Serves 4
For the rub and the ribs:
1 tablespoon seasoning salt (such as Lawry's)
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cheyenne pepper
2 racks spare-ribs (4 to 5 pounds total)
2 12-ounce bottles of beer
Spicy Apple Barbeque Sauce (recipe follows)
You'll also need:
4 cups hickory chips or chunks, or as needed (optional)
bottle sprayer or mister (optional)
Directions:
Make the rub. Place the seasoned salt, black pepper, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and cheyenne pepper in a bowl and stir to mix, breaking up any lumps with your fingers.
Prepare the ribs. Place a rack of ribs meat side down on a baking sheet or cutting board. Remove the thin, papery membrane from the back of the rack by inserting a slender implement, such as a butter knife or the tip of a meat thermometer, under it. The best place to start is on one of the middle bones. Using a dishcloth, paper towel, or pliers to gain a secure grip, peel off the membrane. Repeat with the remaining rack.
Arrange the ribs on a baking sheet. Sprinkle on both sides with the rub, rubbing the spices into the meat.
Setup your smoker (or kettle grill or gas grill) and preheat to 225 to 250 degrees F.
Arrange the seasoned ribs bone off the direct heat of the grill. Smoke until nicely browned and very tender, 5 to 6 hours in all, turning the ribs over half way through. After the first hour, mist or mop the ribs with beer; after that, mist or mop every hour until you apply the barbeque sauce.
Brush the ribs with the barbeque sauce for the last 30 to 45 minutes of smoking.
Transfer the ribs to a large platter or cutting board. Let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut the racks in half or cut into individual ribs. Serve with extra barbeque sauce.
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Spicy Apple Barbeque Sauce:
Makes about 2-1/2 cups
1 cup ketchup
2 cups apple juice
1/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper
Place the ketchup, apple juice, molasses, vinegar, brown and granulated sugar, chili powder, celery seed, cinnamon, and cloves in a large heavy saucepan and gradually bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking to mix.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until thick and richly flavored, about 40 minutes, whisking often. Correct the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be highly seasoned.
