Countdown Ribs

Story

This method is often referred to as 3-2-1 based on the typical timing of the phases. Due to variations in the size/type of ribs (e.g., Spare vs Baby-Back) and your smoker, this can vary. You may have to play with the timing a few times to get it right.

Ingredients

• 1 Rack of Pork Ribs
• 1/4 cup Apple Juice
• 1/4 cup Rib Rub
• ½ cup BBQ Sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's for this)

Tools

• 2 Large Pieces of Aluminum Foil for Wrapping
• Spray Bottle for the Apple Juice
• Insulated Gloves or a T owel to Add and Remove the Ribs from the Heat
• Brush to Spread

Instructions

1. Preheat smoker/grill to 225° F and set for indirect cooking.
2. Remove membrane from bottom of ribs (some places will have these already removed).
3. Apply rub to all sides of the ribs, making sure to give an even coat.
4. Place ribs on smoker, meat side up, and perform initial phase of the cook. This will last 2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the ribs.
5. During this period plan to spray the ribs at least one time. Resist the tempation to check/spray too often.
6. Remove the ribs ffrom the heat and place on a double layer of aluminum foil, meat side down. Add the remaining apple juice, wrap carefully, and return to the smoker meat side down.
7. After 1-2 hours, remove the foil packet from the heat, take out the ribs (careful not to burn yourself, the remaining liquid will be hot), and return ribs to the smoker, meat side up, for 1 more hour.
8. With about 15 to 30 minutes remaining spread an even coat of BBQ sauce over the ribs.
9. Ribs are done when the rack becomes plyable and bones can easily be removed with a twist. “Fall of the Bone” ribs are overcooked!