Get ready to sink your teeth into some finger-lickin’ good barbecue with our collection of 18 mouthwatering Smoky Texas Ribs Recipes! The Lone Star State is renowned for its bold flavors and hearty portions, and these rib recipes are no exception. From classic slow-cooked BBQ to spicy jalapeño honey glazes and tangy bourbon-based sauces, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just looking for a new twist on a backyard BBQ staple, this list is sure to inspire your next cookout. So grab your apron, fire up the grill (or smoker), and get ready to indulge in some fall-off-the-bone tender Texas-style ribs that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Classic Texas-Style Smoked Beef Ribs
Get ready for tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with this tried-and-true recipe. Perfect for backyard barbecues or weekend gatherings, these smoked beef ribs are a Texas tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1 cup beef rub (see below)
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak and mesquite blend recommended)
– 1 cup liquid smoke
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Beef Rub:
– 1/2 cup chili powder
– 1/4 cup ground cumin
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup salt
– 1/8 cup black pepper
– 1/8 cup garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together beef rub ingredients.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and coat evenly with the beef rub.
4. Place ribs in smoker and add wood chips.
5. Smoke for 4-5 hours or until tender.
6. Brush with liquid smoke mixture (1 tablespoon liquid smoke + 1 tablespoon water) during last hour of smoking.
7. Finish with a sweet glaze: mix brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water; brush on ribs during last 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pork Ribs
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs smothered in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup sweet BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup spicy BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sweet BBQ sauce, spicy BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them cook more evenly).
4. Slather the BBQ mixture all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Place the ribs on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender and slightly charred.
6. Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Texas Dry Rub St. Louis Ribs
Get ready to slow-cook your way to tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs with a rich and bold Texas dry rub. This classic recipe is perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of St. Louis-style pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup Texas dry rub blend (see below)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Texas Dry Rub Blend:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs; pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together Texas dry rub blend, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Apply the dry rub evenly to both racks of ribs, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Place ribs on a large baking sheet or oven-safe pan, leaving space between each rack.
6. Cook for 2 hours; then, increase temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Texas Mesquite Ribs
These tender and flavorful ribs are a twist on traditional BBQ favorites, infused with the rich, earthy flavor of mesquite wood smoke. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks beef short ribs (about 4 lbs)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Texas-style dry rub (containing chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika)
– 1 cup mesquite wood chips
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, dry rub, and smoked paprika.
3. Season the ribs with the mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place ribs in the slow cooker and sprinkle Worcestershire sauce over them.
5. Add mesquite wood chips to the slow cooker (about 1/2 cup).
6. Cook for 8 hours or overnight on low heat.
7. Remove ribs from slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low heat)
Texas Jalapeño Honey Glazed Ribs
Get ready to spice up your barbecue game with this bold and tangy take on classic ribs. This Texas-inspired recipe combines the warmth of jalapeños with the sweetness of honey for a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chopped jalapeños to the glaze mixture and stir to combine.
4. Brush both sides of ribs with the glaze.
5. Grill ribs for 2-3 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Finish with a slather of BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Fall-Off-The-Bone Texas Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this Fall-Off-The-Bone Texas Baby Back Ribs recipe! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, these ribs are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and season with dry rub mixture.
4. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
5. Bake for 2 hours, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Texas-Inspired Bourbon BBQ Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender, smoky ribs slathered in a rich bourbon-based BBQ sauce, perfect for any backyard bash or cozy gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef back ribs
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together bourbon whiskey, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bone side down. Brush the bourbon BBQ sauce all over the ribs.
4. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Finish by grilling the ribs over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Chipotle Molasses Smoked Ribs
Elevate your rib game with this bold and rich Chipotle Molasses Smoked Ribs recipe, perfect for BBQ enthusiasts. The chipotle peppers add a spicy kick, while the molasses provides a deep, sweet flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and place them in the smoker, bone side down.
4. Close the lid and smoke for 4 hours or until tender.
5. Brush the ribs with the chipotle-molasses mixture during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Texas Roadhouse-Style Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the tender, flavorful ribs that’ll make you feel like you’re sittin’ down at Texas Roadhouse itself! This recipe brings together a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of each rack of ribs. Season both sides with the dry rub mixture.
