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Mastering Sweet and Smoky Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs: Your Guide to Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Experience the ultimate in backyard grilling with these irresistibly sweet and smoky Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs. Crafted for exceptional tenderness and juicy flavor, these ribs feature premium Smithfield Extra Tender Pork Back Ribs, guaranteeing a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to fire up your grill and create a BBQ masterpiece!

For the complete recipe of our signature dry spice rub, click here. This foundational blend is key to unlocking the rich flavor profile of these incredible ribs.

The Irresistible Allure of BBQ: A Southern Legacy

There’s an undeniable magic to barbecue, a culinary tradition that resonates deep within my soul. Perhaps it’s my Tennessee roots, where the aroma of smoked meats is as much a part of the landscape as the rolling hills. The moment that distinct, delicious smokiness wafts through the air, my heart truly starts to pitter-patter. It’s more than just food; it’s a connection to heritage, warmth, and the simple joy of gathering around good food.

While last weekend’s Mother’s Day celebrations saw my husband firing up the smoker for some delicious pork, the true highlight for me came the day before. On Saturday, I indulged in my absolute favorite BBQ creation: these magnificent Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs. This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about crafting an experience, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that defines exceptional backyard barbecue.

Discovering the Secret to Perfect Ribs: Smithfield Extra Tender

Confession time: my husband isn’t typically a rib enthusiast. When we dine out, he usually opts for other BBQ offerings, which means ribs are a rare treat at home. However, my grilling world changed dramatically during a recent visit to Walmart. As I perused the meat case, my eyes landed on a package of Smithfield Extra Tender and Extra Meaty Pork Back Ribs. It was love at first sight, and they swiftly made their way into my shopping cart.

Choosing the right cut of meat is paramount for truly outstanding ribs, and Smithfield products consistently deliver. Beyond their commitment to quality with no added hormones or steroids, what sets Smithfield apart is their inherent extra tenderness and juiciness. This quality is a game-changer, especially if you’re new to grilling ribs. It means less worry about overcooking and more confidence that your ribs will turn out succulent and flavorful every single time. For beginners and seasoned grill masters alike, Smithfield provides an unparalleled foundation for success.

Crafting the Ultimate BBQ Feast: More Than Just Ribs

With these prime Smithfield ribs in hand, my vision was clear: they would be generously coated in my dad’s legendary dry spice rub and slow-smoked on the grill. But a true BBQ meal is a symphony of flavors, and no symphony is complete without its full orchestra. Alongside these spectacular ribs, I envisioned creamy macaroni and cheese, hearty baked beans, and crisp coleslaw. It was a complete meal plan, a culinary declaration that my long-standing deprivation of perfectly dry-rubbed pork ribs was finally over.

Conquering the Grill: A Journey to Grilling Confidence

Many home cooks find grilling ribs intimidating, but I’m here to tell you: don’t be! It’s far easier than you might imagine, and the reward is consistently tender, juicy ribs. For years, the grill felt like an unapproachable fortress to me. However, with a few brave attempts, I discovered the sheer joy and empowerment of grilling independently. There’s an incredible satisfaction in being able to fire up the grill whenever the craving strikes, without having to wait for anyone else. These Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs are your ticket to that same confidence and culinary freedom.

The Art of the Dry Rub: Flavor Infusion for Unforgettable Ribs

The journey to truly exceptional Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs begins the night before. My secret weapon is a robust dry spice rub, the recipe for which you can find here. This meticulously crafted blend offers an amazing fusion of smoky and sweet notes, making it versatile enough for chicken, pork, and steak, but truly shines on ribs.

To prepare, liberally massage the dry rub onto all sides of the ribs, ensuring every crevice is thoroughly coated. This isn’t just a surface treatment; it’s the first crucial step in flavor penetration. Once seasoned, tightly wrap the entire rack of ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This extended marination period allows the spices to deeply infuse the meat, building a complex flavor foundation that will truly differentiate your ribs.

Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to grill, remove the ribs from the refrigerator. Allowing them to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking and helps prevent the meat from seizing up on the hot grill. While your ribs are resting, it’s the perfect time to head out and prepare your grill.

Mastering the Grill Setup: Indirect Heat for Tender Perfection

For these Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs, we prefer using a charcoal grill, and a chimney starter is an indispensable tool for efficiency. Begin by filling your chimney starter with charcoal – we highly recommend Kingsford Charcoal for its consistent heat and reliable burn. Place some newspaper or a starter cube beneath the chimney and light it. Be patient; wait until you see flames emerging from the top and the coals are glowing hot before carefully pouring them onto one side of your grill. This creates a two-zone cooking environment, a technique known as “indirect heat,” which is absolutely essential for slow-cooking ribs to tender perfection.

