Easy Pellet Smoker Ribs Recipe
The Easy Pellet Smoker Ribs Recipe is tender, juicy and packed with smoky flavor.
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the membrane from the back of ribs. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
Apply Olive Oil
- Rub a thin layer of olive oil on both sides of the ribs to help the seasoning stick.
Mix Dry Rub
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne.
Season the Ribs
- Generously rub the dry mixture over both sides of the ribs. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes.
Preheat Pellet Smoker
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your preferred wood pellets for smoky flavor.
Place Ribs on Smoker
- Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker grate. Close the lid and smoke for 2 hours.
Wrap in Foil
- After 2 hours, wrap ribs in aluminum foil. Return to smoker for 1 hour to lock in moisture.
Apply BBQ Sauce
- Remove ribs from foil. Brush BBQ sauce generously on both sides. Return to smoker for 30–45 minutes.
Check Doneness
- Ribs are done when meat pulls away from the bone easily and internal temperature reaches 190–203°F.
Slice and Serve
- Remove ribs from smoker, let rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice between bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Use apple or cherry wood pellets for a sweeter smoke flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for heat preference.
- Resting ribs before slicing improves tenderness.
- Try a honey or mustard glaze for a different flavor twist.
- Avoid lifting the smoker lid frequently to maintain steady temperature.