If you’re a fan of irresistible smoked spare ribs, you’re in luck! In this post, we’ll show you how to make mouth-watering smoked spare ribs in a simple step-by-step guide. With the help of an Ole Hickory smoker, you can create tender, juicy, and flavorful whole pork spare ribs that will leave your taste buds begging for more. So, get ready to fire up your smoker and let’s dive into the world of delicious smoked ribs!
Introduction
What is better than indulging in mouth-watering, succulent spare ribs on a hot summer day? Learning how to cook them yourself! Smoked spare ribs are perfect for any occasion, and the process of cooking them on an Ole Hickory smoker is easier than you might think. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the entire process from start to finish, ensuring that you end up with perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful spare ribs that are sure to impress.
The Ingredients You Need
Firstly, before jumping into cooking smoked spare ribs, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need:
- Whole pork spare ribs (lower portion of a hog’s rib cage, typically 12-13 bones long)
- Kosher salt
- BBQ rub
- Hickory wood for smoke
- BBQ sauce (optional)
Preparing the Spare Ribs
Now that we have our ingredients in place, it is time to prepare the spare ribs. Follow these simple steps to get your ribs ready for smoking:
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Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs. This can be done by using a sharp knife or pulling it off with a paper towel. Removing the membrane allows for better seasoning and smoke penetration.
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Season the ribs lightly with kosher salt and a BBQ rub. Keep in mind that the flavor of the ribs should shine through, so minimal seasoning is key.
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Let the ribs sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour so that the seasoning has time to soak in.
Cooking the Spare Ribs
Now that the preparation is done, it’s time to start the cooking process. Here are the steps to follow:
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Preheat your Ole Hickory smoker to 250⁰F.
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Once the smoker is heated, place the ribs on the cooking grates. You can place the ribs directly on the grates or use a rib rack to save space.
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Add hickory wood for smoke. Hickory wood gives a sweet and smoky flavor to the ribs, but you can use any wood chips or chunks that you prefer.
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Let the ribs smoke for 4-5 hours at 250⁰F, checking on them at the halfway mark to make sure they are cooking evenly.
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Use the bend test to check if the ribs are ready. To do this, pick up the ribs with tongs and see if they bend slightly and crack on the outside. If they do, then they are ready!
Serving Your Smoked Spare Ribs
The smoking process is complete, and your ribs are ready to be served! Here are some tips on how to present your perfectly cooked ribs:
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When serving, sprinkle extra dry rub onto the ribs for added flavor.
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Serve BBQ sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick of flavor.
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Cut the ribs into portions and serve them hot with your favorite sides such as coleslaw or baked beans.
FAQs
- Can I use any wood for smoking spare ribs?
- Absolutely! Hickory wood gives a sweet and smoky flavor, but you can use other woods like mesquite or applewood, depending on your preference.
- Can I cook spare ribs in the oven instead of a smoker?
- Yes, you can cook spare ribs in the oven. However, using a smoker gives a unique flavor, and the meat is much more tender and juicy.
- Do I have to remove the membrane from the ribs?
- It’s not necessary, but removing the membrane allows for better seasoning and smoke penetration.
- How long can I store leftover cooked ribs?
- Leftover cooked ribs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Do I need to marinate the ribs before cooking?
- No, you don’t need to marinate the ribs before cooking. Minimal seasoning is key to let the flavor of the meat shine through.
