How to Smoke Perfect Ribs with Traeger Grills
When it comes to perfecting smoked BBQ ribs, Traeger Grills provides an exemplary guide to achieving smoky, saucy, and slightly sweet St. Louis-cut ribs. This recipe transforms your ribs into a culinary masterpiece with just a few key ingredients and some patient grilling.
Ingredients:
- 2 Racks of St. Louis-style ribs
- 6 Ounces of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- 8 Ounces of apple juice
- As Needed Traeger BBQ Sauce
Preparation:
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Prepping the Ribs:
- Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Remove the membrane from the back of each rack.
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Seasoning:
- Apply an even coat of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub on all sides of the ribs.
- Let the seasoned ribs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
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Grilling Setup:
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 225℉, ensuring the lid is closed for 15 minutes to achieve optimal temperature. Utilize the Super Smoke feature if available for enhanced flavor.
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Smoking Process:
- Insert a probe into the center of one rack, avoiding bones.
- Place the ribs, bone-side down, directly on the grill grates.
- Smoke the ribs until the internal temperature reaches 201°F, approximately 4.5 hours. During this period, spritz the ribs with apple juice every hour and then every 45 minutes after the initial hour.
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Saucing:
- Brush a light layer of Traeger BBQ Sauce on both sides of the ribs.
- Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce sets.
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Serving:
- Allow the ribs to rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the grill.
- Slice between the bones into individual ribs and serve with more Traeger BBQ Sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Pellet Choice: Hickory wood pellets are recommended for their robust flavor, enhancing the smokiness of the ribs.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent temperature of 225℉ is crucial for the perfect smoke.
- Resting Period: Letting the ribs rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
By following this detailed recipe, you can elevate your BBQ game and impress your guests with perfectly smoked St. Louis BBQ ribs that are rich in flavor and tender to the bite. Enjoy the process and savor the smoky goodness of homemade smoked BBQ ribs.
