What Exactly IS Chicago BBQ? | Saucy Smoked Rib Tips Recipe

pork rib tips

🥗Healthier: chicken wings

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken wings are lower in fat, while pork shoulder is often less expensive.

BBQ sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade BBQ sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup with spices

Homemade BBQ sauce can be healthier with less sugar, while ketchup is a budget-friendly alternative.

Cut the onion into thick slices and peel the garlic cloves.

Heat a grill or stovetop griddle over high heat and char the onion slices and garlic cloves until they have a nice, dark color, about 10-15 minutes.

Remove the charred onion and garlic from the grill or griddle and let them cool. Once cool, chop them finely.

Combine the chopped onion and garlic with all the other ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Let the sauce cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To prepare the rib tips, start with a whole spare rib and separate the rib tips by cutting along the line of cartilage and bone.

Season the rib tips with salt and your chosen dry rub, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.

Set your kettle grill up for smoking and preheat to about 275-300°F using lump charcoal, adding wood for smoke flavor.

Place the rib tips on the grill, away from the heat source, and smoke for about 2-3 hours, spritzing with water as needed.

In the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the rib tips with your homemade BBQ sauce.

Once cooked, char the tips over direct heat until slightly blackened, then let them rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: