Old Smoky Ribs Recipes

PELLET-GRILL SMOKED RIBS

Steps:

• Preheat a pellet grill to 275 degrees F (see Cook's Note). Combine 2 tablespoons salt, 4 tablespoons coarsely ground pepper and 2 teaspoons paprika in a small bowl. Rub each rack of ribs all over with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle evenly with the salt and spice mixture on both sides.
• Transfer the ribs, meat-side up, to the grill grates. Cover the grill and cook for 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup cider vinegar with 1/3 cup water in a spray bottle. After 1 hour spray the ribs with the vinegar-water mixture so they are damp all over. Cover and cook for 1 more hour.
• Meanwhile, combine the ketchup, 3/4 cup water, the remaining 1/3 cup cider vinegar, white vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, hot sauce and the remaining 2 teaspoons paprika in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is warmed through and the sugar is melted, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
• Check the ribs and spray them again with vinegar-water. They should be starting to take on a red color from the smoke. Cover and cook until they are deep red, 30 to 45 minutes. Spray the ribs once more, then brush the meaty part of each rack with 1/4 cup of the sauce. Close the grill and cook for another 15 minutes so the sauce can set.
• Lay down two pieces of heavy-duty foil that are long enough to enclose each rack on a work surface and spread half of each sheet with 1/4 cup sauce. Transfer the rib racks, meat side down, onto the saucy part of the foil. Coat the bone sides with 1/4 cup sauce and a few sprays of the vinegar-water, then fold the foil over and seal tightly.
• Add another layer of foil if the first has punctured during wrapping. Transfer the ribs to a rimmed baking sheet and place on the grill (the baking sheet will catch any juices that leak out). Cover and cook until tender but not falling off the bone, about 2 hours.
• Remove from the grill and let rest 5 minutes before carefully unwrapping (watch out for hot steam). Slice each rack into individual rib portions and serve with the remaining sauce.

STAN'S SMOKY RIBS

Steps:

• Place ribs in a 5-qt. Dutch oven; cover with water. Add garlic salt and pepper; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. , Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients; set aside. Drain ribs. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 30-60 minutes or until meat is tender, turning and basting several times with sauce. Serve remaining sauce with ribs.

OLD SMOKY RIBS

Steps:

• Remove the thin papery skin on the back of each rack of the ribs or ask your butcher to do it.
• Place the ribs in a roasting pan and pour the bourbon over them.
• Let marinate in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour, turning the ribs several times.
• Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the rub in a bowl and stir to mix.
• Pour off and discard the bourbon.
• Sprinkle the ribs on both sides with 2/3 of the rub, patting it in with your fingers.
• Let the ribs marinate for 1 hour, while you light your grill.
• Set up your grill for indirect grilling and smoking, using wood chips and adjust the heat to 300 degrees.
• Arrange the ribs on a rack in the center of the grill away from the heat and cook until very tender and the meat has pulled away from the ends of the bones, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
• The last 15 minutes, brush the ribs with 1/3 cup sauce.
• Sprinkle with the remaining rub.
• Serve the remaining barbecue sauce on the side.