Hot Honey Ribs
On February 14, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Pork ribs with a spicy-sweet seasoning, smoked slow, and finished with a hot honey sauce, these Hot Honey Ribs are fall-off-the-bone perfect.
Smoked Hot Honey Pork Ribs
Get ready to meet your new favorite rib recipe! These Hot Honey Ribs strike the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky goodness that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. It all starts with meaty St Louis-style ribs. First you’ll hit them with a bold Spicy Sweet Rub, then smoke them low and slow. Then, you’ll wrap them up with butter and apple cider to keep them nice and juicy before finishing with a glossy Hot Honey BBQ Sauce that sets into the most delectable bark. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving some competition-quality ribs, these are guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Ribs
The key to these ribs is the perfect blend of spicy-sweet seasoning, smoke, and that signature Hot Honey finish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 rack St Louis pork ribs
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Spicy Sweet Rub
- 1 Tablespoon Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Braising liquid:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
If you’re looking to make these ribs completely from scratch, I’ve got you covered with my homemade Hot Honey BBQ Sauce and Spicy Sweet Rub recipes right here on the site. But when you’re short on time or just want that perfect result every single time, you can grab my signature versions from the Hey Grill Hey Store.
The Best Ribs for Smoking
St. Louis-style ribs are my go-to for this recipe because they have the perfect balance of meat and fat, plus a nice uniform shape that cooks evenly. They come from the belly side of the spare ribs and are trimmed down into a rectangular cut, giving you more meat per bite and a fantastic texture. While you can absolutely use baby back ribs, St. Louis ribs give you that next-level juiciness and tenderness that’s hard to beat.
How Long to Smoke Hot Honey Ribs
When it comes to smoking these bad boys, you’re looking at about 4-5 hours total cook time to reach that 195-200 degrees F internal temperature. I recommend using a reliable meat thermometer (like my Thermapen ONE) to ensure you’re hitting those temps just right. The process breaks down into three main phases: the initial 3-hour smoke to develop that beautiful bark, about an hour in the wrap to tenderize, and a final 15-30 minutes to set that sticky hot honey glaze. Each step builds layers of flavor that make these ribs absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Hot Honey Ribs
Follow these steps to create the ultimate sweet, spicy, sticky smoked ribs:
- Preheat the smoker. Set your preferred smoker up for 275 degrees F and load it with fruit wood, like apple or cherry. These woods add a subtle sweetness that complements the hot honey glaze perfectly. You can also do this on your grill using two-zone heat if you don’t have a smoker.
- Prep the ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the rib. This is key for getting all that seasoning and smoke flavor into the meat. Then, pat them dry and generously coat them with some Spicy Sweet Rub.
- Smoke the ribs. Place your ribs directly on the smoker grates and let them go for about 3 hours untouched. This is where they develop that gorgeous mahogany bark and soak in all that smoky flavor. Keep that lid closed.
- Wrap and braise. Lay out two sheets of aluminum foil and drizzle half the Hot Honey used for the braise, then place the ribs meat-side down. Add butter, apple cider, and the rest of the Hot Honey for the braise, then wrap them up tightly. This step locks in moisture and breaks down tough connective tissues, making the ribs ultra tender.
- Continue smoking. Put the wrapped ribs back on the smoker for about 1 hour, until the meat starts pulling back from the bones and hits 195-200 degrees F internally.
- Baste and finish smoking. Unwrap the ribs, use a basting brush to hit them with Hot Honey BBQ Sauce, and return them to the smoker for 15-30 minutes to let the glaze set and get tacky.
- Rest, slice, and serve. Let the ribs rest for 15 minutes before slicing/ This helps the juices redistribute. Then, dig in.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Ribs
When smoking ribs, you’re looking for meat that is tender but not mushy, with a clean bite-through texture. Here’s how to check:
- Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temp of 200-202 degrees F for optimal tenderness.
- Bend test: Pick up the ribs in the middle with tongs, then bounce them gently. If the surface cracks and the ribs slightly bend, they’re ready.
- Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick between the bone. It should slide in with little resistance, like going through butter. You can also check this with your thermometer if you don’t have any toothpicks handy..
- Meat pullback: As your ribs cook, the meat will start to pull back. Look for the meat pulling back from the bones about ½-inch.
More Smoked Ribs Recipes
If you love these Hot Honey Ribs, you’re going to want to check out these other rib recipes. And don’t forget, all my recipes (over 700) are available on the Hey Grill Hey App so you can take your BBQ game to the next level anytime.
Smoked Hot Honey Ribs Recipe
Alright, BBQ heroes, it’s your turn! Fire up those smokers, make these ribs, and let me know how they turn out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. I love hearing from you! And if you’re proud of your BBQ masterpiece, tag @heygrillhey on Facebook and Instagram so we can see it.
If you’re looking to level up your BBQ skills, then check out The Grill Squad. Each course is loaded with exclusive recipes, techniques, and pro tips. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials to help you become a true Backyard BBQ Hero.
Hot Honey Ribs
Ingredients
- 1 rack St Louis pork ribs
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Spicy Sweet Rub
- 1 Tablespoon Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
Braise
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
- 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F. I recommend using fruit woods like apple, peach, cherry, or hardwoods like hickory or oak.
- Trim and season the ribs. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel. Trim down any excess fat and remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip. Season all sides of the pork ribs liberally with the Spicy Sweet Rub.1 rack St Louis pork ribs, 2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Spicy Sweet Rub
- Smoke the ribs. Place the seasoned ribs directly on the smoker grates. Close the lid, and cook for 3 hours without opening the lid.
- Wrap the ribs. Lay out 2 sheets of foil. Drizzle half hot honey. Lay ribs on hot honey.. Drizzle other half of hot honey on other side of ribs, fold up to make boat, add in liquid and add cider and melted butter. Fold carefully, do not puncture.2 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce, 1 Tablespoon salted butter, 1 cup apple cider
- Continue smoking. Return to smoker 45 minutes to hour, 195-200 degrees F and bones are sticking out.
- Baste and finish smoking. Then remove and baste with more hot honey, return to smoker meat side up for 15-30 more minutes. You want a slightly tacky, sticky coating.1 Tablespoon Hey Grill Hey Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
- Rest, slice, and serve. Remove the ribs from the smoker. Allow them to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Purchase in the Hey Grill Hey Store here
- Make your own following the recipe here
- Purchase in the Hey Grill Hey Store here
- Make your own following the recipe here
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
