Lonestar Ribs
These Lonestar Ribs are smoky, tender, and packed with bold flavors! Coated with Papa Jack’s Steak & Chop Marinade and topped with a BBQ rub, these ribs are basted with a savory Lonestar Barbecue Mopping Sauce every 30 minutes while smoking to create fall-off-the-bone perfection.
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
- 1/4 cup Papa Jack’s Steak & Chop Marinade
- 1/4 cup BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lonestar Barbecue Mopping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups beer (lager or ale preferred)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Rub the ribs generously with Papa Jack’s Steak & Chop Marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the BBQ rub over both sides of the ribs, pressing it in to create a flavorful crust. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Let the ribs sit at room temperature while you prepare the smoker and mopping sauce.
2. Prepare the Lonestar Barbecue Mopping Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the beer to the pan, and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to reduce the alcohol.
- Once the beer has reduced by about half, stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat until ready to use.
3. Smoke the Ribs:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C). Add your choice of wood chips for smoking (e.g., hickory, oak, or applewood).
- Place the ribs on the smoker grates, bone side down. Close the smoker and let them cook for 2.5–3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature of 250°F.
4. Baste the Ribs:
- Every 30 minutes, use a basting brush or mop to generously coat the ribs with the warm Lonestar Barbecue Mopping Sauce. Be sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor.
- Continue to smoke and baste the ribs for a total of 4-5 hours, or until the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and have a beautiful caramelized glaze.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Once the ribs are tender and have absorbed all that smoky, flavorful goodness, remove them from the smoker.
- Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing between the bones.
- Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy your juicy, flavorful Lonestar Ribs!
Pro Tips:
- Smoking Time: The total smoking time may vary depending on the size of your ribs and the consistency of your smoker’s temperature. Always check for tenderness and use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Alternative Mopping Sauces: You can customize the mopping sauce by adding a dash of hot sauce, brown sugar, or even a little bourbon for a deeper flavor profile.
These Lonestar Ribs are sure to be a hit with their smoky flavor, juicy meat, and irresistible sweetness from the mopping sauce! Perfect for a backyard BBQ or holiday feast!