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Barbecued Pork Spareribs

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Flavorful ribs that are tender but cling lightly to the bone, prepared using a method that minimizes attention to the grill but provides a smoky flavor and well-developed bark.

Barbecued Pork Spareribs for Charcoal Grill
Serves 4 to 6

We found that leaving the membrane on the ribs helped prevent some of the fat from rendering out during the long cooking time, leaving the ribs juicier. Pouring lit briquettes over unlit briquettes provides the low, steady heat that is necessary for effective smoking. To maintain a constant temperature, manipulate the upper and lower vents of your grill and do not remove the lid any more than is necessary.

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Ingredients

  • Rub
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon table salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Ribs
  • 2 racks St. Louis-style spareribs, 2 1/2 to 3 pounds each (see note)
  • 1/2 cup hickory chips, soaked
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • large aluminum roasting pan,

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine rub ingredients in small bowl. Place racks on rimmed baking sheet; sprinkle rub on both sides of each rack, rubbing and pressing to adhere. Set racks aside while preparing grill.

2. Combine apple juice and vinegar in small bowl; set aside. Open top and bottom vents halfway and arrange 15 unlit charcoal briquettes evenly on one-side of grill. Place disposable pan filled with 1-inch water on other side of grill. Light large chimney starter filled one-thirds with charcoal (about 33 briquettes) and allow to burn until coals are half coated with thin layer of ash, about 15 minutes. Empty coals into grill, on top of unlit briquettes, to cover half of grill. Sprinkle soaked wood chips over coals. Position cooking grated over coals, cover grill and heat grate until hot, about 5 minutes; scrape grate clean with grill brush.

3. Place ribs, meat side down, on grate over water pan. Cover grill, positioning top vent over ribs to draw smoke through grill. Cook ribs for 45 minutes, adjusting vents to keep temperature inside grill around 250 degrees. Flip ribs meat side up, turn 180 degrees, and switch their positions so that rack that was nearest fire is on outside. Brush each rib with 2 tablespoons apple juice mixture; cover grill and cook for another 45 minutes. About 15 minutes before removing ribs from grill, adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees.

4. Transfer ribs, meat side up, to wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet; pour 1 ½ cups water into bottom of baking sheet. Brush top of each rib with 2 tablespoons apple juice mixture; roast for 1 hour. Brush ribs with remaining apple juice mixture and continue to roast until meat is tender but not falling off bone (internal temperature should be 195 to 200 degrees), 1 to 2 hours. Transfer ribs to cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut ribs between bones to separate and serve.

Barbecued Pork Spareribs for Gas Grill

Follow recipe for Barbecued Pork Spareribs through step 1, increasing amount of wood chips to ¾ cup. Place soaked chips in small disposable aluminum pan with ¼ cup of water and set on primary burner of gas grill. Instead of large aluminum roasting pan, place 9-inch aluminum pie plate filled 1-inch with water on other burner(s). Position cooking grates over burners. Turn all burners to high and heat grill with lid down until very hot, about 15 minutes. Turn primary burner to medium-high and turn off other burner(s). Scrape grate clean with grill brush. Proceed with recipe from step 3, maintaining grill temperature of 250 degrees by adjusting heat of primary burner.

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