Cayenne pepper supplies the heat; brown sugar and honey in the zesty sauce provide a sweet counterbalance in these tender, southern-style grilled ribs.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
4 hr
Total Time
4 hr 20 mins
Calories
820 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
About one hour before smoking, make the dry rub. Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne and coriander in a small bowl. Pat ribs dry with paper towels; sprinkle both sides of each rack with the rub. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
Step 2
Heat charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at 250 degrees F. to 300 degrees F. Add drained wood chips, if using.
Step 3
Place the ribs, meaty side up, over a drip pan and cook 2 hours. Add about 12 coals to a charcoal grill every 45 minutes or so to maintain the heat.
Step 4
Meanwhile, to make the sauce, combine vinegar, honey, ketchup, remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, paprika, sea salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly thickened. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Step 5
Continue cooking ribs 1 to 2 more hours until very tender, spraying on both sides with apple juice every 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 6
Brush ribs with sauce; continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the sauce is set. Turn ribs and repeat with more sauce.
Step 7
Cut the racks into 3- or 4-rib sections and serve. Pass any remaining sauce at the table.
Ingredients
½ cup honey
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ cup apple cider vinegar
6 tablespoons ketchup
¾ cup apple juice, in a spray bottle
½ cup light brown sugar, divided
4 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper, divided
¾ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, divided
¼ teaspoon ground coriander seeds
2 racks Smithfield® Extra Tender St. Louis Pork Spareribs, membrane removed
