Salt And Pepper Beef Ribs

Total Time: 6 hrs Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 5 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 (2 1/2-3 lb) slabs long beef ribs (beef back ribs, 5-6 pounds total)
• coarse salt (kosher or sea)
• cracked black peppercorns (not finely ground)
• hot red pepper flakes (optional for spicier ribs)
• 1 1/2 cups wood chips, soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, then drained (preferably oak)
• 2 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh onions
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Recipe

• 1 prepare ribs: place a rack of ribs meat side down on a baking sheet; remove the thin, papery membrane from the back of the rack by inserting a slender implement, such as a butter knife or the tip of a meat thermometer, under it; the best place to start is on one of the middle bones.
• 2 using a dish cloth, paper towel, or pliers to gain a secure grip, peel off the membrane; repeat with remaining racks.
• 3 generously season both sides of ribs with salt, cracked black pepper, and hot pepper flakes.
• 4 cover the ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate them while you set up the smoker.
• 5 set up and light the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheat to low; add wood chips per manufacturer’s instructions.
• 6 when ready to cook, brush and oil the smoker rack; place ribs bone side down on the rack and smoke until cooked through, 4-5 hours.
• 7 prepare sauce: to a saucepan add all the sauce ingredients; whisk to blend.
• 8 gradually bring sauce to a boil over medium heat, whisking as needed.
• 9 decrease heat slightly and let the sauce simmer gently until thick and richly flavored, about 10 minutes; serve warm or at room temperatue.
• 10 when ribs are done, transfer to a large platter or cutting board; let rest for a few minutes.
• 11 cut racks in half or into 1-2 rib pieces; serve immediately with sauce.