St. Louis Style Ribs with Take A Peak Rub & Apple BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

1 rack St. Louis style pork ribs (about 3 lbs)

3-4 tablespoons Take A Peak Rub

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup apple juice (for spritzing or steaming)

For the Homemade Apple BBQ Sauce:

1 cup apple juice or apple cider

1 cup ketchup

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoonTake a Peak Smoked Paprika

½ teaspoon Take a Peak Garlic Powder

½ teaspoon Take a Peak Onion Powder

¼ teaspoon Take a Peak Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)

Take a Peak Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Ribs:

Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs.

Lightly coat ribs with olive oil.

Generously apply Take A Peak Rub on both sides of the ribs. Pat it in.

Let them rest for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).

2. Make the Apple BBQ Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all sauce ingredients.

Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.

Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until thickened.

Taste and adjust sweetness, tang, or heat as desired.

3. Cooking Method (Low & Slow - Recommended for Best Flavor):

Oven or Smoker:

Preheat to 250°F (120°C).

Place ribs bone-side down on a baking sheet or smoker rack.

Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Every hour, lightly spritz with apple juice to keep them moist.

Optional Step – Wrap (for extra tenderness):

After 2-3 hours, wrap ribs in foil with a splash of apple juice.

Cook for another 1 to 1.5 hours until tender.

4. Finish with the Apple BBQ Sauce:

Unwrap ribs (if wrapped).

Brush with the homemade Apple BBQ Sauce.

Place back in the oven or smoker, uncovered, at 275°F for 20-30 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

For extra sticky ribs, brush one more layer of sauce just before serving.

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5. Serve:

Slice between the bones.

Serve with extra Apple BBQ Sauce on the side.

Great with coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans.