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If you’re looking for the best Smoking St Louis Ribs, look no further! This guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need to make perfect ribs every time. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, we’ll show you how to get perfectly tender, juicy ribs that are full of flavor. So let’s get started!
What Are the Best Ribs For Smoking
There are many different types of ribs out there, but not all of them are ideal for smoking. For the best results, you’ll want to use baby back ribs or St. Louis style spare ribs. Baby back ribs are smaller and more tender, while St. Louis style spare ribs are a bit bigger and have more flavor. Whichever type you choose, make sure they are fresh and of good quality.
How To Smoke St. Louis Style Ribs
1. Select the right ribs. When it comes to smoking ribs, St. Louis style ribs are the way to go. These ribs are meatier and have less fat than other types of ribs, which makes them perfect for smoking.
2. Season your ribs. Once you’ve selected your ribs, it’s time to season them. We like to use a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add in some other spices like paprika or chili powder if you want to spice things up.
3. Preheat your smoker. This step is important! You’ll need to preheat your smoker to the correct temperature before cooking your ribs. We recommend smoking at 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Place your ribs in the smoker. Once your smoker is preheated, it’s time to cook! Place your seasoned ribs in the smoker and let them cook for 3-4 hours.
5. Wrap your ribs. Around the 3 hour mark, it’s time to wrap your ribs. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. We like to wrap our ribs in foil, but you can also use butcher paper.
6. Finish smoking your ribs. After you’ve wrapped your ribs, put them back in the smoker and let them cook for another hour or so. This will ensure that they’re nice and tender.
7. Let your ribs rest. Once your ribs are cooked through, take them out of the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for some seriously delicious ribs.
8. Serve your ribs. Now it’s time to enjoy! Cut your ribs into individual servings and enjoy with your favorite BBQ sauce.
How long does it take to smoke St Louis style ribs?
It takes 3-4 hours to smoke St Louis style ribs. However, this time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your ribs.
Follow these steps and you’ll be sure to have the best Smoking St Louis Ribs around!

Ingredients
- 1 rack of spare ribs
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 3 cups wood chips, such as cherry or hickory
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F (~107 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the spare ribs in a large bowl and pour the apple cider vinegar mixture over them. Toss to coat and set aside for 30 minutes to marinate.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the wood chips and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to smoke.
- Place the spare ribs on a grill grate over the smoking wood chips and grill for about 2 - 3 hours or until they are fork tender.
Notes
- These ribs are best cooked low and slow over indirect heat.
- For a charcoal grill, that means arranging the coals on one side of the grill so you can cook the ribs over the empty side.
- For a gas grill, turn all the burners to medium-high, then turn off the burner underneath where you’ll be cooking the ribs. If your grill has a side burner, you can use that to keep the BBQ sauce warm.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of Smoking St Louis Ribs (3 oz) contains:
- 140 calories
- 7 grams of fat
- 19 grams of protein
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
As you can see, Smoking St Louis Ribs are relatively high in calories and protein, but low in carbs and fat. This makes them a great option for those on a high-protein diet or looking to add more protein to their diet.
Read more related posts:

Smoking St Louis Ribs
FAQs about Smoking St Louis Ribs
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