Preparation For Ribs On The UDS

Steps To Cook Pork Ribs On An Ugly Drum Smoker. You can use the same steps I take here and apply them to any other smoker. From off-set to pellet smoker these ribs will turn out great with these easy-to-follow steps.

• Step 1: Remove the ribs from the package and rinse them under running water.

The reason for this is that ribs are cut with a band saw and you want to remove the small pieces so they do not end up on your plate.

• Step 2: Remove the membrane.

Some people skip this step but in my experience, the membrane gets hard if it is not removed. Alternatively, you can scorch it with a knife.

• Step 3: Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel.

This will remove the water that you rinsed them with.

• Step 4: Season the ribs with your personal preference or any homemade seasoning.

You can use a binder such as mustard or Worcestershire sauce but I have not tasted a difference.

• Step 5: Let the ribs with the seasoning sit for about 20 minutes to let the meat sweat and absorb the rib rub.

If I have the time I let them sit in the refrigerator overnight but I have not tasted a big difference.

Cooking Ribs On The Ugly Drum Smoker

I have used this method many times and it has never failed me. Just realize that these are home-cooked ribs and not competition ribs. I like them as tender as possible.

• Step 1: Preheat your ugly drum smoker, or any other smoker to 225- 230°F (107 – 110°C)

I like to heat it to 230°F (110°C) since the cooler meat will lower the temperature in your smoker when added.

• Step 2: Add your ribs with the meat side down.

The reason I start with the meat side down is that the bones protect the meat from getting to hot and dry our or burn.

• Step 3: Cook your ribs for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

This is usually long enough to form a nice Mahogany color and bark. Optional you can spritz the ribs with a 50/50 mixture of water/apple cider vinegar every 30 minutes. Step 4: Check the ribs and if they look good it is time to wrap them. I use aluminum foil and add a little apple juice to help with tenderizing.

• Step 5: Put them back on the grill for another 2 hours.

This process keeps the moisture in the ribs and in combination with the apple juice they will tenderize very nicely.

• Step 6: Check the ribs for doneness and tenderness.

Now you can add a glaze if you like and put them back open on the smoker for another 1/2 hour or pull them and let them cook for about 10 minutes.

• Step 7: Slice them the way you like them and start enjoying some awesome ugly drum smoker ribs.

I have cooked many ribs on my homemade ugly drum smoker and have slowly mastered it. If you follow these steps and use a good quality or homemade seasoning I can almost guarantee you great tasting and fall-of-the-bone ribs. It will not make a difference if you use spare ribs, baby back ribs, or St. Louise-style ribs.   Eddie van Aken (aka The Grilling Dutchman)