Rib Tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ feature tender, smoky pork rib tips marinated in a savory barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection with a caramelized, crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat inside.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Grill
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
- Marinade container
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork rib tips
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
When selecting pork rib tips, choose fresh, high-quality meat with a good balance of lean and fat for optimal tenderness and flavor. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper provides a well-rounded smoky and spicy seasoning. Using apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard in the marinade helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy depth that complements the sweetness of brown sugar and barbecue sauce. Olive oil and Worcestershire sauce enhance moisture and umami flavor, ensuring your rib tips stay juicy and flavorful. Your copycat Rib Tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ will capture the authentic taste and texture that fans love.
Instructions
- Combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, yellow mustard, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Place pork rib tips in a marinade container.
- Pour marinade over rib tips, ensuring even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F.
- Remove rib tips from marinade and allow excess to drip off.
- Place rib tips in smoker and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Transfer smoked rib tips to grill.
- Baste rib tips with additional barbecue sauce using a basting brush.
- Grill rib tips for 5-8 minutes per side, turning with tongs until caramelized and crispy.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; rib tips should reach at least 190°F.
- Remove rib tips from grill and let rest, loosely tented with aluminum foil, for 10 minutes.
- Slice rib tips on a cutting board.
- Arrange on a serving platter and serve hot.
Substitution
Rib Tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ copycat menu rely on pork rib tips, but if these are unavailable, pork spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs can serve as suitable substitutes without compromising flavor. When marinating, use a mixture of apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to replicate the tangy, smoky profile, adjusting seasoning quantities to match the weight of your meat. You can use an indoor grill or oven smoker as an alternative if you don't have an outdoor smoker, ensuring you monitor internal temperature with a meat thermometer to achieve that perfect tenderness. Using aluminum foil during the last phase of cooking helps retain juiciness and prevents burning, especially if flare-ups occur on the grill. Your basting brush and tongs will be essential tools for consistently applying barbecue sauce and turning the ribs thoroughly during grilling for an even caramelized crust.
Tips
Your rib tips deliver the best flavor when marinated for at least 4 hours, allowing the spices and acidity from apple cider vinegar to tenderize the pork thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190degF, guaranteeing tender, juicy meat that's cooked safely. When transferring from smoker to grill, keep the temperature steady and use tongs to turn the ribs gently, avoiding piercing the meat which can drain flavorful juices. Resting the rib tips for 10 minutes after grilling, tented with aluminum foil, allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful.
Nutritions
Rib tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ provide a rich source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, with the pork offering valuable B vitamins such as B6 and B12 that support brain health and energy production. The barbecue sauce and marinade blend includes antioxidants from paprika, garlic, and onion powders, which may help reduce inflammation and promote immune function. While the dish contains moderate amounts of fat, primarily from pork and olive oil, careful portioning ensures your meal can fit within a balanced diet. You can enjoy these smoky, flavorful rib tips while being mindful of sodium content from the seasoning and sauces to maintain heart health.
Storage
Store leftover rib tips in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and flavor. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days to ensure freshness and safety. For longer storage, freeze the rib tips in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute pork rib tips with beef short ribs for a richer flavor and longer smoking time. Swap apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar to introduce a slightly sweeter and tangier marinade profile. You can also use mesquite wood chips in the smoker instead of traditional hickory to intensify the smoky aroma. Marinate your rib tips in a vacuum-sealed bag to enhance flavor absorption and reduce marinating time.
Allergies
Rib Tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ contain common allergens such as mustard and Worcestershire sauce, which may include anchovies, posing risks for individuals allergic to fish. The barbecue sauce and spices may also contain traces of soy or gluten depending on the brand, which can trigger allergic reactions. Be sure to review ingredient labels carefully to ensure that Your dietary restrictions are accommodated.
Why this recipe?
Rib Tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ are celebrated for their tender, smoky flavor and irresistible caramelized bark, crafted through a meticulous smoking process using hickory wood. The perfect balance of sweet and savory spices in their signature dry rub makes each bite flavorful and satisfying, appealing to barbecue enthusiasts. You can recreate this delicious experience at home by mastering the copycat recipe, allowing you to enjoy authentic, mouthwatering rib tips anytime. Making Rib Tips from Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ yourself is worth it for the rich taste and the joy of savoring freshly smoked barbecue tailored to your preferences.