How To Smoke Pork Ribs On Pellet Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoking pork ribs on a pellet grill can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Pellet grills offer the benefits of ease-of-use, temperature control, and convenience that make them an attractive option for smoking meats. In this guide, we'll show you how to smoke pork ribs on a pellet grill and offer tips and tricks to ensure that your ribs turn out perfectly every time.

At BBQ Spit Rotisseries, we offer a wide range of pellet grills to suit every need and budget. However our range of Traeger Grills are the product of choice for pellet grilling enthusiasts and offers superior quality and reliability, as well as industry-leading technology.

Selecting The Right Pork Ribs

The first step in smoking pork ribs on a pellet grill is to select the right type of pork ribs. In Australia, there are several types of pork ribs available, including baby back ribs and spare ribs. We recommend using baby back ribs as they are more tender and easier to smoke. When selecting pork ribs, it's important to choose high-quality, fresh ribs that are the right size for your pellet grill.

Preparing the Pellet Grill

To ensure the best possible outcome when smoking pork ribs on a pellet grill, it's crucial to prepare the grill properly. Here's how to do it:

1. Clean the grill grates: Before you start, ensure that the grill grates are clean and free from any debris. Use a grill brush to scrub the grates thoroughly.
2. Fill the hopper with pellets: Fill the hopper with the type of pellets that you prefer. At BBQ Spit Rotisseries, we recommend using high-quality Traeger pellets for the best possible results.
3. Preheat the grill: Set the grill to smoke mode and preheat it for around 15-20 minutes. This will allow the pellets to ignite and the grill to reach the desired temperature.
4. Adjust the temperature: Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, adjust the temperature according to your smoking recipe. For pork ribs, the optimal temperature is between 225°F and 250°F.
5. Place the pork ribs on the grill: Once the grill is prepared, place the pork ribs on the grill grates, bone side down, and close the lid.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your pellet grill is prepared properly and ready to smoke the pork ribs to perfection.

Preparing The Pork Ribs

To prepare the pork ribs for smoking, you'll need to trim excess fat and remove the membrane from the back of the rib. Once completed, apply a dry rub. We recommend using a high-quality dry rub that compliments the flavour of the pork ribs. We highly recommend Boomas BBQ ‘Swine and Dine’ BBQ Rub. Apply the rub generously to the ribs, ensuring that it adheres properly. It's important to allow the ribs to rest for at least an hour before smoking to ensure that the rub penetrates the meat properly.

Smoking The Pork Ribs

Once the pellet grill is set up and the pork ribs are prepared, it's time to start smoking. Smoking pork ribs on a pellet grill requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps for the best possible outcome:

1. Maintain the temperature: It's essential to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. Keep the temperature between 225°F and 250°F for optimal results. Traeger Grills offer precision temperature control, which makes it easier to maintain a consistent temperature.

2. Monitor the smoke: Check the smoke levels regularly to ensure that the pellets are generating enough smoke. You want to see a thin, blue smoke as this indicates that the pellets are burning cleanly.

3. Add more pellets: Add more pellets to the hopper as needed to ensure that the grill continues to generate smoke. The traeger pellet sensor automatically alerts you through the Traeger app when the hopper needs refilling. A very handy feature! 

4. Spritz the pork ribs: Every hour or so, spritz the pork ribs with apple juice or another liquid of your choice. This helps to keep the meat moist and enhances the flavour.

5. Check the internal temperature: After around 4-5 hours of smoking, check the internal temperature of the pork ribs using a meat thermometer. 

6. Wrap the pork ribs: If the dry rub on the pork ribs has set it’s time to wrap them in foil or butcher paper with brown sugar, honey and butter. 

7. Get them back into the smoker until they are probing like butter. 

8. Rest the pork ribs: Once the pork ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to relax and absorb any juices that may have escaped during the cooking process.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your pork ribs turn out perfectly smoked and tender. Remember to use high-quality pellets and Traeger Grills for the best possible results.

Resting and Serving The Pork Ribs

After smoking the pork ribs, it's essential to allow them to rest before serving. This helps to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy. We recommend wrapping the pork ribs in foil and letting them rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. When serving the pork ribs, we recommend pairing them with your favourite sides and sauces to complement the flavour of the meat.

At BBQ Spit Rotisseries, we're passionate about helping our customers achieve the perfect smoking experience. Our Traeger Grills offer the perfect combination of quality, convenience, and affordability, making them the product of choice for pellet grilling enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our pellet grills and accessories are the perfect choice for your smoking needs.

In conclusion, smoking pork ribs on a pellet grill can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your pork ribs turn out perfectly every time. Don't forget to visit BBQ Spit Rotisseries to explore our range of Traeger Grills and accessories to help you achieve the perfect smoking experience.

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by: Michael Wilkie