How to Make Perfect Traeger St Louis Ribs

St. Louis BBQ ribs are a staple of American barbecue, known for their rich flavor and tender texture. This recipe, perfected by Traeger Grills, brings out the best in these ribs using a combination of dry rub, apple juice spritz, and a tangy BBQ sauce. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbecue enthusiast, this guide will help you achieve mouth-watering ribs that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

To serve 4 people, you'll need:

• 2 racks of St. Louis-style ribs
• 6 ounces of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
• 8 ounces of apple juice
• 1 bottle (19.5 oz) of Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce
• Pecan BBQ Wood Pellets

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Ribs:

   • Trim the ribs and remove the membrane from the back. Use a butter knife to loosen the membrane over a center rib, then grip it with a paper towel and tear away.
   • Season both sides of the ribs evenly with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub. Allow them to sit for 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat the Grill:

   • Set your Traeger grill to 225℉ and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

3. Smoke the Ribs:

   • Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill grates.
   • Spray the ribs evenly with apple juice, close the lid, and cook for 3 hours at 225℉ using Super Smoke.

4. Wrap and Cook:

   • Remove the ribs from the grill and wrap each rack in aluminum foil, adding the remaining apple juice to the foil packets before sealing tightly.
   • Insert a probe into the meaty side of one rack, avoiding the bones. Return the wrapped ribs to the grill, meat-side down, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 203℉ (1-3 hours).

5. Finish with Sauce:

   • Unwrap the ribs and brush a light layer of Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce on both sides of each rack.
   • Return the ribs to the grill, meat-side up, and cook for an additional 10 minutes to set the sauce.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes. Slice between the bones into individual ribs before serving.

Tips for Perfect Ribs

• Consistency is Key: Maintain a steady grill temperature to ensure even cooking.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality wood pellets and seasonings for the best flavor.
• Resting Time: Allowing the ribs to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of St. Louis BBQ ribs requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. By following this recipe, you can create a dish that combines smoky, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some of the best ribs you've ever tasted.