Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Tender and delicious, these smoked baby back ribs are pure perfection! So tender in fact, that the meat falls right off the bone! Let me show you how to make the most amazing ribs using the 2-2-1 method.

BBQ ribs are a summer classic and a backyard BBQ favorite. Whether you make these on a grill or in the smoker, people absolutely love them! When it comes to smoked baby back ribs, people get really EXCITED!

Smoked meat has the most amazing flavor. Just check out this smoked tri tip and these smoked brisket burnt ends to see exactly what I mean! And these pork baby back ribs are no exception. They also pair really well with so many side dishes like this grilled corn on the cob, this simple potato salad recipe, and these smoked baked beans with bacon!

But tender, juicy, fall off the bone ribs don't just happen on their own. There's actually a method and a process they need to go through in order for them to reach that state. Using the 2-2-1 method, I'll show you exactly what's entailed to get you the most amazing smoked ribs every single time.

If you're already spending the time and effort to smoke these ribs, why not throw on a couple of side dishes on the smoker, too?! Smoked mac and cheese pairs perfectly and so does this smoked baked beans recipe. This is a southern-style recipe that everyone loves. And if you've never had smoked potatoes, you'll love these smoked baby potatoes. They are velvety and fair well with any type of smoked pork, beef, chicken, or seafood!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
• 🍖 2-2-1 vs. 3-2-1 Method for Smoking Ribs
• 📖 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
• 🌡️ How To Make Baby Back Ribs in the Oven
• 🙋🏼 Recipe FAQs
• 💭 Expert Tips
• 🔥 More Easy To Make Smoker Recipes
• Smoked Baby Back Ribs

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🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

• Ribs: well marbled pork baby back ribs work best. Make sure to pick out a slab that has a good amount of meat on the bones.
• Brown Sugar: dark brown sugar works best due to the molasses. It adds a hint of sweetness and helps form the best crust when smoked low and slow.
• Smoked Paprika: smoked paprika helps add a subtle smoky flavor. There is a difference between paprika and smoked paprika and it makes all the taste difference in the world. When it comes to smoking meat, I typically use a smoked paprika in my dry rubs. Regular paprika is crushed dried chilies. Smoked paprika uses chilies that are smoke-dried and then crushed. Smoked paprika works extremely well in this dry rub.
• Chili Powder: contributes to a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: adds a hint of garlic flavor tp the dry rub.
• Onion Powder: provides a subtle onion flavor and compliments the other dry rub ingredients.
• Ground Dry Mustard: helps balance out the sweetness of brown sugar and the smokiness of the meat.
• Barbecue Sauce: use your favorite brand and flavor to bring out the different flavors. Or, try using a homemade version.

🍖 2-2-1 vs. 3-2-1 Method for Smoking Ribs

If you're smoking baby back ribs, use the 2-2-1 method. Using this method will get you perfectly tender meat that will fall off the bone. This method entails smoking them for the first 2 hours directly on the smoker rack. After 2 hours, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and baste on BBQ sauce and let them smoke for 2 more hours. For the last hour of smoking, remove them from the aluminum foil and then apply BBQ sauce directly to the ribs. You'll smoke them uncovered directly on the smoker rack for the final hour.

When smoking any other type of ribs, use the 3-2-1 method. This method entails smoking them for the first 3 hours directly on the smoker rack. After the 2 hours, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and baste on BBQ sauce and let them smoke for 2 more hours. For the last hour of smoking, remove them from the aluminum foil and then apply BBQ sauce. You'll smoke them uncovered directly on the smoker rack for the final hour.

📖 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Start by rinsing each slab under cool water. This will help get rid of any small bones that may be lingering on the surface. Next, make sure you remove the membrane (also called silverskin) under the ribs. This is the chewy whitish membrane and you don't want to eat this part. A lot of butchers will remove this for you, but if they don't, just take a butter knife and slide it under the membrane. Lift the membrane, pull, and remove. If there is excess fat, trim it off.

Step 2: Take the dry rub and massage it on both the front and back of the ribs. I like mine covered in the dry rub.

Step 3: From there, place each slab directly on a rack in the smoker bone side down. Lather on the BBQ sauce and smoke low and slow on 225°F for 2 hours. 

Step 4: After 2 hours, open the smoker and take a look at those smoked pork ribs. Fight the temptation to pull them off the smoker and take a bite because they are not done smoking yet.

Step 5: Now it's time to remove the them from the smoker and place them on a long piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Add another layer of BBQ sauce. From there, wrap each slab individually and tightly in the foil. The tighter the better. Place the aluminum wrapped slabs back in the smoker, bone side up, and smoke for another 2 hours.

Step 6: After 2 hours of smoking, remove the aluminum foil packet and unwrap. Add another layer of BBQ sauce and place them back on the smoker bone side down for 1 more hour.

Step 7: Once they are done smoking, open the smoker and look at the perfectly smoked saucy ribs. Using tongs, remove each rack from the smoker and place them on a long cookie sheet. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

After the rest period, the meat should literally be falling off the bone! Smoked baby back ribs are perfect for barbecues and family get togethers. If you're looking for an amazing Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day smoker recipe, then this is the recipe for you!

🔥 More Easy To Make Smoker Recipes