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Sliced apple jalapeno ribs on a wooden cutting board next to whole jalapenos.
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4.98 from 38 votes

Apple Jalapeno Smoked Ribs

These smoked apple jalapeno ribs are absolutely delicious and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The jalapenos in this recipe add the most amazing flavor with just a kiss of heat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time5 minutes
Total Time6 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Barbecue, Party Food
Keyword: Apple Jalapeno Smoked Ribs
Servings: 6 people
Author: Susie Bulloch

Ingredients

  • 2 racks baby back ribs
  • 4 Tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub recipe link in notes
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • 2 cups apple juice
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 medium jalapenos sliced into rings
  • 1 cup Apple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce recipe link in notes

Instructions

  • Preheat. Prepare your smoker for indirect smoking by preheating to 225 degrees F. I use apple wood for this recipe.
  • Prep and season. Begin by removing the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. Use a butter knife to lift a small corner of the membrane away from the bones, grip firmly with a paper towel, and pull slowly away from the rack. Slather both sides of the ribs with the yellow mustard and season liberally with the Sweet Rub.
  • Smoke. Place the seasoned ribs on the preheated smoker and close the lid. Leave them to smoke for 3 hours.
  • Make the braise. Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil and place it on a large working surface. Transfer the ribs to the foil bone side up so the bones don't tear through the foil. Sprinkle with the brown sugar, top with the butter cut into small pads, fold up the edges of the foil to create a slight bowl, and then pour the apple juice over the ribs. Once the liquid has settled, top the ribs with sliced jalapenos. Tightly crimp the foil together to create an airtight seal. Repeat with the second rack.
  • Braise. Return the wrapped racks of ribs to the grill and keep your cooking temperature to as close to 225 degrees F as you can get it. Let the ribs braise for 2 hours in the foil.
  • Remove ribs from braise. Carefully remove the ribs from the grill and place on a large working surface. Open the foil package (be careful of hot steam) and use tongs to remove the ribs and place them back on the grill, bone side down. Remove the cooked jalapenos from the braising liquid and set aside. Discard the foil and excess cooking liquid.
  • Sauce. Brush the ribs with the Apple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce and arrange the jalapeno slices you set aside on top of the ribs. Close the lid of your grill and cook at 225 degrees for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until the ribs are done to your desired tenderness and the sauce is sticky and set.
  • Rest, slice, and serve. Rest the ribs for 10-15 minutes before slicing into individual ribs. Serve with additional sauce on the side.

Video

Notes

Sweet Rub
Apple Jalapeno BBQ Sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 611kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 841mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 691IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 5mg