The Technique - Slab Happy Smoked Then Finished In The Oven, These Chile-spiced Ribs Are Ready To Party

RIB FANATICS ARE A passionate bunch, brimming with strong opinions about their favorite cut, style, and sauce. I prefer a Memphis-style dry rub of warm red spices—the peppery heat is the perfect partner for the natural sweetness of the pork.

- Paula Disbrowe

PERFECT PORK RIBS

The following recipe (featured on the cover of my latest book, Thank You for Smoking) relies on St. Louis–style spareribs, but the method works for any rack. I begin with a two-zone charcoal fire perfumed with a few wood chunks. After the ribs have absorbed a couple of hours of smoke, I wrap them and finish the cooking in the oven. The low heat allows the meat to gently braise in the seasoned juices, resulting in meltingly tender, deeply flavored ribs destined to star at your next backyard barbecue. - PAULA DISBROWE

1 PREP RIBS

Remove membrane from the back of each rack of ribs by pulling it off with a paper towel.

2 COMBINE SPICES

Whisk ingredients to disperse evenly; swap out some of the sweet paprika for hot if you like your ribs extra spicy.

3 SEASON LIBERALLY

Hit both sides with more than you think you need; the rub acts as a dry brine that permeates and pre-seasons the meat.

4 RUB IT IN

Rub the spice blend evenly onto both sides of the rib racks. Let stand 30 minutes or chill up to 2 days.

5 PREP THE GRILL

Preheat grill; place a drip pan with 1 inch of warm water on the side without coals. Add hardwood chunks for smoke.

6 FLIP AND ROTATE

Use tongs to flip and rotate the ribs every 30 minutes to encourage even cooking and maximum bark.

Smoked Pork Ribs

ACTIVE 30 MIN; TOTAL 5 HR; SERVES 6

Wrapping the ribs in aluminum foil and parchment paper ensures the perfect texture: tender, but not falling off the bone. These ribs are perfect for eating by hand with hot sauce or a touch of barbecue sauce, but they’re so moist that they’re great on their own, too.

2 racks St. Louis–style pork spareribs (about 4 1 /4 lb.)

3 Tbsp. kosher salt