First, let’s get those ribs prepped. If you’re using Costco ribs, they come at a great price and are already trimmed. Here’s how I like to get them ready:Clean the Ribs: Rinse the ribs under cold water to remove any blood or residue. Pat them dry with paper towels.Trim the Ribs: Inspect the ribs and trim off any excess fat or small pieces that might burn or dry out during cooking. I like to make sure the ribs are a nice, uniform rectangle shape for even cooking.

This step is crucial for tender ribs. Flip the ribs bone-side up and remove the membrane. Use a knife to lift the edge, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off.

A binder helps the rub adhere to the meat. I’m using yellow mustard, but you can use W sauce if you prefer.Spread the Binder: Apply a thin layer of mustard on both sides of the ribs. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the mustard once the ribs are cooked.

Now, it’s time to bring out the flavor with our BBQ rub.Coat the Ribs: Generously apply the rub on both sides of the ribs. Make sure to get an even coat and pat it down gently to help it stick. This rub is where all the magic happens, giving your ribs that irresistible flavor and beautiful color.

We’re smoking these ribs on a Rec Tech pellet grill, but you can use any smoker or grill setup for indirect cooking.Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to 275°F. If you have more time, you can go even lower at 250°F for a longer, slower cook.Arrange the Ribs: Place the ribs on the grill bone-side down. Compress them slightly to keep them in a nice, uniform shape. This ensures even cooking.

Spritzing helps keep the ribs moist and adds an extra layer of flavor.Prepare the Spritz: Fill a spray bottle with Dr. Pepper and a dash of water. You can also use apple juice or apple cider vinegar if you prefer.Spritz Every Hour: After the first hour, start spritzing the ribs every 45 minutes to an hour. This keeps them moist and helps form that beautiful bark on the outside.

To ensure even cooking, rotate the ribs about halfway through the cook.Rotate and Rearrange: After 2 hours, rotate the ribs. Move the ones on the far end closer to the middle and vice versa. This helps them cook evenly and prevents any from drying out.

Prepare the Foil: Lay out sheets of foil for each rack of ribs.Add Butter and Brown Sugar: Place each rack of ribs on the foil and add a few pats of butter and a handful of brown sugar on top. This will melt and create a delicious glaze as the ribs cook.Wrap the Ribs: Wrap the ribs tightly in the foil to trap all that goodness inside.

Return the wrapped ribs to the grill and continue cooking for another 1.5 to 2 hours.

Unwrap the Ribs: Carefully unwrap the ribs and place them back on the grill.Apply the Glaze: Brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto the ribs and let them cook for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze.

Give the ribs one last spritz to keep them moist and shiny.

Once the ribs are done, let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender.

Use a sharp knife to slice between the bones. Serve the ribs hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the fruits of your labor.