4. Place the ribs in the smoker or grill, meat side up. Close the lid and cook for 8 hours, or until the ribs reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
5. Finish by brushing the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Garlicky Texas Pepper Crusted Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with this bold and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of slow-cooked ribs with the spicy kick of Texas peppers. This garlicky crust adds an extra layer of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1/4 cup Texas pepper flakes (or substitute with chili powder and cayenne pepper)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Texas pepper flakes, garlic, and salt.
3. Remove membrane from the back of ribs and brush with olive oil.
4. Apply the garlic-Texas pepper mixture evenly onto both sides of the ribs.
5. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 2 hours or until tender.
6. Increase oven temperature to broil (high heat) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until crust is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 5-7 minutes
Pineapple Bourbon Texas Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with the unique combination of sweet pineapple, spicy bourbon, and tender Texas-style ribs. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors for your next BBQ gathering or family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pineapple juice, brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and place them in a large baking dish. Pour the pineapple-bourbon mixture evenly over the ribs.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Texas Ranch-Style Pork Spare Ribs
Texas Ranch-Style Pork Spare Ribs Recipe
Experience the bold flavors of Texas with this mouthwatering pork spare ribs recipe, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork spare ribs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (Texas-style)
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended).
4. Place the ribs in a large baking dish or a foil-lined roasting pan.
5. Brush the ribs with the BBQ-ranch mixture, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly.
6. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and caramelized.
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Mustard and Brown Sugar Texas Ribs
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with these Mustard and Brown Sugar Texas Ribs. This recipe combines the classic Texas-style dry rub with a hint of brown sugar and a tangy mustard glaze, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a rich, complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of beef back ribs (4-6 bones each)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs and apply the dry rub evenly to both racks.
4. Place the ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, leaving space between each rack.
5. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Brush with additional mustard glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Texas Pecan Wood Smoked Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender, flavorful ribs smothered in a rich pecan wood smoke flavor. This recipe is perfect for any barbecue enthusiast looking to elevate their game.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (St. Louis style)
– 1 cup Texas-style dry rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (pecan wood flavor)
– 1 cup wood chips (Texas pecan)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together dry rub ingredients. Remove membrane from back of ribs and coat evenly with dry rub.
3. Place ribs in smoker, bone-side down. Close lid and smoke for 4 hours.
4. After 4 hours, brush ribs with honey-brown sugar mixture (1:1 ratio). Close lid and smoke for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Finish by spraying Worcestershire sauce on ribs and closing lid for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Spicy Dr. Pepper Glazed Ribs
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this sweet and spicy twist on classic BBQ ribs! This recipe combines the richness of Dr. Pepper with a kick of heat, creating a glaze that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1 cup Dr. Pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dr. Pepper, honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Remove ribs from packaging and place on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
4. Brush the glaze evenly onto both sides of the ribs.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4-6 people
BBQ Coffee Rubbed Texas Ribs
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these BBQ coffee rubbed Texas ribs, where the richness of coffee meets the boldness of BBQ. This recipe combines tender pork ribs with a unique blend of spices and a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef-style pork ribs
– 1/4 cup coffee rub (see below for recipe)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Coffee Rub Recipe:
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee beans
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together coffee rub ingredients.
3. Rub the coffee mixture all over the pork ribs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone side down.
5. Bake for 2 hours, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Brush BBQ sauce on the ribs during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Smoked Texas Ribs with Whiskey Glaze
Experience the tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness of slow-smoked ribs infused with a rich whiskey glaze. This recipe combines classic BBQ techniques with a hint of sophistication for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of beef back ribs
– 1 cup whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Season the ribs with salt and black pepper. Place them in the smoker for 4-5 hours or until tender.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the whiskey glaze every 10-15 minutes to achieve a sticky, caramelized finish.
5. Remove the ribs from the heat and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours + resting time
Cowboy-Style Texas Beef Ribs
A classic Texas-style barbecue favorite, these tender and flavorful beef ribs are smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce and fall-off-the-bone delicious.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef ribs, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the ribs on the grill or smoker and cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until tender and slightly charred.
5. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Remove from heat, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Summary
Get ready to sink your teeth into some mouth-watering ribs! In this article, we’re featuring 18 smoky Texas rib recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic beef ribs to sweet and spicy pork ribs, there’s something for everyone. Try our slow-cooked mesquite ribs or get bold with chipotle molasses smoked ribs. Whether you like a little spice or a whole lot of flavor, these Texas-inspired recipes are guaranteed to make your taste buds do the two-step.
