Mastering Perfectly Smoked Pork Spare Ribs At Home

Juicy tender pork spare ribs with a lovely smoky flavor are an absolute crowd-pleaser and quintessential backyard barbecue food. While smoking ribs does take some time and technique, the results are well worth it. With the right preparation and smoking method, you can make restaurant-quality pork spare ribs right in your own smoker or grill. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to smoke amazing pork spare ribs every time.

What Are Pork Spare Ribs?

Pork spare ribs come from the belly side or lower part of the pig and contain a good amount of fat marbling and connective tissue This makes them ideal for low and slow smoking which breaks down the tough tissues into fork-tender meat The term “spare ribs” refers to the fact that they are leftover after the loin or baby back ribs are removed,

Spare ribs have more meat between each rib bone and larger bones compared to loin ribs. Due to their high collagen content, spare ribs must be cooked low and slow to become tender. The end result is juicy, flavorful ribs with that wonderful smoky essence when prepared properly.

Must-Have Gear for Smoking Ribs

Having the right smoker and tools makes achieving barbecue perfection much easier. Here is the recommended gear:

• Smoker – A charcoal, electric, or pellet smoker that allows low and slow cooking from 225-250°F.
• Meat thermometer – A probe thermometer monitors internal temp without opening the smoker.
• Heat-resistant gloves – For safely handling the hot smoker grates and ribs.
• Spritzer bottle – For spritzing ribs with apple juice or other liquids to keep them moist.
• Cooler – Place smoked ribs in a cooler wrapped in towels to rest and hold heat.

Prep Steps Before Smoking

Proper prep ensures your ribs cook evenly and absorb maximum smoke flavor:

• Choose spareribs around 2.5-3 lbs. Remove membrane from back of ribs.
• Trim any excess hard fat or loose bits. Square off ribs into a tidy rectangular shape.
• Remove thin rib flap meat on the backside of the ribs.
• Pat ribs very dry with paper towels. Apply rub generously on all sides.
• Let ribs sit for 15-30 minutes after rubbing to help flavors penetrate.

How to Smoke Pork Spare Ribs – Step By Step

Follow these steps for perfectly smoked spare ribs:

1. Light smoker – Add soaked wood chunks once smoker reaches 225-250°F. Fruit woods like apple or cherry work great.
2. Place ribs bone-side down – Arrange ribs on grates without overlapping. Meatier side should face up.
3. Maintain temperature – Keep heat steady between 225-250°F. Avoid opening smoker often.
4. Spritz ribs – Every 45-60 minutes, spritz ribs with apple juice to keep moist.
5. Wrap ribs in foil (optional) – Once internal temp hits 170°F, wrap ribs tightly in foil with butter, brown sugar, honey, etc.
6. Check doneness – Continue cooking until ribs are tender and internal temp is 200-205°F.
7. Sauce and rest – Apply barbecue sauce last 15-30 minutes if desired. Rest ribs 15 minutes before cutting.

Smoking Tips and Techniques

• Keeping temperature steady is crucial – use a dual probe thermometer to monitor smoker temp.
• Add a foil-lined water pan for extra moisture – refill with hot water or juice as needed.

-If ribs start getting too dark, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.

• Rotate and flip ribs midway through smoking for even doneness.
• Let ribs rest after smoking – it allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
• Slice ribs across the bone before serving for tenderest results.
• Save ribs bone trimmings to add to beans or collards while smoking.

Flavor Ideas For Pork Spare Ribs

• Maple Brown Sugar – Brush maple syrup and brown sugar on foiled ribs.
• Coffee – Add ground coffee to the dry rib rub for rich flavor.
• Jamaican Jerk – Use a spicy jerk seasoning instead of barbecue rub.
• Teriyaki – Glaze ribs with a homemade teriyaki sauce near the end.
• Bourbon – Add bourbon to foil packet or spritz for boozy ribs.
• Cola – Use cola in place of apple juice for spritzing and braising.
• Fruit Sauces – Try peach, plum, or apricot preserves as a finishing sauce.

Don’t limit yourself – get creative with different rubs, liquids, and sauces to put a unique spin on your smoked spare ribs.

Smoked Pork Spare Ribs Are Worth the Wait

Perfectly smoked spare ribs require patience and a bit of technique. But the end result of savory, smoke-infused ribs with tender meat and crispy bark is so incredibly worth it. Going low and slow results in the meat melting in your mouth. Use these tips and tweak flavors to your preference for phenomenal barbecue spare ribs. Your friends and family will be begging you to host a backyard barbecue!