2-2-1 Baby Back Ribs
Tender, smoky baby back ribs with a rich bark and a sweet, savory finish. This classic 2-2-1 method delivers fall-apart ribs with deep BBQ flavor.
Wood Cherry
Servings 2–3 (1 rack)
Difficulty ★★
Target Temp ~195°F (90°C)
Ingredients
- 1 rack baby back ribs
- 1/3 cup rib rub
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the ribs Remove the membrane from the ribs and apply dry rub evenly.
- Start smoking Set the smoker above 260°F (127°C) to generate smoke, then adjust the temperature down to 225°F.
- Stage 1 — Smoke Smoke the ribs naked for 2 hours.
- Stage 2 — Wrap Wrap tightly in foil with honey and butter, then smoke for 2 hours.
- Stage 3 — Finish Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and smoke naked for the final hour until tender and pulling away from the bone.
BBQ Tip
For the classic 2-2-1 method, keep the ribs unwrapped during the first and final stages to build a flavorful bark, then wrap them during the middle stage to help tenderize the meat.
