How to Cook Smoked Ribs on a Pellet Grill

Smoked ribs are a barbecue favorite, known for their tender and succulent meat that falls off the bone. If you have a pellet grill and want to try your hand at cooking this delicious dish, we have got you covered! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook smoked ribs on a pellet grill:

1. Choose the Right Ribs: Start with selecting the right type of ribs. While pork ribs are the most commonly used for smoking, you can also opt for beef ribs if you prefer. Spare ribs or baby back ribs are ideal for smoking as they have enough fat content to keep the meat juicy throughout the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Meat: Before you start smoking, you need to prepare the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, as it can prevent the flavors from penetrating the meat. Season the ribs generously with your favorite dry rub or marinade. Let them sit for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.

3. Preheat the Pellet Grill: Preheating the pellet grill is crucial for even cooking. Set the grill to a temperature of around 225°F. Pellet grills are known for their precision temperature control, which allows you to cook low and slow for that perfect tenderness.

4. Add Smoke: Fill the pellet grill’s hopper with the desired flavor of wood pellets. Popular choices for ribs include hickory, apple, or cherry wood pellets. These pellets will infuse the ribs with a distinct smoky flavor. Once the grill has preheated, place the ribs directly on the grill grates, bone side down.

5. Maintain the Temperature: It’s essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. Pellet grills excel in temperature control, but keep an eye on it to ensure it stays within the desired range. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it can cause temperature fluctuations.

6. Baste and Wrap: After the initial few hours of smoking, you can baste the ribs with your favorite barbecue sauce for added flavor. Additionally, you can choose to wrap the ribs in foil at this stage to help retain moisture and tenderness. This technique, called the “Texas Crutch,” is optional but can yield even more juicy and tender ribs.

7. Finish Strong: After several hours of smoking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs. For perfectly cooked ribs, the meat should reach an internal temperature of around 195°F. This temperature ensures that the collagen in the meat has broken down, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs.

8. Rest and Serve: Once the ribs have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the pellet grill and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures maximum flavor. After resting, slice the ribs between the bones and serve them with your favorite sides or additional barbecue sauce.

Cooking smoked ribs on a pellet grill may require some patience, but the results are well worth the effort. The smoky aroma and tender, flavorful meat will have your family and friends begging for more. So fire up the pellet grill, grab some ribs, and get ready to impress everyone with your barbecue skills!