Easy Backyard Ribs Recipe | Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Client project: I created this easy backyard ribs cook for Lone Star Grillz using the El Fuego Trio in pellet mode. You can see the official Lone Star Grillz recipe page.

These ribs are intentionally uncomplicated. Season them, smoke until the bark and pullback look right, wrap with sauce until tender, then finish uncovered so the glaze tightens back up.

Ingredients

• Baby back ribs
• Mustard, for a binder
• Lone Star Grillz Texas Bold Rub or your favorite rib rub
• Your favorite BBQ sauce
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Prep the Ribs

1. Remove the ribs from the package and pat them dry.
2. Trim any loose fat or uneven pieces.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the racks.
4. Apply a light coat of mustard.
5. Season generously on both sides and along the edges.

Smoke at 225°F

Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Put the ribs on the indirect side and let them smoke until the bark is firmly set and the bones are beginning to show some pullback. Around three hours is a common checkpoint, but use the appearance of the ribs rather than time alone.

Wrap With BBQ Sauce

1. Spread some BBQ sauce onto a sheet of foil.
2. Place the ribs meat-side down into the sauce.
3. Add a little more sauce to the bone side.
4. Wrap tightly and return the ribs to the smoker meat-side down.
5. Cook until they feel tender when probed, usually around another hour depending on the racks.

Finish Uncovered

Open the foil, turn the ribs meat-side up and leave them on the cooker uncovered for about 30 minutes. This last stage firms the bark back up and lets the sauce become glossy and caramelized.

Rest and Slice

Remove the ribs and rest them for about 15–30 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve with extra sauce if you like.

My Tips for Easy Ribs

• Remove the membrane. It improves both eating texture and seasoning contact.
• Do not wrap before the bark is ready. The exterior should already have the color you want.
• Probe for tenderness. Every rack cooks a little differently.
• Finish uncovered. That final stage prevents the exterior from staying soft after the foil wrap.

More Backyard BBQ Recipes

For another easy pork cook, try my Cherry Cola Pulled Pork. For a bite-size appetizer, see the Pork Belly Burnt Ends.

BBQ for the everyday family.