Step 1

Preheat the smoker to 275 degrees F: Preheating the smoker is essential to ensure that it is at the right temperature when you start cooking the ribs. This will help you achieve the best results by cooking the ribs evenly and keeping them moist and flavorful.

Step 2

Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs using a paper towel: Removing the membrane will help the seasoning penetrate the meat evenly, resulting in a more flavorful and tender rib. This can be done easily by inserting a butter knife under the membrane and using a paper towel to grip and pull it off.

Step 3

Apply mustard as a binder or cooking oil: Applying mustard as a binder will help the seasoning adhere to the meat and create a flavorful crust. Alternatively, you can use cooking oil to achieve the same effect. Make sure to apply the binder evenly to all sides of the ribs.

Step 4

Season the ribs with your favorite sweet seasoning: Adding seasoning to the ribs is essential to create the desired flavor profile. You can use your favorite sweet seasoning or experiment with different blends to find the perfect match for your taste buds.

Step 5

Place the seasoned ribs in the smoker and add hickory wood for smoke flavor: Hickory wood is a popular choice for smoking ribs as it provides a strong and smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the seasoning. Make sure to position the ribs in the smoker so that they are not touching each other and there is enough space for the smoke to circulate around them.

Step 6

Smoke the ribs unwrapped for 2.5 hours: Smoking the ribs unwrapped for the first 2.5 hours will help them develop a smoky flavor and create a crust on the outside. Make sure to maintain a consistent temperature and add wood chips as needed to keep the smoke level steady.

Step 7

After 2 hours, spritz the ribs with a mixture of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup apple juice to keep the meat moist: Spritzing the ribs with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and apple juice will help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out during the smoking process. Make sure to spritz them evenly and quickly to avoid losing too much heat and smoke from the smoker.

Step 8

Tightly wrap the ribs in foil and place them back in the smoker for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they feel tender: Wrapping the ribs in foil will help them retain moisture and cook more evenly. This will also help them to become more tender and juicy. Make sure to wrap them tightly and seal the edges to prevent any steam from escaping.

Step 9

While the ribs are in foil, make the honey BBQ sauce by combining 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the ingredients for 5 minutes until they are well combined: The honey BBQ sauce is the perfect complement to the sweetness and smokiness of the ribs. It's easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less of each ingredient.

Step 10

Once the ribs are tender, unwrap them and apply the honey BBQ sauce generously. Place them back in the smoker for an additional 10 minutes, until the glaze sets: Applying the honey BBQ sauce generously to the ribs will add flavor and moisture to the meat. Make sure to cover all sides of the ribs evenly with the sauce. Place the ribs back in the smoker for an additional 10 minutes to allow the glaze to set and become sticky.

Step 11

Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving: Letting the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing them will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make them more tender and flavorful. Use a sharp knife to cut the ribs into portions and serve them with your favorite sides, such as baked beans, coleslaw, or cornbread.