Name: Smoked Party Ribs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American BBQ / Middle Eastern Twist
Ingredients: 3 lbs lamb ribs; 1/4 cup yellow mustard; 1/2 cup BBQ dry rub; 1 cup apple juice; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs
Deep smoky flavor enhanced by a slow smoking method
Balanced combination of savory, sweet, and tangy tastes
Simple, easy-to-follow steps for beginners and pros alike
Ideal for parties, backyard BBQs, and family gatherings
Easily customizable with your favorite rubs and sauces
Great use of a smoker for outdoor cooking enthusiasts
Resting after cooking locks in juices for maximum flavor
Delicious with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 lbs lamb ribs
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup BBQ dry rub
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
Rub the ribs with yellow mustard to act as a binder, then generously apply the BBQ dry rub all over.
Place ribs in the smoker and cook for 2 hours, spritzing with apple juice every 30 minutes.
After 2 hours, wrap the ribs tightly in foil with brown sugar, honey, and melted butter. Cook for another 2 hours.
Carefully unwrap the ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and return to the smoker for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze.
Remove ribs, let them rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Add a touch of spice with extra cayenne pepper in the dry rub.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer, deeper sweetness.
Try different wood chips like applewood, hickory, or cherry for unique smoky flavors.
Add a splash of pomegranate molasses to the BBQ sauce for a Middle Eastern twist.
Glaze with a spicy harissa BBQ sauce for a bold kick.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap ribs tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm ribs in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil until heated through, or gently reheat in a smoker for best results.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of lamb instead of ribs?

Yes, lamb shoulder or lamb chops work well with similar preparation.

What’s the best wood for smoking ribs?

Applewood, hickory, and cherrywood are all great choices depending on your flavor preference.

Do I have to wrap the ribs in foil?

Wrapping helps tenderize the ribs and infuses them with the added honey, sugar, and butter flavors.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Absolutely. Choose one that matches your taste—sweet, smoky, or spicy.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The meat should pull back from the bone, and a toothpick should slide easily into the meat.

Should I rest the ribs before slicing?

Yes, resting helps retain juices and keeps the ribs moist and flavorful.

Can I make these ribs spicier?

Add extra chili powder or hot sauce to the dry rub or glaze.

What if I don’t have a smoker?

You can bake them low and slow in the oven and finish them under the broiler for some caramelization.

Can I prepare the ribs a day ahead?

Yes, smoke the ribs, let them cool, refrigerate, and then reheat and glaze before serving.

What sides go best with smoked ribs?

Classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Smoked Party Ribs are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich, smoky flavors and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying, these ribs are perfect for making your gatherings memorable. With a flavorful dry rub, sweet glaze, and deep smoky taste, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable BBQ experience every time. Fire up your smoker, gather your friends, and enjoy some of the best ribs you’ll ever make!

Smoked Party Ribs

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Smoked Party Ribs featuring tender lamb ribs are slow-cooked to perfection with a deep smoky flavor and a sweet, sticky glaze. Perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, or festive parties, this easy smoker recipe guarantees fall-off-the-bone deliciousness with every bite!

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course, BBQ
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: American BBQ / Middle Eastern Twist

Ingredients

3 lbs lamb ribs

1/4 cup yellow mustard

1/2 cup BBQ dry rub

1 cup apple juice

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Remove the membrane from the ribs and pat dry with paper towels.
Rub ribs with yellow mustard, then generously coat with BBQ dry rub.
Place ribs in the smoker and cook for 2 hours, spritzing with apple juice every 30 minutes.
After 2 hours, wrap ribs tightly in foil along with brown sugar, honey, and melted butter. Cook for an additional 2 hours.
Carefully unwrap the ribs, brush them with BBQ sauce, and return to the smoker for 30 minutes to set the glaze.
Remove from the smoker, rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.