Lemon-Pepper-Rubbed Back Ribs

Lemon-Pepper-Rubbed Back Ribs
  • PREP TIME
    10 mins
  • COOK TIME
    3 hrs 30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    4 hrs 40 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    9

Succulent pork back ribs, kissed with a bright lemon-pepper rub and slow-smoked to perfection, promising an unforgettable barbecue centerpiece.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    20 g
  • Cholesterol
    736 mg
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    147 g
  • Saturated Fat
    80 g
  • Sodium
    3327 mg
  • Sugar
    16 g
  • Fat
    218 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, meticulously blend the brown sugar, sea salt, white pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried lemon peel, and apple pie spice until evenly combined. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Season the Ribs: Lightly coat both sides of the ribs with vegetable oil. Generously sprinkle the lemon-pepper rub over the oiled ribs, ensuring an even coating. Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature, absorbing the flavors. (1 hour)

03

Step

Prepare the Grill: Preheat either a charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking, aiming for a consistent temperature between 230 to 250 degrees F (110 to 120 degrees C). If using wood chips, introduce the drained chips to the heat source to generate smoke. (15 minutes)

04

Step

Smoke the Ribs (First Stage): Position the ribs, meaty-side down, on the preheated grill, above a drip pan to prevent flare-ups. Allow them to smoke undisturbed for 2 hours. Periodically spray both sides of the ribs with apple juice to maintain moisture and enhance flavor. For charcoal grills, replenish with approximately 12 coals every 45 minutes to sustain the desired temperature. (2 hours)

05

Step

Wrap and Continue Smoking: Carefully remove the ribs from the grill. Double-wrap each rack securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap moisture and intensify tenderness. Return the wrapped ribs to the grill, continuing to cook them over indirect heat for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they reach ultimate tenderness. Maintain consistent temperature by adding coals as necessary for charcoal grills. The internal temperature, when measured with an instant-read thermometer, should register at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). (1.5-2 hours)

For a deeper smoky flavor, consider using a combination of hickory and apple wood chips.
The apple juice spritzing not only adds moisture but also a subtle sweetness that complements the lemon-pepper rub.
Resting the ribs after cooking (about 15 minutes) allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.

Caterina Mante

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 3 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (7)
  • Darrion Boyer

    I followed the recipe exactly, and the ribs turned out fall-off-the-bone tender.

  • Leda Waelchi

    My family devoured these ribs! I'll definitely be making them again.

  • Jerrod Damore

    These are the best ribs I've ever made!

  • Monroe Bauchzboncak

    These ribs were a hit at our barbecue! The lemon-pepper rub is a game-changer.

  • Hillard Botsford

    I love the combination of lemon and pepper with the smoky flavor of the grill.

  • Briana Emard

    The apple juice spritz adds a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky flavor perfectly.

  • Ida Nienow

    The rub is easy to make and gives the ribs a unique and delicious flavor.

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