Description
These pellet smoker St Louis ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and packed with rich smoky flavor. This simple 3-2-1 style method is beginner-friendly and delivers consistent, mouthwatering BBQ ribs every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 racks St Louis-style ribs
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup apple juice
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Remove or score the silverskin from ribs
- Mix rub and coat ribs evenly then let sit 30 minutes
- Preheat pellet smoker to 225°F
- Place ribs bone-side down and smoke for 3 to 4 hours
- Spritz every 45 minutes with apple cider vinegar and apple juice mix
- Remove ribs and wrap tightly in foil with spritz mixture
- Return to smoker and cook for 1 to 2 hours
- Unwrap ribs and increase heat to 250°F
- Brush with BBQ sauce
- Cook for 1 more hour, reapplying sauce halfway through
- Check for doneness at 190°F to 205°F
- Rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve
Notes
Keep temperature steady and avoid opening the smoker too often. Hickory gives a bold flavor while applewood adds a sweeter touch. Wrapping helps achieve fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Always rest ribs before slicing to keep them juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 rack
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg