Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)

There is nothing better than a rib that falls off the bone, which is why the 3-2-1 method is always our go-to! This method is perfect for beginners and if you are new to the Traeger, you will want to start with this simple and easy recipe! They really are as simple as preparing with a dry rub, placing on the smoker, and finished off by brushing BBQ sauce.

Smoking ribs really can be overwhelming, but using this method takes the anxiety out of it. You will be sure to have tender, juicy ribs every single time.

So what is the 3,2,1 Method?

1. Smoking (3 Hours): Place the seasoned ribs on the smoker at low temperature (around 225F) for 3 hours. This allows the smoke to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
2. Wrapping (2 Hours): After 3 hours, wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil, often with some additional liquid such as apple juice or beer. You then will return them to the smoker for 2 hours. This steaming process helps tenderize the meat and keeps it moist.
3. Saucing: (1 Hour): At this point, you will remove the foil after two hours and baste the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This part is optional, if you like the dry rub you can certainly keep it as is. You then return them to the smoker for 1 hour, unwrapped at a slightly higher temp to set the sauce.

What are the Ingredients needed?

Instructions

• The first thing you will want to do is remove the membrane off the back of the ribs. Do this by sliding a butter knife under the membrane and over the bone. Lift and loosen the membrane, then grab it and pull it off.
• Spread the yellow mustard over the ribs, making sure to get the sides as well. You will then cover them with a dry rub of your choice. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
• When you are ready to smoke your ribs, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. We usually use apple wood chips. When the smoker is ready, remove the plastic wrap from the ribs and place bone side down on the smoker. Smoke for 3 hours
• While those are smoking, mis 1/2 cup apple juice and 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spritz ribs with mixture every half hour.
• After three hour, you are going to remove the ribs from the smoker and place on heavy duty aluminum foil. Mix 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup apple juice together in small bowl. Then, pour it on top of the ribs and seal tightly. You will now smoke the ribs for two hours.
• After two hours has passed, remove the ribs from the smoker and from the foil. Mix together BBQ sauce, honey and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Coat ribs with sauce and place back on the smoker for 1 hour.

Smoked Ribs (3- 2 -1 Method)

Ashley

Print Recipe

Prep Time 31 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 racks ribs
• 4 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 batch dry rub
• 1/2 cup bbq sauce divided
• 2 cup apple juice divided
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• spray bottle

Instructions

 

• The first thing you will want to do is remove the membrane off the back of the ribs. Do this by sliding a butter knife under the membrane and over the bone. Lift and loosen the membrane, then grab it and pull it off.
• Spread the yellow mustard over the ribs, making sure to get the sides as well. You will then cover them with a dry rub of your choice. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
• When you are ready to smoke your ribs, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. We usually use apple wood chips. When the smoker is ready, remove the plastic wrap from the ribs and place bone side down on the smoker. Smoke for 3 hours
• While those are smoking, mis 1/2 cup apple juice and 1/2 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spritz ribs with mixture every half hour.
• After three hour, you are going to remove the ribs from the smoker and place on heavy duty aluminum foil. Mix 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup apple juice together in small bowl. Then, pour it on top of the ribs and seal tightly. You will now smoke the ribs for two hours.
• After two hours has passed, remove the ribs from the smoker and from the foil. Mix together BBQ sauce, honey and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Coat ribs with sauce and place back on the smoker for 1 hour.

Keyword bbq, main meal, smoked food, smoker, traeger