Servings
Font
Back
4.7 from 18 votes

Charcoal Grill Smoked Spare Ribs

Learn how to smoke meat on a charcoal grill by starting with these impressive Smoked Spare Ribs.

Prep Time
4 hrs
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
7 hrs
Servings: 3 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

To Prep the Meat
  • 3 lb pork spare ribs (St. Louis Style/trimmed)
  • 1 c apple cider
  • 1 c water
  • ¼ c lemon juice
  • 1/3 c rib rub (see below)
For the Grill
  • 4 c Wood chips (we used apple)
  • 1 1/3 c apple cider, divided
  • 2/3 c water

Instructions

Prep the Meat
    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the meat in a large, shallow, non-reactive container (a roasting pan or high rimmed cookie sheet works well). Pour 1 cup apple cider, 1 cup water, and ¼ cup lemon juice over meat. Turn the ribs to coat. Cover and let marinade in the refrigerator for 2-6 hours.
  2. Drain the ribs and blot dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1/3 c of rub over both sides of the ribs. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat. Let stand, covered 1-2 hours.
Soak the Chips
  1. Place the wood chips in a bowl and cover with 1/3 c apple cider and 2/3 c water. Let soak for 1 hour. Drain before using.
Start Your Grill
  1. A half hour before you want to start cooking, set up your grill for indirect grilling (using a disposable aluminum pan to keep the coals to either side if necessary). Preheat the grill to a low heat, 200-250F. (You should be able to hold your hand 4 inches from the cooking grate for 10 seconds.)
  2. When you are ready to cook, arrange 1 ½ c soaked and drained wood chips on the coals. Place your meat on the center of the hot cooking grate, over your drip pan.
  3. Cover the grill and smoke for 3-4 hours.
Check and Baste
  1. Every half hour to hour, check your grill. Add 4-5 coals and ½ c soaked and drained wood chips to each side. Using a clean spray bottle, spray your meat with apple cider (using about a cup throughout). Check the temperature of your grill and adjust the vents to keep it at medium-low heat.
Enjoy the Goods
  1. The ribs are done when the meat has shrunk back from the tips of the bone. Transfer the ribs to a large platter and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Report Abuse
Login to Continue
Forgot password?
Don't have an account? Register