Description
This easy smoked ribs recipe for beginners uses simple ingredients to create tender, smoky beef ribs with a flavorful dry rub. It is perfect for first-time smokers who want a reliable, low-fuss barbecue recipe.
Ingredients
2 racks of beef ribs (about 4–5 pounds total), trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup apple or hickory wood chips, soaked in water for 30 minutes
1 cup apple juice or water (for spritzing)
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C) over indirect heat.
2. Pat ribs dry with paper towels and remove the membrane from the back.
3. Brush both sides of the ribs with olive oil to help the rub adhere.
4. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Generously coat the ribs with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat.
6. Drain the wood chips and place them in your smoker box or foil packet.
7. Arrange the ribs bone-side down on the grill grates, away from direct heat.
8. Smoke for 2 hours, maintaining 225°F and adding wood chips as needed.
9. After 2 hours, spritz the ribs with apple juice or water every 30 minutes.
10. Continue smoking for another 1 to 1½ hours until the meat pulls back from the bones and feels tender.
11. Check the internal temperature and target 190°F (88°C) in the thickest part.
12. Remove the ribs and wrap them loosely in foil. Rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
13. Slice between the bones and serve warm.
Notes
Use beef ribs to suit halal-friendly cooking preferences.
Remove the membrane for a more tender texture.
Apple wood gives mild smoke, while hickory gives a bolder flavor.
Spritzing helps keep the ribs moist and supports bark formation.
Resting the ribs helps the juices settle before slicing.
Use a digital thermometer for best results.
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg