This Quick BBQ Pork Ribs recipe is the best way to get smoky, fall off the bone tender ribs in only 3 hours! In this easy 2-step method, the ribs are braised in the oven for 2 hours and then slathered with BBQ sauce before finishing off in the smoker (or pellet grill) for 1 hour. They are so finger-licking delicious!
Rinse the whole rack of ribs in water and then pat dry with paper towels.
Place your ribs boney-side up. Remove the silverskin by sliding a butter knife on top of a bone and under the membrane. Pull up with the knife and use your hands or a paper towel to remove the membrane completely.
Stir the dry rib rub ingredients together in a small bowl, and then rub it on both sides of the pork ribs. Allow the ribs to rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors of the seasonings. Optional: Wrap the the seasoned ribs tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat your oven to 300°F.
Place ribs on a large sheet of aluminum foil, meat-side up. Pour apple juice and apple cider vinegar on the ribs. Top with sliced butter pads and then crimp the foil tightly shut to prevent liquid from leaking, leaving enough space for steam to circulate.
Place foil packet on a large baking sheet and braise in the oven at 300°F for 2 hours.
Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
Using tongs, carefully remove ribs from foil (watch out for hot steam). Discard braising liquid and foil. Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce and then place on the smoker (or pellet grill), meat-side up. Smoke at 250°F for 1 hour, allowing the sauce to become sticky and caramelized. (Internal temperature of ribs should be at least 195°F for optimal tenderness.)
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing, allowing juices to redistribute. Serve with extra BBQ sauce and enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Place leftover BBQ ribs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Wrap ribs in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, about 30 minutes.