Smoked Pork Rib Chops are the perfect blend of smoky and sweet, and they make an impressive main dish for any occasion.
These smoked pork rib chops are perfect for any outdoor gathering or barbecue and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re someone who loves the smoky, rich flavor of meat cooked over wood pellets, then this smoked pork rib chops recipe is definitely for you. These pork chops are seasoned to perfection and slow-smoked over apple, maple, or pecan wood pellets, resulting in a flavor that is both sweet and savory.
With a juicy interior and a crispy, caramelized crust, these chops are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
What are Pork Rib Chops?
Pork rib chops are a delicious cut of meat that is taken from the rib section of the pig. This cut is similar to a pork chop, but it contains a portion of the rib bone. Pork rib chops are known for their tenderness and juiciness, making them a popular choice for grilling or smoking.
The pork rib chop is located towards the top of the pig’s rib section and is typically cut from the pork loin side. This area of the pig is known for its high-quality meat and is prized by chefs and home cooks alike. The rib chop is different from other cuts of pork, such as the pork shoulder or pork belly, because it is leaner and contains less fat. This makes it a healthier option, but also means that it can dry out if it is overcooked.
Bone-In Chops or Boneless Chops?
When it comes to pork rib chops, there are two main options to choose from: boneless and bone-in. Both cuts come from the same muscle, with the only difference being whether the bone has been removed or not.
Bone-in pork chops, however, have a slight advantage when it comes to flavor. The bone and extra fat in the thick cut pork chops can enhance the meat’s flavor, making it fuller and sweeter, which many people find more appealing.
Bone-in pork chops come in various cuts, including blade chops, rib chops, sirloin chops, pork loin chops and center-cut loin chops. For smoking, you can’t go wrong with rib chops. Rib chops are the “traditional” sold at the grocery store, and their marbling and bone content make them ideal for smoking.
While bone-in pork chops may have a slight flavor advantage, boneless pork chops are still a great choice for smoking. The low and slow cooking method used in smoking allows the meat to cook evenly, and the addition of smoke adds flavor to the.
Whether you choose bone-in or boneless pork rib chops, the most important thing is to ensure that you are cooking them to the correct internal temperature of 145°F to ensure that they are safe to eat and delicious.
How To Best Prepare Smoked Pork Rib Chops
To prepare smoked pork rib chops, it’s important to take care not to overcook them. Because they are leaner than other cuts, they can become tough and dry if they are cooked for too long.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to cook pork rib chops to an internal temperature of 145°F, which can be measured with a meat thermometer. If you are using a smoker, it’s important to keep the temperature low and slow, as this will allow the smoke to infuse into the meat while keeping it moist and tender.
Overall, rib chops are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that is perfect for grilling, smoking, or even pan-frying. They are easy to prepare and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ pro or a beginner, pork rib chops are a great choice for your next backyard cookout or family dinner.
How To Make Smoked Pork Chops On The Smoker
Step 1: Preheat Pellet Grill or Smoker
Pellet smokers are designed to maintain a steady temperature throughout the smoking, so preheating is an important step. The temperature should be set at 225°F, which is a low and slow cooking temperature that will allow the smoke to infuse into the meat while keeping it tender and juicy smoked pork chops.
The type of wood pellets used will also affect the flavor of the meat, so choose from apple, maple, or pecan wood pellets based on your personal preference.
Step 2: Prepare Pork Chops
Before seasoning the pork rib chops, it’s important to lightly coat them with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere to the meat. This will also help to keep the meat moist during the smoking process.
Step 3: Prepare Homemade Rub
The dry spice rub, is a mixture of spices that will add flavor to the pork rib chops. In this recipe, the dry rub consists of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. The combination of these spices will create a flavorful and aromatic crust on the meat.
Step 4: Rub Pork Chops
After preparing the dry rub, it’s time to apply it to the pork rib chops. Generously coat both sides of the meat with the dry rub, making sure to spread it evenly. This will ensure that the meat is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Step 5: Smoke Pork Chops
After the smoker has preheated to 225°F, it’s time to place the pork rib chops onto the smoker grates. Make sure to leave enough space between each chop so that the smoke can circulate around them and cook them evenly.
Close the lid of the smoker and let the smoke do its magic. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but generally, it will take between 60-90 minutes for the pork rib chops to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 6: Remove Smoked Pork Chops
Once the pork rib chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F, it’s time to remove them from the smoker grates. It’s important to the smoked pork rib chops rest let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into them, as this will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it moist and tender.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
After letting the smoked pork rib chops rest, it’s time to serve them up! Pair them with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or baked potatoes, and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.