To elevate the smoky essence, consider adding a handful of soaked wood chips (hickory or applewood are excellent choices) directly onto the hot coals. This simple addition infuses the ribs with an authentic, deep smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate.

The Grilling Process: Slow and Steady Wins the Rib Race

Once your grill is perfectly set up for indirect heat, place the dry rubbed pork ribs on the side without the coals. Close the lid and let them cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. This initial phase gently begins the cooking process without charring the rub.

After 20 minutes, it’s time for the magic of basting. Generously slather your homemade barbecue sauce over the ribs, ensuring a sweet and tangy glaze. Replace the lid and continue grilling for another 30 minutes. The ultimate goal is fall-off-the-bone tenderness, which you can confirm with an internal thermometer reading 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the collagen in the ribs breaks down beautifully, resulting in that coveted melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The Unforgettable Result: A Rib Revelation

Doesn’t this look like a work of art? The true test, however, came from my husband, the self-proclaimed non-rib-lover. His reaction? Absolutely, unequivocally LOVED them! The tender meat, the sweet and smoky dry rub, and the tangy barbecue sauce converted him instantly. And, being the generous soul I am, I shared them with our neighbor, who also raved about their perfection. These Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs are truly grilled to perfection, delivering an unparalleled taste and texture.

Serve these spectacular ribs with your favorite classic BBQ side dishes – think creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread – and you’ve got yourself a visually stunning and incredibly delicious down-home BBQ meal that will impress everyone at your table.

9 votes

Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs

Prep 5 mins

Cook 1 hour

Inactive 12 hours

Total 13 hours, 5 mins

Author Megan Marlowe | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 5 (3 ribs each) 2 tablespoons BBQ Sauce

Sweet and Smoky, these Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs are extra tender and juicy thanks to Smithfield Extra Tender Pork Back Ribs. One look and you’ll be running to the grill to make your own!

Ingredients

Smithfield Extra Tender Fresh Pork Back Ribs
Recipe for Dry Spice Rub

Homemade BBQ Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup apple juice
1 (6oz) can tomato paste
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pineapple juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper

Instructions

Rub dry spice rub all over ribs, making sure to cover well. Wrap rib rack in plastic wrap and place into refrigerator overnight.
Remove ribs from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling and allow to come to room temperature
Prepare grill. Fill chimney starter with charcoal. When coals are hot, pour onto one side of the grill, for indirect heat. If desired, place some soaked wood chips onto coals.
Place ribs on side without charcoal and cook for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, baste with BBQ sauce and place the lid back on. Continue grilling for 30 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads 170 degrees.
Remove from grill and allow to rest 20 minutes before slicing.
Serve with extra bbq sauce and your favorite sides.

BBQ Sauce

In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and saute until tender.
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Courses Dinner

Cuisine BBQ

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size Approx. 5 servings (3 ribs each) 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

Amount Per Serving
Calories 550
% Daily Value
Total Fat 37 g		57%
	Saturated Fat 13 g	65%
Cholesterol 154 mg		51%
Sodium 663 mg		28%
Total Carbohydrates 7 g		2%
	Dietary Fiber 1 g	4%
	Sugars 5 g
Protein 42 g		84%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Celebrate with Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs

These Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to celebrate. They are an absolutely excellent choice for a festive Memorial Day party, Fourth of July cookout, or any summer gathering. Imagine the delight of your guests as they savor these perfectly grilled ribs, infused with smoky sweetness. The beauty of this dish is its versatility for entertaining: you can take pride in grilling the main course, while guests can contribute their favorite side dishes, making for an effortless yet memorable potluck-style feast.

One thing is certain: the incredible flavor and tenderness of these dry rubbed pork ribs will leave a lasting impression. They’re designed to be a conversation starter, a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe and remembering your amazing backyard BBQ for years to come. Make this summer unforgettable with the best grilled ribs you’ve ever tasted!

Your Partner in Grilling Success: Smithfield Extra Tender Ribs

Smithfield Extra Tender Ribs are truly your secret weapon for consistently perfect, mouthwatering ribs. Their superior quality ensures a delicious outcome every time, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your grilling journey. To discover more inspiring recipes, expert grilling tips, and even a chance to win amazing prizes, including $5,000 cash, be sure to visit the official Get Grilling America page. While you’re there, don’t miss the helpful video tutorial below, packed with valuable insights.

No matter your current level of grilling expertise, remember that Smithfield is dedicated to helping you achieve grilling greatness. Their commitment to quality meat simplifies the process, making it easier than ever to grill truly fantastic ribs that taste like they came from a championship BBQ joint.

Flavor-Packed Dry Rub Pork Ribs