Are you a fan of tender, juicy, and flavorful ribs? Look no further! In this article, we will explore some of the best easy smoked St. Louis style ribs recipes that will leave your taste buds craving for more. These recipes are perfect for those who are new to smoking ribs or simply want a hassle-free cooking experience. So, let’s fire up the smoker and get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering ribs!
1. Classic Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs:
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of St. Louis style ribs
– 2 tablespoons of your favorite rib rub
– 1 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce
Instructions:
– Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
– Apply the rib rub generously on both sides of the ribs.
– Place the ribs on the smoker grates and smoke for 3 hours.
– Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and continue smoking for another 2 hours.
– Remove the foil and brush the ribs with BBQ sauce.
– Smoke for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
– Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Sweet and Spicy Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs:
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of St. Louis style ribs
– 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons of paprika
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon of onion powder
– 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions:
– Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
– In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make the rub.
– Generously apply the rub on both sides of the ribs.
– Place the ribs on the smoker grates and smoke for 3 hours.
– Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and smoke for another 1 hour.
– Brush the ribs with more BBQ sauce and smoke for an additional 30 minutes.
– Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Now, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about smoking St. Louis style ribs:
Q1. What is St. Louis style ribs?
A1. St. Louis style ribs are pork ribs that have been trimmed to remove the sternum bone and cartilage, resulting in a more rectangular shape.
Q2. How do I know when the ribs are done?
A2. The ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
Q3. Can I use a gas grill instead of a smoker?
A3. While a smoker is recommended for the best flavor, you can still achieve delicious results using a gas grill. Simply set it up for indirect heat and follow the same cooking instructions.
Q4. Can I use a different type of wood for smoking?
A4. Absolutely! Experiment with different types of wood, such as hickory, apple, or cherry, to add unique flavors to your ribs.
Q5. Can I marinate the ribs overnight?
A5. It is not necessary to marinate St. Louis style ribs overnight as the rub and smoke will provide plenty of flavor. However, if you prefer, you can marinate them for a few hours before smoking.
Q6. How long should I let the ribs rest before serving?
A6. Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Q7. Can I freeze the leftover ribs?
A7. Yes, you can freeze the leftover ribs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q8. What sides go well with smoked St. Louis style ribs?
A8. Classic BBQ sides like cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad complement smoked St. Louis style ribs perfectly.
Q9. Can I use these recipes for beef ribs?
A9. While these recipes are specifically designed for pork ribs, you can adapt them for beef ribs by adjusting the cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
With these delectable recipes and helpful answers to common questions, you are well-equipped to create the best smoked St. Louis style ribs for your next backyard gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the tantalizing flavors and the satisfaction of creating a crowd-pleasing meal!