Tips For Making Smoked Pork Chops
Here are a few tips that a beginner would find helpful when preparing this smoked pork rib chops recipe:
Wood Pellets
The type of wood pellets you use will impact the overall flavor of your smoked pork rib chops. Apple, maple, and pecan wood pellets are all great options to use when smoking pork, as they impart a subtle, sweet, and smoky flavor.
Avoid using stronger-flavored wood pellets like mesquite or hickory, which can overpower the taste of the pork.
Season Generously
While the smoked flavor of the pork rib chops is the star of the show, it’s still important to season the meat beforehand. A simple seasoning of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can go a long way in enhancing the overall flavor of the.
Apply the seasoning generously to both sides of the pork rib chops before placing them in the smoker.
Meat Thermometer
Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is an essential tool when smoking pork rib chops. It will help you ensure that the internal temperature of the meat is at a safe level and that it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, making sure not to touch the bone, and aim for a temperature of 145°F.
Resting Time
Let the pork rib chops rest: Once your pork rib chops are cooked to the proper internal temperature of 145°F, it’s important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Pork Chops
As a BBQ enthusiast, I can confidently say that there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold beer with some perfectly smoked pork rib chops. Here are our top 3 types of beer that pair exceptionally well with this smoked pork chops recipe:
Brown Ale
The malty sweetness of a brown ale pairs beautifully with the smoky and slightly sweet flavor of the smoked pork rib chops. The caramel and toffee notes in the beer complement the flavor of the meat perfectly, making it a match made in BBQ heaven.
IPA
If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, then an IPA is a great choice to pair with smoked pork rib chops. The bitterness of the hops cuts through the richness of the meat, while the citrus and floral notes in the beer add a refreshing element to the dish.
Lager
For those who prefer a lighter beer, a crisp and refreshing lager is the way to go. The clean and subtle flavors of a lager won’t overpower the smoked pork rib chops, making it a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the meat’s natural flavors with a simple and classic beer.
Related Recipes
Smoked Pork Rib Chops
Equipment
- Wood Pellets (apple, maple, or pecan)
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil packed
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F using apple, maple, or pecan wood pellets.
- While the smoker is preheating, prepare the pork rib chops by rubbing them with olive oil on both sides.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the dry rub.
- Rub the dry rub generously onto both sides of the rib chops, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Once the smoker has preheated, place the rib chops onto the smoker grates.
- Close the lid of the smoker and let the rib chops smoke for about 60-90 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- After 30 minutes, check the pork rib chops and rotate them if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- When the pork rib chops reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious smoked pork rib chops!
Smoking Pork Chops FAQs
What are smoked pork rib chops?
Smoked pork rib chops are a delicious cut of meat that comes from the rib section of a pig. They are a flavorful and tender cut that can be smoked on a pellet smoker to create a delicious BBQ dish.
How do you prepare pork rib chops for smoking?
To prepare pork rib chops for smoking, you should start by seasoning them with your favorite rub or marinade. Then, let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb the flavors. Next, set your pellet smoker to 225°F and add apple, maple, or pecan wood pellets for a delicious smoky flavor. Finally, place the pork rib chops on the smoker and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
How long does it take to smoke pork rib chops on a pellet smoker?
The total cooking time for smoked pork rib chops on a pellet smoker is typically 60-90 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut pork chops used.
Can you use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless for this recipe. Boneless and bone-in pork chops come from the same muscle, so you can use either for the smoked pork chop.
What is the best type of wood pellets to use for smoking pork rib chops?
The best type of wood pellets to use for smoking pork rib chops is apple, maple, or pecan. These woods have a mild and slightly sweet flavor that complements the taste of the meat.
What seasoning is best for pork rib chops?
The seasoning for pork rib chops is a matter of personal preference. However, a simple dry rub made from salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a classic and delicious choice.
How do you know when smoked pork rib chops are done?
The internal temperature of smoked pork rib chops should reach 145°F to be considered safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the.
How many pork rib chops do I need per person?
The number of pork rib chops needed per person depends on the appetite of the individual. As a general rule of thumb, plan on 1-2 pork rib chops per person.
How do you store leftover smoked pork rib chops?
To store leftover smoked pork rib chops, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.