, and one pack of bacon and $10 off of your first order! Stay tuned for info on the filet mignon steaks, we love them. They are indeed the best we have ever tasted!

    Spice mix on marble board.

    How to make smoked spare ribs

    1. Dry ribs thoroughly with paper towel. I start with the rub first. There are some good rubs you can buy but I like to make my own. That way I can control the sodium. We also like a lot of cumin and a bit of heat.
    2. Liberally rub the pork on both sides with the rub. Mix two parts vinegar to one part oil and put it in a clean kitchen spritzer. Alternatively, you can brush on lightly so the rub doesn’t get lost.
    3. If you are using a smoker, preheat to 200-225°F. We love to use green apple wood when we smoke, it gives the pork a great flavor but you can buy hickory in bags, pre-dried. Soak whatever wood you use for at least 4-5 hours or overnight. Place the meat on the racks and spray with the oil and vinegar mixture. Spray once an hour until pork is done. For full sized ribs 6-8 hours. Baby Back ribs will only take about 5-6 hours.
    4. If you use the grill or the oven to smoke your ribs, preheat to 200-225°F. Place on rack set on top of large, rimmed baking sheet. Spritz them once every hour for about 1/2 of the time they will need to cook. (See approximation of time in #4).
    Rub. Ribs rubbed with spice mix. Ribs sprayed with oil vinegar mix. Ribs on rack.

    Once you can see the pork pulling up on the bones, brush the pork with your favorite sauce. If smoking, loosely wrap ribs with aluminum foil and place back in smoker another 30 minutes. If grilling or oven, cook another 30 minutes uncovered.

    Close up of ribs on paper.

    What wood should you use for smoking?

    Many different woods work well for smoking. The key is to soak your wood for at least 4 hours or overnight. The other option is to use fresh cuts of wood, if you have access. Soak fresh cuts for at least a couple hours.

    • apple
    • cherry
    • mesquite
    • hickory
    • oak
    • maple
    • pecan
    • peach
    Inside of juicy ribs.

    Other recipes with pork

    • Smoked pulled pork
    • Pork carnitas
    • pork fried rice
    • Air fryer garlic pork

    Tools I use for smoked spare ribs

    • smoker
    • baking sheet
    Smoked spare ribs with brush.

    I hope you enjoy this recipe for Smoked Ribs, no matter how you cook them, they are so much better with the addition of smoke!

    Thanks for stopping by. Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list, so that you don’t miss a recipe!

    Enjoy! And have fun cooking!

    Xoxo,

    Binky’s Signature
    slice ribs with cornbread on wicker basket.

    Smoked Spare Ribs; Smoker or Oven

    You don’t need a smoker to make luscious smoked ribs!
    See Step by Step Photos Above!Most of our recipes have step by step photos and videos! Also helpful tips so that you can make it perfectly the first time and every time! Scroll up to see them!
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
    Total Time: 5 hours
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 642kcal
    Author: Beth Neels
    Cost: $10

    Ingredients

    • 1/8 c oil
    • 1/4 c cider vinegar
    • 1 rack pork ribs either baby back or spareribs
    • Either store bought dry rub or home made
    • Bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
    • Wood for smoking (hickory, apple, peach, cherry, pecan) soaked in water for at least a few hours or overnight

    Instructions

    • Preheat smoker or oven to 220 degrees F.
    • Place soaked wood in a metal tray for oven and smoker. Place a tin of water along side the wood tray. (If water runs out during cooking, add more water to the pan)
    • Mix oil and vinegar together.
    • Rub ribs on both sides with dry rub.
    • If using oven, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
    • If using smoker, place directly on racks.
    • Spray or mop ribs with the oil and vinegar mixture.
    • If using smoker, spray or mop ribs every hour or so to keep moist.
    • When the bottom of the rib meat pulls up and exposes the bone on the end, the ribs are ready. Internal temperature of at least 190 – 200 F.
    • Brush on your favorite BBQ sauce.
    • We finish them on a very hot grill to get a nice dark color. This step is optional.
    • Baby back ribs will take 5-6 hours and spareribs will take 6-8 hours, depending on the size.
    grill-gas/ smoker
    wood chips for smoking
    See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!

    Video

    Notes

    Dry Rub Recipe
    Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
    Reheat in microwave or, covered, in 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, until hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 642kcal | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 52mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and purchase something, at no additional cost to you. See FTC Disclosure, here.

    Originally Published 8/12/2016

    « Part 3; Planting a Vegetable Garden
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    222 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine Benoit

      February 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      I love ribs and have been REALLY craving them lately. Your recipe looks outstanding and I love how juicy the ribs look! I can’t wait to try them. (p.s. – I love ButcherBox too.)

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        February 21, 2020 at 1:45 pm

        Oh! Me too! Their quality is outstanding! We had the filets the other day, and I am definitely getting more! They were far superior to the ones we bought locally! And these ribs were unbelievable! Thanks so much Elaine!

        Reply
    2. Kacey Perez

      February 21, 2020 at 10:53 am

      These look seriously mouthwatering! Love the reminder that you can enjoy these all year round!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        February 21, 2020 at 10:58 am

        A lot of people don’t realize that! Thanks for stopping by, Kacey!

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth

      February 21, 2020 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness this sounds incredible! I’m hoping to get a smoker this year and will definitely be experimenting with this recipe!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        February 21, 2020 at 10:57 am

        You don’t need the smoker! You can use the oven!

