Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Smoked Pomegranate Chipotle Barbecue Ribs


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chris Cockren
  • Total Time: 375 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Sweet, spicy, and smoky ribs, slow-cooked to perfection on your gas grill. A show-stopping BBQ dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 full rack (1 full rack) St. Louis style or baby back ribs
  • Wood chips (Wood chips) Wood chips
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) light brown sugar
  • 0.5 tablespoon (7 ml) paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) ground dry mustard
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) chile powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pomegranate juice
  • 1 lemon (2 tablespoons) lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 1 (1) chipotle pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon (1 ml) dry mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Combine all dry rub ingredients in a small bowl, breaking up any lumps with your fingers.
  2. Remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs.
  3. Pat ribs dry with a paper towel and apply dry rub to both sides, patting down to adhere.
  4. On the left side of your grill, place a shallow disposable aluminum pan under the grate and fill with water.
  5. Create 4 foil packets filled with a large handful of wood chips. Poke holes in each packet.
  6. Place one packet in front of the water pan.
  7. Place an oven thermometer on the grate on the right side of the grill.
  8. Turn on the left-most burner to half power. Close the lid and let the grill reach 225-250°F (107-121°C). Adjust burners as needed to maintain this temperature.
  9. Once the temperature is stable, place ribs on the cool side of the grill (right side). Close the lid.
  10. Check ribs every 45 minutes, check the grill temperature, refill the water pan, and replace wood chip packets as needed.
  11. Allow 5-6 hours for St. Louis style ribs, or 3-4 hours for baby back ribs. The surface should crack when bounced gently with tongs.
  12. Remove ribs from grill and slather both sides with pomegranate chipotle BBQ sauce.
  13. Remove the water pan, turn heat to high, and place ribs directly over high heat. Keep the lid open and watch to prevent burning.
  14. Allow sauce to bubble and caramelize. Flip and repeat.
  15. Remove ribs from grill, slice into pieces, and serve with extra sauce if desired.
  16. Pomegranate Chipotle BBQ Sauce
  17. Combine pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low.
  18. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until the mixture reduces to a syrup consistency.
  19. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened to sauce consistency, about 10 minutes.
  20. Remove from heat to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a deeper smoky flavor, soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Substitute apple juice for pomegranate juice if needed; the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
  • Store leftover ribs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the BBQ sauce may thicken upon refrigeration.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 360 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 rack / 6 servings
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 30
  • Sodium: 1000
  • Fat: 30
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 60
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 100