3-2-1 Smoked Ribs

We love using our smoker to make Smoked Queso Recipe, Smoked Scalloped Potatoes, and Smoked Cream Cheese. The flavor is amazing and the smoker does all the work. We also love to user the smoker to smoke our favorite meats.

If you are recently purchased a smoker, make sure to check out Smoker Recipes for Beginners. If you love how these ribs turned out, make sure to Smoked Pork Ribs or Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe and use this ​​Best Dry Rub for Ribs for amazing flavor.

What is 3-2-1 Smoked Ribs?

This 3-2-1 smoker recipe leaves your ribs tender, juicy and the meat will just fall off the bone. This popular method is perfect for beginners and anytime I make it for friends and family they are amazed with the flavor.

Follow these steps your ribs will come out perfectly cooked.

• Smoked for 3 hours – Smoke your ribs directly on the grill grates in the smoker for 3 hours.
• Wrapped for 2 Hours – Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil with delicious seasoning to lock in the flavor.
• Add Sauce – Remove meat from smoker then add BBQ Sauce. Grill or smoke for the last hour for an amazing rib recipe.

Ingredients

• Baby Back Ribs – We usually do 2 racks for about 2-3 pounds each
• Favorite BBQ sauce for brushing – Try this Homemade Barbecue Sauce.
• Brown Sugar – Learn How to Make Homemade Brown Sugar

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make 3-2-1 Smoked Ribs

• Step 1 – Preheat the smoker to 225°Fahrenheit.  
• Step 2 – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs by sliding a butter knife under the membrane and pulling it off with a paper towel.
• Step 3 – In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and mustard powder. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Step 4 – Generously apply the seasoning mix to both sides of the ribs. Use your hands to rub the mixture into the meat, covering all areas thoroughly.

• Step 5 – Place the ribs in the smoker, bone-side down, and smoke for 3 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature.
• Step 6 – After 3 hours, remove the ribs from the smoker and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Before sealing the foil, pour ¼ cup of apple juice or apple cider vinegar into each foil packet.

Step 7 – Return the wrapped ribs to the smoker and cook for an additional 2 hours.

Step 8 – After 2 hours, remove the ribs from the foil and place them back in the smoker. Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce on both sides.

Step 9 – Return the ribs to the smoker and cook for an additional hour, uncovered, to let the sauce set and caramelize slightly and the ribs are tender.

Step 10 – Remove the ribs from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Expert Tips

• Aluminum Foil – Tear off large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, big enough to wrap each rack of ribs beforehand.
• Adding Liquid – Before sealing each foil packet, adding the ¼ cup of apple juice into the packet will help create steam during the cooking process, which keeps the ribs moist and tender as they continue to cook. This is an optional step, but I highly recommend it. You can also use apple cider instead.
• Resting Ribs – After removing the ribs from the smoker, make sure to allow the ribs to rest. It helps to lock in the juices and flavor.  

Serving Suggestions

Smoking ribs can be served with many side dish recipes. To add to the smoky flavor try smoking your side dishes. I love being able to cook everything outdoors which helps to keep my kitchen clean.

Here are some of my favorites.

• Smoked Green Beans
• Smoked Potato Salad
• Smoked Hasselback Potatoes