Every bbq enthusiast (especially grillers) takes pride in being able to make the best rack of baby back ribs. After all, it is one of the most iconic dishes. But most people don’t know how many steps and careful considerations go into making the perfect rack of ribs.
Novice cooks might often ask how long to smoke baby back ribs. And honestly? The answer varies. Depending on the heat and temperature, the ribs can take anywhere from four to six hours. However, the rack size, marinade, and other factors can also affect the end result.
What are Baby Back Ribs?
Baby back ribs are incredibly soft, tender, and moist. These pork ribs come from the spine and loin area of a pig. Moreover, since a pig’s loin region has the most tender meat and spills over to the rib section, baby back ribs have some of that meat attached to them. Usually, though, experts grill, roast, or smoke the ribs to get that intense flavor.
Plus, if you were to look closer, you’d notice how baby back ribs have a curved shape. This is because they come directly from the spine of the pig.
What is The Best Way to Cook Baby Back Ribs?
Without a doubt, smoked baby back ribs are the only way to go, especially if you want the meat to be perfectly done. When you leave the meat to condense in its own smoke, it leaves behind a rich, musky flavor and brings about a raw, beefy taste.
However, smoking the rack of ribs can get a bit hefty, which is why before you pop them in your ol’ smoker, you need to know how to prepare them.
Peel Off The Membrane
You first need to start off by removing the silver, grayish membrane from the ribs. Typically baby back ribs have a very thin membrane stuck to their back. If you don’t remove it, you’d be left with an odd chewiness.
Believe it or not, peeling off the membrane is far easier than you might think. Just grab the edge of the membrane with a paper towel and slowly start to pull away. Make sure the ribs lie face down on a flat surface for a zappy removal.
Generously Season All Sides
Before cooking, it is vital to have a dry rub ready to marinate the meat. Rather than keeping it simple with salt & pepper, experiment with different flavors to bring out more of that smoky, umami flavor. Make sure that the ribs are covered with a dry rub. Don’t pack it all in, but rather sprinkle and massage the seasoning generously on the meat to get the most out of your baby back ribs.
How Long Does it Take to Smoke Baby Back Ribs?
Without the fear of undercooking or overcooking your ribs, it’s important to smoke them for three to six hours max. This will bring about the most palatable flavors of the baby back ribs. In fact, there are various smoking methods you can adopt, such as the 3-2-1 method or the 3-hour method.
Depending on the size of the ribs, to the smoker’s temperature, it can take pretty long to smoke baby back ribs until the meat is falling right off the bone.
Long Story Short
In short, if you were wondering how long it takes to smoke baby back ribs, you can rest assured. Because be it three hours or six, the meat on the bones will start to fall off and turn extremely tender. This is when you know you’re done.
Too lazy to cook? Want authentic southern BBQ? Look no further! Jerry Lawler’s Memphis BBQ Company has your back through and through. Just give us a dial at (281) 864-5298 (Wallisville Road) or (832) 446-6557 (Jester Blvd. Suite) and let us know what you’re in the mood for.