• First, I prepare my ribs by removing the membrane from the back of the rack and seasoning them generously with my favorite dry rub.
• Next, I preheat my pellet smoker to 225 degF and place the ribs on the grill grates, bone side down.
• I let the ribs smoke for 3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature and adding wood pellets as needed.
• After 3 hours, I remove the ribs from the smoker and wrap them tightly in foil, adding a liquid of my choice (apple juice, beer, or broth) to the packet before sealing it up.
• I return the ribs to the smoker and cook them for an additional 2 hours, allowing the steam from the liquid to tenderize the meat even further.
• Finally, I remove the foil packet and place the ribs back on the grill grates, cooking them until the internal temperature reaches the range of 190-205 degF.
• The result? Fall off the bones baby back ribs that are superior to any award-winning rib I’ve ever had!
By following these simple steps, you too can achieve perfectly cooked, fall off the bone ribs in your pellet smoker. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your BBQ skills!
Preparing the Ribs for the Pellet Smoker
Before you start cooking your ribs on the pellet smoker, you need to prepare them properly. First, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This will help the seasoning penetrate the meat and make it more tender. You can use a butter knife or a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off.
Next, season the ribs generously with your favorite dry rub. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Rub the seasoning all over the ribs, making sure to cover both sides.
Finally, let the ribs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting them on the pellet smoker. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Setting Up the Pellet Smoker for Ribs
To cook fall-off-the-bone ribs on a pellet smoker, you need to set it up properly. First, preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for slow-cooking ribs and will help them become tender and juicy.
Next, add your favorite wood pellets to the hopper. Hickory, apple, and cherry are all great options for ribs. The smoke from the pellets will infuse the meat with flavor and give it a beautiful color.
Finally, place a drip pan under the grates to catch any drippings from the ribs. This will prevent flare-ups and make cleanup easier.
Cooking the Ribs on the Pellet Smoker
Once the pellet smoker is preheated and set up, it’s time to cook the ribs. Place the ribs on the grates bone-side down and close the lid. Let them cook for about 3 hours, or until they are tender and have a nice crust on the outside.
Wrapping the Ribs in Foil
After 3 hours of cooking, it’s time to wrap the ribs in foil. This will help them become even more tender and prevent them from drying out. Tear off a large piece of foil and place the ribs in the center. Wrap the foil tightly around the ribs, making sure to seal the edges.
Adding Liquid to the Foil
Before you close the foil, add some liquid to help steam the ribs. You can use apple juice, beer, or even water. Pour the liquid over the ribs and then seal the foil tightly. This will create a steamy environment that will help the ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender.
Finishing the Ribs to Perfection
Once the ribs are wrapped in foil, place them back on the pellet smoker and let them cook for another 2 hours. This will allow the steam to penetrate the meat and make it even more tender.
After 2 hours, remove the foil and let the ribs cook for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until they have a nice crust on the outside. This will give them a delicious smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
Checking the Internal Temperature of the Ribs
To make sure your ribs are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal range for fall-off-the-bone ribs is between 190 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone.
Enjoying Your Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs
Once your ribs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Cut them into individual portions and serve them with your favorite barbecue sauce. You’ll be amazed at how tender and flavorful they are, and your guests will be begging for the recipe. With these tips and tricks, you can make fall-off-the-bone ribs in a pellet smoker that are superior to any award-winning rib you’ve ever had!
