Ingredients:

  • 2 racks St. Louis Cut Pork Spare Ribs (approx. 2.5–3 lbs each)
  • 2 Tbsp Yellow Mustard (Binder)
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup Smoked Paprika
  • 2 Tbsp Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Mustard Powder (or Dry English Mustard)
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (for Spritz)
  • 1/2 cup Water (for Spritz)
  • 1/2 cup Apple Juice or Dark Beer (Wrapping Liquid)
  • 1 cup High-Quality BBQ Sauce (optional glaze)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Racks: Locate and remove the membrane (silverskin) from the bone side of each rack using a paper towel for grip. Trim any excessive hard fat pockets.
  2. Apply the Binder and Rub: Apply a thin, even layer of yellow mustard over the ribs. Generously coat all sides with the prepared rub (Brown Sugar, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Garlic/Onion/Mustard Powder, Cayenne), patting gently to adhere.
  3. Chill (Dry Brine): Wrap the seasoned ribs tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, 8–12 hours overnight.
  4. Preheat the Smoker: Set the smoker temperature to a consistent 225°F (107°C). Add your chosen smoking wood (e.g., Apple, Hickory) and wait until you achieve thin, wispy 'blue smoke'.
  5. Smoke (Phase 1 - 3 Hours): Place the racks bone-side down directly on the grate. Smoke uncovered for 3 hours. After the first hour, and every 45–60 minutes thereafter, lightly mist the ribs with the Apple Cider Vinegar/Water spritz mixture.
  6. Wrap (Phase 2 - 2 Hours): Lay out heavy-duty aluminum foil. Pour 1/4 cup of the wrapping liquid (apple juice or beer) onto the foil. Place the ribs meat-side down, pour the remaining liquid over the bones, and wrap tightly to create a sealed packet.
  7. Return to Smoker: Place the wrapped ribs back on the grate and cook for approximately 2 hours at 225°F (107°C) to tenderize the connective tissue.
  8. Finish and Glaze (Phase 3 - 30-60 Mins): Carefully unwrap the ribs and return them to the grate, meat-side up. Perform the 'Bend Test' for doneness. If desired, lightly brush the racks with BBQ sauce glaze, allowing the sauce to 'set' for 10–15 minutes.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the finished ribs from the smoker and let them rest, loosely tented with foil, on a cutting board for 30 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve immediately.