Southern Smoked Ribs Recipe
Smoking is a Great Method for Juicy and Delicious Ribs
An Inexpensive Electric Smoker or a Gas Grill Make Smoking Ribs an Easy Task.
Smoked ribs are very popular in the South, and preparing Southern Smoked Ribs at home is now quick and easy due to the availability of portable electric smokers and gas grills.
Gas grill owners can smoke food easily; all that is needed is a smoker box (a metal box that fits on the coals of the grill), and some wood chips. While this is an excellent way to smoke, it is sometimes difficult to get the heat just right, and it is necessary to keep an eye on the grill.
The most convenient smoker for a home cook is an electric smoker such as the one recently put out by Rival. This inexpensive appliance (under $60) uses no fire and can be plugged into an outlet and left for hours unattended. All that is needed is water soaked wood chips, which are available at most grocery stores; the chips are very inexpensive and come in several varieties such as hickory and mesquite.
Since the smoked ribs are juicy and succulent on their own, they are usually served either without sauce or with sauce on the side, Add some Southern side dishes such as Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans, Southern Hot Slaw, and Black-eyed Peas with Ham. Cornbread or Biscuits are also a great addition to this delicious Southern meal.
There is nothing easier than preparing ribs in a portable electric smoker:
- Soak the wood chips (the amount needed is in the instruction guide that comes with the electric smoker) for an hour or so.
- When ready to smoke the ribs (baby back ribs are great, and the more meaty country-style are good, too), simply salt and pepper them (or use your favorite seasoning),
- Place them on the racks in the electric smoker, and set the temperature between 200° and 300°.
- Pour a cup or so of water in the bottom of the smoker to create smoke, then put the cover on and relax.
The smoker may safely be left unattended as long as it is in an outside area that is covered, such as a patio. The ribs should be smoked for 5-8 hours, depending on the amount of ribs being prepared.
If a portable electric smoker isn't available, a gas grill is also an excellent way to smoke ribs (however, it's a good idea to stay close by to monitor the heat and steam):
- Soak enough wood chips to fill a smoker box (1-2 cups) for an hour or so.
- Drain the wood chips and place them in the smoker box; then place the smoker box in the bottom part of the grill over the coals.
- Turn the grill to the lowest setting.
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper (or favorite seasoning), then place them on the grill.
- Pour a cup of water down around the coals to create smoke.
- Shut the lid and let the ribs smoke until they are tender, 4-6 hours depending on how hot the grill is. Check the heat periodically to make sure it is not too hot;, and add some water occasionally; low heat and lots of smoke are the keys to juicy good ribs. If the heat is too high, alternate turning off one of the burners for a while.
