Smoky Mountain Firecracker Ribs
This Copycat Restaurant Dinner recipe delivers a fiery, tender masterpiece inspired by Tennessee's famous firecracker ribs, with sensory storytelling and an easy-to-follow guide. It offers an unforgettable taste experience that captures the sizzle, aroma, and crowd energy of the original dish.
Allergens
Soy, Gluten, Dairy, Eggs (in sauce)
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork spare ribs, cut into individual riblets 1 cup Smoky Mountain Firecracker Sauce (recipe below) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp paprika 1 tsp ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Smoky Mountain Firecracker Sauce, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the dry rub.
- Coat each riblet evenly with the dry rub, pressing gently to adhere the spices to the meat.
- Preheat your grill or smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the seasoned riblets on the grill grates and cook for 2 hours, turning every hour.
- After 2 hours, increase the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for another 1 2 hours or until the internal temperature of the ribs reaches 190°F (88°C). Baste with additional Smoky Mountain Firecracker Sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Chef’s Insight
The secret to perfect firecracker ribs is the balance of heat and sweetness, so don't be afraid to adjust the amounts of sugar and sauce to your taste preference.
Notes
This recipe uses a homemade Smoky Mountain Firecracker Sauce, which can be stored and used for other dishes.