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321 RIBS

By Traeger Kitchen

Our famously easy 321. ribs will make your rib game the envy of the neighbourhood. This super simple recipe takes all the confusion out of making baby back ribs without sacrificing any of the flavour. You'll begin this method by smoking your ribs for 3 hours, then cooking inside foil for 2 hours. Finish by removing your ribs from the foil, brushing on BBQ sauce, and then cook for another hour.

Barbecue ribs on a traeger grill with a dark background

YIELDS: 6 SERVINGS

Prep Time 15 MIN

Cook Time 6 HR

Pellets HICKORY

321 RIBS

Our famously easy 321 ribs will make your rib game the envy of the neighbourhood. This super simple recipe takes all the confusion out of making baby back ribs without sacrificing any of the flavour. You'll begin this method by smoking your ribs for 3 hours, then cooking inside foil for 2 hours. Finish by removing your ribs from the foil, brushing on BBQ sauce, and then cook for another hour.

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

Before you fire up your Traeger, know that the 3-2-1 method is all about steady, low-and-slow cooking: 3 hours of smoke, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour sauced to finish. This technique is perfect for baby back ribs — they come from the upper ribcage near the loin, making them smaller, leaner and naturally tender. Don't forget to remove the membrane for better smoke penetration, pick racks that are evenly sized, and be ready to adjust the final hour if you like ribs with a little more bite. A quick rest before slicing is essential for keeping the meat juicy and easy to handle when you’re ready to serve.

STEP 1

If your butcher has not already done so, remove the thin silverskin membrane from the bone-side of the ribs by working the tip of a butter knife or a screwdriver underneath the membrane over a middle bone. Use paper towels to get a firm grip, then tear the membrane off.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 Rack baby back pork ribs

STEP 2

In a small bowl, combine the mustard, 1/4 cup of apple juice (reserve the rest) and the Worcestershire sauce. Spread the mixture thinly on both sides of the ribs and season with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub.

INGREDIENTS

STEP 3

When ready to cook, set Traeger pellet grill temperature to 180℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. Smoke the ribs, meat-side up for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160℉.

traeger

180 ˚F / 82 ˚C

traeger

160 ˚F / 71 ˚C

traeger

Super Smoke

Two pieces of meat cooking on a traeger grill

STEP 4

After the 321 ribs have smoked for 3 hours, transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet and increase the grill temperature to 225℉.

STEP 5

Tear off four long sheets of heavy-duty aluminium foil. Top with a rack of ribs and pull up the sides to keep the liquid enclosed. Sprinkle half the brown sugar on the rack, then top with half the honey and half the remaining apple juice. Use a bit more apple juice if you want more tender ribs. Lay another piece of foil on top and tightly crimp the edges so there is no leakage. Repeat with the remaining rack of Traeger 321 ribs.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 Cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 Cup honey, warmed

STEP 6

Return the foiled ribs to the grill and cook for an additional 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 205℉.

traeger

02:00

traeger

225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

traeger

Super Smoke

Aluminum foil packets on a grill with smoke

STEP 7

Carefully remove the foil from the ribs and brush the ribs on both sides with Traeger 'Que Sauce. Discard the foil. Arrange the ribs directly on the grill grate and continue to grill until the sauce tightens, 30 to 60 minutes more.

traeger

00:30

traeger

225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

traeger

Super Smoke

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 Cup Traeger 'Que BBQ Sauce
Two pieces of marinated meat on a traeger grill with smoke rising.

STEP 8

Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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