Simple Smoked Spare Ribs

Name: Simple Smoked Spare Ribs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 320 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 racks spare ribs (about 5 lb total); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for serving)

320 min 4 servings easy

All Recipes

Simple Smoked Spare Ribs

No-fuss smoked spare ribs with a straightforward rub and classic technique — proof that great ribs do not need complicated recipes.

Prep

10 min

Cook

300 min

Total

320 min

Servings

Difficulty

easy

Sometimes the best ribs come from the simplest approach. These easy smoked spare ribs use a basic pantry rub, a steady smoker temperature, and patience. No wrapping, no spritzing, no fuss — just great ribs with a proper bark and tender bite-through meat.

Ingredients

Servings

Rub

Ribs

Instructions

Remove membrane

Flip ribs bone side up. Slide a butter knife under the membrane at one end. Grab with a paper towel and peel it off in one piece.

Season

Mix all rub ingredients. Apply generously to both sides of each rack. No binder needed — the rub sticks fine on its own for this simple approach.

Set up smoker

Preheat smoker to 250°F with hickory or apple wood. Place a water pan in the smoker for moisture.

Pro tip: A consistent 250°F temperature is more important than the wood choice — just maintain your fire.

Smoke until done

Place ribs meat side up on the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for 4.5-5 hours. No wrapping, no spritzing. Just let the smoker do its work. The ribs are done when the meat has pulled back from the bones and they pass the bend test.

Serve

Rest for 10 minutes. Cut between the bones. Serve with BBQ sauce on the side if desired — these ribs are great dry too.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs are the perfect starting point for beginners and a reliable standby for experienced pitmasters. Serve with your favorite sauce on the side.