321 Ribs

x 1

321 ribs are a foolproof way to get fall off the bone tender ribs. The 321 rib method is based on smoking ribs at a certain temperature for 3 hours, wrapping them with liquid for 2 hours, and saucing them for the final 1 hour.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

6 hours

Total Time

6 1/2 hours

Servings

2

smoker
Main Dish
Grilling
Pork
Comfort Food

Ingredients

  • 1 rack baby back ribs
  • 2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub
  • 1 cup apple cider apple juice also works
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/2 cup Hey Grill Hey Everything BBQ Sauce

Preparation

  1. Preheat the smoker to 180 degrees F.
  2. Use a sharp knife to lift up the corner of the membrane on the back of the ribs. Using a paper towel, grip the membrane and pull firmly to fully remove it. Trim any excess fat off the ribs as needed.
  3. Liberally season both sides of the ribs using Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub, starting with the bone side.
  4. Place the seasoned ribs on the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches around 165 degrees F.
  5. 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. Sprinkle with brown sugar, top with butter cut into small pads, and pour in the apple cider. Tightly crimp the foil to create an airtight seal.
  6. Return the wrapped ribs to the grill and increase the temperature to 225 degrees F. Let the ribs braise for 2 hours in the foil.
  7. Carefully remove the ribs from the grill and place them 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. Discard the foil and excess cooking liquid. Brush the ribs with Everything BBQ Sauce.
  8. Return the unwrapped, sauced ribs to the smoker. Close the lid and continue smoking for an hour or until the ribs reach around 200 degrees F and the sauce is sticky and set.
  9. Remove the ribs from the smoker and rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice into individual ribs and serve with extra sauce, as desired.