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Pellet Grill Ribs
Sana Yousaf

Pellet Grill Ribs Recipe

Tender, smoky baby back ribs cooked to perfection using the 3-2-1 method on a pellet grill.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 racks baby back ribs 3-4 pounds total
  • 1/3 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup apple juice divided
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup dry rub brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, allspice, cayenne
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey warmed
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter cubed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your choice

Method
 

  1. Flip ribs bone-side up, remove silverskin membrane with a knife and paper towel. Pat dry. Mix mustard, 1/4 cup apple juice, and Worcestershire; slather on both sides. Coat with dry rub. Refrigerate 1 hour (or overnight).
  2. Preheat pellet grill to 180-225°F with apple or cherry pellets. Place ribs meat-side up on grates, smoke for 3 hours, spritzing with apple juice hourly if desired.
  3. Increase grill to 225°F. Lay out heavy foil, place ribs meat-side down, add half the brown sugar, honey, butter, and remaining apple juice. Seal tightly, grill 2 hours.
  4. Unwrap ribs, discard foil and juices. Brush BBQ sauce on both sides. Grill meat-side up for 1 hour until sticky and internal temp reaches 195-205°F (bend test: ribs crack slightly when lifted).
  5. Rest ribs under foil for 10-15 minutes. Slice between bones, serve with extra sauce.

Notes

  • Remove the membrane for tender ribs; it’s a game-changer.
  • Use apple or cherry pellets for sweet smoke; avoid mesquite—it’s too strong.
  • Check labels for gluten-free Worcestershire or swap with tamari.
  • Resting is key—don’t skip it, or juices will escape.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 250°F with a splash of apple juice.

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