Welcome to our smoky and flavorful BBQ recipes section! Today, we’re sharing a mouthwatering recipe for Slow Smoked Honey Apple Beef Ribs. These ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory honey apple mixture, then slow smoked to perfection. Perfect for any BBQ or gathering, these ribs are sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Beef Ribs:
- 1 package beef ribs (approximately 3 1/2 lbs)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup honey
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the apple juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, onion powder, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Ribs
- Prepare Ribs: Place the beef ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Add Marinade: Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the ribs for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Smoker
- Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C). Use apple wood chips or chunks for a complementary smoky flavor.
- Prepare Rib Rub (Optional): If desired, prepare a dry rub with your favorite BBQ spices and rub it onto the ribs before smoking.
Step 4: Smoke the Ribs
- Smoke Ribs: Remove the ribs from the marinade and place them on the smoker rack. Discard the used marinade.
- Slow Smoke: Smoke the ribs at 225°F (110°C) for 5-6 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily.
- Maintain Moisture: Periodically spritz the ribs with additional apple juice to keep them moist during smoking.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): If desired, mix some honey with apple juice to create a glaze.
- Glaze Ribs: In the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the ribs with the honey apple glaze for extra flavor and shine.
Step 6: Serve
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve the Slow Smoked Honey Apple Beef Ribs hot, and enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the ribs overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Smoking Wood: Apple wood pairs perfectly with the honey and apple marinade, but you can also use other fruit woods like cherry or pecan.
- Glaze: The optional honey apple glaze adds a beautiful shine and extra layer of flavor. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Variations
Spicy Honey Apple Ribs
Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Garlic Honey Apple Ribs
Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the marinade for a garlicky flavor.
Herbed Honey Apple Ribs
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an herby twist.
Bourbon Honey Apple Ribs
Add 1/4 cup of bourbon to the marinade for a rich, smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
Yes, you can make these ribs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and bake the ribs on a baking sheet for 3-4 hours, or until tender. Add a small pan of water to the oven to help maintain moisture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Can I freeze the ribs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ribs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with these ribs?
These ribs pair well with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, and potato salad.
How can I make the ribs more tender?
For extra tender ribs, cook them at a low temperature for a longer period. You can also wrap them in foil during the last hour of smoking to help retain moisture and tenderness.
Slow Smoked Honey Apple Beef Ribs are a flavorful and tender BBQ dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and savory marinade and slow smoking process, these ribs are sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious ribs with your family and friends!
