The Art of Smoking Ribs on a Traeger Pellet Smoker

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Written By Timothy Allen

If you’re a fan of Traeger smoked ribs, then you’re in luck. Smoking ribs on a Traeger Pellet Smoker not only gives you that great smoked taste with your bbq ribs that is the hallmark of smoked meat, but it also helps preserve the meat and gives it unique flavor with every bite. These tips will teach you how to smoke ribs on your Traeger Pellet Smoker so that you can enjoy them at home or at your next barbecue party!

How and Where to Buy Ribs

You can purchase ribs at most grocery stores, but they are typically frozen. If you have time to plan ahead, you should buy fresh ribs from your local butcher or meat market. For the best taste, choose beef ribs or pork ribs that are still attached to the bone. Baby back ribs are typically more expensive and make for an excellent presentation if grilling for company.

Different Types of Rib Recipes and Rib Rubs

If you’re looking for something different to use on your ribs, here are some rubs that you can use. as part of your rip recipes: 

1. Brown sugar and cayenne pepper 

2. Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika 

3. Garlic salt, onion salt and paprika 

4. Honey mustard seasoning mix with black pepper and garlic salt 

5. Honey BBQ sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce 

6. Maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic salt and black pepper

Rib Rub Brands

There are also many rib rub brands out there, and they all have their own special flavor profile. This can make it hard to figure out what brand is best for you. 

 Luckily, I’m here to help you find the right brand to help you smoke delicious ribs with your Traeger grill. I did all the hard work for you and compiled 4 good rib rub brands below. These four have been specifically chosen as a result of good reviews. 

  • Killer Hogs’ The BBQ Rub provides an authentic smoky flavor by using ingredients such as brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli pepper, and cane juice. 
  • Traeger Pork and Poultry Rub provide an apple and honey flavor. 
  • Cabela’s Open Season Spice Blends BabyBack Rib Rub provides a natural barbecue taste. They use natural hickory flavor, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce as part of their ingredients. 
  • Lawry’s Memphis Style Barbecue Rub is a one-of-kind rib rub that provides you with authentic Memphis barbecue flavors. These flavors mix spices, including chilli pepper, mustard, paprika, and tomato powder. 

Getting Your Smoker Ready

Before you start cooking, make sure your grill is set to the correct temperature. That means adjusting the air vents to low and slow since the ribs need to stay tender. If you need to learn how to do this, check the instructions for your smoker. Also, be sure to use some apple juice when you preheat your grill, as it helps create a crusty exterior that looks and tastes great.

Preparing the Meat

 Sterilize your meat with vinegar and pat dry with a paper towel. Season the ribs with your favorite rub and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start smoking them. The membrane from the back of the ribs should be removed (unless you want to eat it). The best way to remove the membrane from the back of the ribs is to use apair of kitchen tongs to grip the membrane and peel it off.

Different Types of Ribs

Various types of ribs exist; they can come in any size or shape. St. Louis-style ribs are cut crosswise, whereas baby back ribs are cut in the direction parallel to the bone for easier eating. Baby back ribs are chunkier and chewy than St. Louis-style ribs. Spare ribs come from the belly, have more fat content than country-style ribs, and are typically cooked in barbecue sauce or with dry rubs. Let me know which ribs you like below. 

What Are the Best Ribs for Smoking?

The best ribs for smoking are the ones that have a good amount of fat on them. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and juicy while it cooks. Look for tender ribs that are well-marbled with fat.

Cooking the Ribs with the 3-2-1 Method

Put the ribs in your smoker, fat side up, and set the Traeger temperature to 225-250 degrees F with a 3-2-1 ratio: 3 hours to smoke, 2 hours to cook, and 1 hour to glaze. This is also known as the 3-2-1 rib method for smoking. Leave the ribs in for 3 hours long to smoke, and then take them out. Remove the ribs, add bbq sauce, and wrap them in foil with the bone side of the ribs pointing down. Transfer the ribs back to the smoker to cook for 2 hours. Finally, remove the ribs from the foil and place back ribs in the smoker for 1 final hour. Remove the ribs from the smoker when done and glaze additional bbq sauce onto the ribs. Make sure you don’t forget the underside of the ribs with the sauce. 😉

Different Types of Ribs

There are many different types of ribs. They come in many sizes, shapes, and varieties. You have ribs like St. Louis-style spare ribs that are cut crosswise across the bone, whereas baby back ribs are cut more parallel to the bone so they can be eaten without removing any bones. Country-style ribs are meatier than baby back ribs but not as meaty as spare ribs. Spare ribs come from the belly and have a lot of fat content, while country-style ribs tend to have less fat. Country-style ribs are usually smoked with dry rubs or barbecue sauce.  

Tips for Smoking Ribs

There are a few things to keep in mind when smoking spareribs on the Traeger. First, make sure the ribs are properly trimmed. Second, choose the right pellet wood for smoking – fruit woods like apple or cherry work well. Third, cook the ribs low and slow – around 225 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. The internal temperature for your ribs being done is 165 degrees F. If you’re not using a water pan with your ribs on the Traeger, spray apple juice unto the ribs every so often to make ribs well moist. And finally, don’t forget to baste the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking!

I hope this info was helpful in you making the best Traeger ribs you ever had. I know it helped me when I first started using my Traeger. The key is to be patient and not overcook the ribs. Follow the recipe to a T, and you’ll be sure to have some delicious smoked ribs that will make your friends and family throw away their charcoal grills. They will begin cooking ribs on Traeger grills too.

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