How to Smoke Pork Spare Ribs on a Pellet Grill: A Comprehensive Guide

Pork spare ribs are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Smoking pork spare ribs on a pellet grill is a great way to achieve a flavorful and tender result. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right ribs to smoking them to perfection.

Selecting the Right Ribs

The first step to smoking pork spare ribs is to select the right ribs. Look for ribs that are meaty and have a good amount of marbling. Avoid ribs that are thin or have a lot of bone.

Trimming the Ribs

Once you’ve selected your ribs, it’s time to trim them. This involves removing the excess fat and silver skin from the ribs. To remove the silver skin, use a sharp knife to carefully score the back of the ribs. Then, use your fingers to peel away the silver skin.

Seasoning the Ribs

Once the ribs are trimmed, it’s time to season them. You can use your favorite rub or marinade, or you can simply season the ribs with salt and pepper. If you’re using a rub, be sure to apply it evenly to all sides of the ribs.

Smoking the Ribs

Now it’s time to smoke the ribs. Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ribs on the grill grate and smoke them for 3 hours. After 3 hours, wrap the ribs in aluminum foil and continue to smoke them for another 2 hours. Finally, remove the ribs from the foil and smoke them for an additional 1 hour, or until they are cooked through.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for pork spare ribs will vary depending on the size and thickness of the ribs. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should cook the ribs for 6-8 hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. The ribs are done when they are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily.

Serving the Ribs

Once the ribs are cooked, let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce or sides.

Tips for Smoking Pork Spare Ribs on a Pellet Grill

Use a good quality rub or marinade.
Smoke the ribs at a low temperature (225 degrees Fahrenheit) for a long period of time (6-8 hours).
Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil during the last 2 hours of cooking to help them tenderize.
Let the ribs rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Smoking pork spare ribs on a pellet grill is a great way to achieve a flavorful and tender result. By following the tips in this guide, you can smoke delicious pork spare ribs that your family and friends will love.

How to Smoke Spare Ribs on a pellet grill – in less than 4 hours

FAQ

How long does it take to smoke pork spare ribs on a pellet grill?

Arrange the ribs directly on the grill grates, bone-side down, close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 203°F, 3-4 hours. Add the apple juice to a spray bottle and spritz the ribs after 1 hour of cooking and every hour thereafter. Brush the ribs on both sides with the Traeger BBQ Sauce.

How long do you smoke ribs at 225?

Set up your smoker for smoking at about 225°F (107°C) using indirect heat. Once the smoker is ready, place the ribs directly on the smoker grate, or you can use a rib rack if you need to fit more. Let the ribs smoke cook for about 5 hours or until they are as tender as you like them.

What is the 3 2 1 rule for smoking ribs?

Essentially, 3 2 1 ribs go like this: 3 hours of smoking the ribs directly on the pellet grill. 2 hours wrapped in foil, still cooking on the grill. 1 hour of cooking, unwrapped and slathered in barbecue sauce.

Do you have to wrap ribs on a pellet smoker?

Slow Smoking the Ribs without Wrapping My favorites are 75% water and 25% apple cider vinegar or just use Coors Light Beer with a splash of apple juice. Spritz the Ribs every 30-45 minutes. Check the Ribs for the “Bend” Test starting around 5 hours.