Back ribs are delicious and the baby ones are the ultimate barbecue food in my books. Tender and meaty, with the right touch and the right rub, back ribs are absolutely delectable.
1/2cupw'ham style seasoning of your choice, or see the recipe that follows
apple juice for basting
For the W'ham Seasoning:
1/2cupcane sugar
1/2cuponion salt
1/2cupgarlic salt
2tablespoonschili powder
2tablespoonsWorcestershire powder
1tablespoonlemon pepper
1tablespoonblack pepper
1tablespoonvinegar powder
1teaspooncayenne
1teaspoonrubbed sage
1teaspoondried basil
1/2teaspoonground rosemary
Instructions
For the w'ham seasoning, combine all the ingredients and blend well. Store in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place until ready to use, up to 6 months.
Makes 2 3/4 cups.
For the Ribs:
Set up your smoker to cook indirectly at 250°F - 275°F. This temperature is a little higher than usual, but John believes that ribs should be cooked hotter than most barbecue.
To prepare the ribs, trim them of excess fat. Do not remove the membrane from the back before you cook them. John says that leaving the membrane on, keeps the meat juices in. Sprinkle the meat all over with the w'ham seasoning.
Place the ribs in the smoker. If you hang the ribs, you don't have to turn them. Just baste them with apple juice after 1 1/2 hours. If you cook the ribs on a grate or in a rib rack, turn them after 1 1/2 hours and baste with apple juice.
Cook the ribs 3-4 hours or until you can take 2 ribs side by side and easily tear them apart. When the ribs are finished cooking, remove the membrane and serve.