Kansas City Style Smoked Ribs
Traditional dish · American
Kansas City style ribs are known for their thick, sweet, and spicy tomato-based sauce, often applied towards the end of the smoking process. This recipe emphasizes a long, slow smoke for deep flavor.
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Ingredients
- Pork spare ribs1 rack (approx. 3-4 lbs)
- Brown sugar1/4 cup
- Sweet paprika2 tbsp
- Garlic powder1 tbsp
- Onion powder1 tbsp
- Mustard powder1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper1/2 tsp
- Salt1 tbsp
- Black pepper1 tbsp
- Ketchup2 cups
- Molasses1/4 cup
- Apple cider vinegar1/4 cup
- Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Chili powder1 tsp
Steps
- 1
Prepare the dry rub by combining brown sugar, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove membrane from ribs and apply rub generously.
- 2
Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or oak wood.
- 3
Smoke ribs for 3 hours.
- 4
Prepare the Kansas City sauce: combine ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- 5
Wrap ribs tightly in butcher paper or foil and continue smoking for another 1.5-2 hours, or until tender.
- 6
Unwrap ribs, brush generously with the Kansas City BBQ sauce, and smoke uncovered for another 30 minutes to set the sauce.
- 7
Rest ribs for 15 minutes before slicing.
