Traeger Pork Ribs: A Competition-Style Recipe

This recipe for competition-style pork ribs features St. Louis-style ribs seasoned with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, cooked with a brown sugar and butter mixture, and finished on a pellet grill using Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce. The ribs are prepared through a combination of smoking, wrapping, and grilling to achieve a tender, flavorful result.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks St. Louis-style ribs
• 1 cup Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons agave
• 1 bottle Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and season with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub on both sides. Let the ribs rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. Smoking: Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F using Super Smoke if available. Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill and smoke for 3 hours.
3. Brown Sugar Wrap: Mix brown sugar, butter, and agave. Spread half of the mixture on each of two double-layered sheets of aluminum foil. After 3 hours, place each rack of ribs meat-side down on the foil and wrap tightly.
4. Grilling Wrapped Ribs: Increase the grill temperature to 250°F. Place the wrapped ribs back on the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 204°F (about 1.5-2 hours).
5. Finishing: Remove the ribs from the foil, place back on the grill, and cook unwrapped for 10 minutes. Brush with Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce and grill for another 10 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve.

Unique Article:

Pork ribs are a barbecue classic, beloved for their rich flavor and tender texture. While there are countless ways to prepare ribs, achieving competition-style perfection requires a meticulous approach. This article will guide you through competition-style pork ribs using a pellet grill, ensuring your ribs are blue-ribbon worthy.

Selecting the Right Ribs:

The journey to perfect ribs begins with the right cut. St. Louis-style ribs are preferred for their uniform shape and meatier texture compared to baby back ribs. Ensure your ribs are fresh and have a good balance of meat and fat.

The Importance of Seasoning:

A good rub is the foundation of flavorful ribs. The Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub is a well-balanced blend of spices that enhances the natural flavor of the pork. Generously season both sides of the ribs and let them rest, allowing the rub to penetrate the meat.

The Smoking Process:

Smoking is where the magic happens. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F, utilizing the Super Smoke feature if available. This low and slow method infuses the ribs with a smoky flavor that is essential for competition-style ribs. Smoke the ribs bone-side down for 3 hours, maintaining a steady temperature.

Creating the Brown Sugar Wrap:

The brown sugar wrap is a game-changer, adding a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the ribs' flavor. Mix brown sugar, unsalted butter, and agave to create a rich, sticky mixture. Spread this mixture on aluminum foil and wrap the ribs tightly. This step ensures the ribs remain moist and tender during the next phase of cooking.

Grilling to Perfection:

Increase the grill temperature to 250°F and cook the wrapped ribs until the internal temperature reaches 204°F. This step is crucial for breaking down the connective tissues, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Once unwrapped, brush the ribs with Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce and grill for an additional 10 minutes on each side to caramelize the sauce.

Serving and Enjoying:

Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors will impress even the toughest barbecue judges. Pair your ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a complete barbecue experience.

Conclusion:

Competition-style pork ribs is a rewarding endeavor that requires attention to detail and patience. By following these steps and using high-quality ingredients, you'll create ribs that are not only delicious but also worthy of any barbecue competition. Enjoy the process and savor the results!