Who’s Ready For Some Ribs?

Ok, the snow, at least at my house, has melted enough to where I can break out the smoker and make some delicious ribs. 

Don’t have a smoker at your house?  No problem, if you have a grill.  You can purchase a smoke box from most hardware or department stores.  You can usually find them in the area where they have grill accessories.

While you are there, grab an oven thermometer, because you are going to want to regulate your smoker or grill to about 225 degrees.  Also, you’ll need wood chips or chunks.  Choose your favorite…for ribs, I prefer hickory or mesquite.

Soak your chips in water for a few hours so the chips don’t just burn up in your grill or smoker.  While your cooker is heating up, get the ribs ready.  With a sharp knife, you can carefully peel the membrane off of the back of the ribs.  Also, cut the ribs to where they will fit on your grill or smoker.  Now you want to generously add the seasonings…or rub.  Below is my favorite recipe for a great rub.

Once the meat is seasoned, it’s ready to be smoked.  Never put the meat directly over coals or heat if you are using a grill. Remember to watch the temp on your cooker to keep it at 225.  You want to smoke these babies for about 4 to 5 hours.  Keep an eye on them and replace the wood chips when necessary.  You’ll know they are ready when they give when you push on them or try pulling one of ribs.

I like to move the ribs to the grill after the smoking process.  That way you can add some sauce and give a little bit of a char to the ribs.  Enjoy!

1/2 cup paprika
1/4 cup kosher salt finely ground
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbls mustard powder
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup ground cumin
2 tbls ground black pepper
1/4 cup granulated garlic
2 tlbs cayenne