All-Purpose Barbecue Ribs

From the kitchen of Carly

Smoke these ribs low and slow until the meat pulls clean from the bone. A generous dry rub forms a flavorful crust while the interior stays tender and juicy. Finish with tangy vinegar sauce for the perfect balance of heat and acid.

Prep
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Cook
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Total
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Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 16–7 pounds rib racks (your choice of St. Louis-style pork spareribs, lamb spareribs, or beef short ribs)
  • 11 cup Fette Sau Dry Rub
  • 1Vinegar Sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Put the ribs on a rimmed baking sheet and coat all over with the dry rub, patting it onto the surface until the meat has a thin, even layer of rub (you may not need all of the rub). If you have time, let the meat rest for 1 hour, or until the rub starts to turn into a pasty coating.

  2. Preheat a smoker to 225°F or set up a grill for smoking. Soak wood chips, if using.

  3. Place the racks of ribs, meaty side up, in the smoker and smoke, maintaining a smoker temperature between 200°F and 225°F, replenishing the charcoal and wood chunks or chips as needed.

  4. After about 3 hours, start checking the ribs periodically. When you can easily tear a piece of meat off the bone with your fingers (without it being fall-off-the-bone tender) and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the rib meat registers about 180°F, the ribs are ready. Total cooking time should take 5–7 hours.

  5. After about 2 hours, start checking the ribs periodically. When you can easily tear a piece of meat off the bone with your fingers (without it being fall-off-the-bone tender) and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the rib meat registers about 150°F, the ribs are ready. Total cooking time should take 3–5 hours.

  6. After about 3 hours, start checking the ribs periodically. When you can easily tear a piece of meat off the bone with your fingers (without it being fall-off-the-bone tender) and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the rib meat registers about 180°F, the ribs are ready. Total cooking time should take 5–6 hours.

  7. Using tongs or a pair of heavy rubber gloves, transfer the racks to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting them into individual ribs and serving, with Vinegar Sauce on the side, if desired.