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BBQ ribs on smoker grates with spritz bottle nearby

The Ultimate St. Louis Ribs Recipe (Perfect in the Oven or on the Smoker)


  • Author: Emilie
  • Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This St. Louis ribs recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone ribs using either an oven or smoker. Full prep, expert tips, and bold BBQ flavor!


Ingredients

Scale

1 rack St. Louis style spareribs

2 tbsp yellow mustard (binder)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 cup apple juice (for spritzing)

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 cup BBQ sauce


Instructions

1. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.

2. Remove the membrane from the back using a knife and paper towel.

3. Rub mustard over the ribs, then apply dry rub generously.

4. For Oven: Preheat to 275°F, wrap ribs in foil with some liquid, and bake for 2.5 hours.

5. Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes. Optionally broil to caramelize.

6. For Smoker: Set smoker to 225°F. Smoke uncovered for 3 hours, spritzing every 45 minutes.

7. Wrap with butter, brown sugar, and honey. Smoke for 2 more hours.

8. Unwrap, sauce, and smoke 1 final hour until set.

9. Use bend or toothpick test to check doneness.

10. Slice meat-side down for clean cuts. Serve hot.

Notes

Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

For more bark, skip wrapping on smoker.

Use apple or cherry wood for best flavor.

Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 hrs
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Oven/Smoker
  • Cuisine: American BBQ

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 rack
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: St. Louis ribs recipe, smoked ribs, oven baked ribs, fall off the bone ribs