        Reply
    4. Erika

      February 21, 2020 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good! I love ribs.

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        February 21, 2020 at 10:57 am

        I know, right? Who doesn’t! 🙂 Thanks Erika!

        Reply
    5. Jenn

      February 21, 2020 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is the only one I ever use now to make ribs. They’re tender, full of flavor, and mmm mmm good! Yum!

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        February 21, 2020 at 10:56 am

        Oh! I am so glad you love it! That’s great! Have a great weekend, Jenn!

        Reply
    6. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      February 21, 2020 at 10:19 am

      5 stars
      This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family

      Reply
      • Beth Neels

        February 21, 2020 at 10:56 am

        Me too! Everyone just loves them! Thanks for stopping by Shadi!

        Reply
    7. Ramona

      August 05, 2018 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      Oh Beth, I am so terribly sorry to hear about losing your sister – it is never easy loosing immediate family but gues this is how things go and sometimes we get hit unfairly with young people passing away – not fair.

      These ribbs look a real treat and I love making the rubs too because I always know what is in it. Superb shots of those absolutely delish ribs! waw, feel like grabbing some of the screen.

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 05, 2018 at 4:21 pm

        Thank you so much, Ramona! I really appreciate that! That is funny! I wish I could grab some out the screen too!

        Reply
    8. Julie

      August 05, 2018 at 9:42 am

      5 stars
      Oh my! I can only imagine what a hit these would be at a party! You’d be the talk of the neighborhood. What a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 05, 2018 at 4:19 pm

        Hahaha! They are pretty much a hit with everyone who tries them!

        Reply
    9. Jacqueline Debono

      August 05, 2018 at 2:32 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE ribs and also cook them in the oven sometimes. Yours look to-die-for delicious. I like the ingredients in your homemade rub!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 05, 2018 at 4:18 pm

        Thanks so much Jacqui! It is a really tasty rub!

        Reply
    10. Caroline

      August 04, 2018 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      We don’t have a smoker so great to see alternative ways to cook these. The rub sounds great!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 04, 2018 at 2:50 pm

        Thanks Caroline! Glad to be of help! I am sure your family will love them, however you decide to cook them!

        Reply
    11. Patty

      August 04, 2018 at 6:36 am

      5 stars
      These ribs look fantastic Beth, it’s good to know I could make them in my oven! Whatever you say your pictures are amazing and my mouth waters just looking at them, craving for some ribs now thanks!!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 04, 2018 at 2:49 pm

        Haha! Thanks so much Patty! I really appreciate that! When you come to visit me, I’ll make you some!!

        Reply
    12. Crystal

      August 03, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      These look fabulous, and even I, who absolutely hates eating meat off the bone, would gladly stick these in my face.

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 04, 2018 at 2:48 pm

        Haha! That’s a first! I never heard of anyone not wanting to eat meat off of the bone! Thanks Crystal!!

        Reply
    13. Jessica Formicola

      August 03, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      These ribs look so mouthwatering! It’s so great to know that I can make them on the grill or in my oven! Totally adding this to my must make list!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 03, 2018 at 2:41 pm

        Thanks Jessica. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! Have a great weekend!

        Reply
    14. Claudia Lamascolo

      August 03, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      what a mouth watering post of smoked ribs. I love how tender these look! Now I am wishing for some

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 03, 2018 at 2:38 pm

        They really turn out melt in your mouth! Thank you Claudia!!

        Reply
    15. Nancy

      August 03, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, these look delicious! I wish we had a smoker, but alas. Will be following the grill instructions! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 03, 2018 at 2:38 pm

        It’s really pretty easy on the grill and you get the same smoky flavor you get in the smoker! Thanks Nancy!

        Reply
    16. Shinta Simon

      August 03, 2018 at 12:54 pm

      It must have been a stressful month for you! My condolences to you. You’ve made such a beautiful meal, those ribs have me absolutely drooling here. Thank you for sharing !

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 03, 2018 at 1:17 pm

        Thank you so much Shinta! i really appreciate your comment! Have a wonderful weekend!

        Reply
    17. Marie – Not Enough Cinnamon

      August 03, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      Now you make me crave ribs so badly! They look AMAZING!!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 03, 2018 at 12:39 pm

        They are addictive, aren’t they? We love them too! Thanks Marie!

        Reply
    18. Elaine

      August 03, 2018 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh Beth! If I ever come to your house, you need to make me these and something venison! Your ribs look so delicious. Gorgeous photos and awesome recipe!

      Reply
      • Binky

        August 03, 2018 at 12:27 pm

        Thank you so much Elaine! That is very nice of you and I would love it if you came over for a visit! That would be a blast!

        Reply
    19. Mama Harris

      May 08, 2017 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      So sorry about your sister and sounds like a lot of difficulty getting that heavy machinery moved, but glad you can enjoy some time with your son over these delicious looking ribs!

      Reply
      • Binky

        May 08, 2017 at 1:10 pm

        Thank you so much Mama Harris! Yes difficult for us all but I’m so thankful he was home! He loves ribs!! 🙂

        Reply

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    photo of Beth Neels aka Binky

    Welcome! Thanks for stopping by! I am Beth "Binky" Neels, wife, mother of 2 boys and 3 dogs! I will impart tips and tricks I have learned over the years, to make cooking easier and fun for you!

    More about me →

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