This Genius Rib Smoking Technique Adds Tons Of Flavor With Little Extra Effort

We've seen some pretty amazing tips from amateur pitmasters for smoking ribs at home. Adding maple syrup for the best marinade for your ribs is one great example of the power of social media at work. You could have knocked us over with a feather when we first saw folks on the web wrapping a rack of ribs around a pineapple and smoking it, but, if anecdotal reports are to be believed, this is a technique that works! It's low-cost (assuming you live in an area where pineapples aren't prohibitively expensive), simple, and could potentially pay dividends in the way of both flavor and tenderness for your ribs, since the sugars add sweetness and the acidity breaks down tough proteins.

All you need to do is peel and core a decent-sized pineapple. Some cooks will dip the pineapple in BBQ sauce or honey before wrapping the meat. Remove the silverskin and cover your ribs generously with your favorite rub. Then all that's left is to wrap them around the pineapple, using bamboo skewers to hold the meat in place. Cook your ribs as you normally would — low and slow, in your smoker — although you could cook them in the slow cooker (which is an expert tip for ribs that fall off the bone!). 

After several hours, the meat will be tender and succulent, delicately flavored with the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple and the smokiness of your grill! Put your ribs on a platter and cut up your pineapple to serve on the side in a presentation that reminds one of tacos al pastor.

Pineapple-wrapping ribs is a versatile, easy way to cook a protein that can be challenging for some amateurs. If you've heard of the three-two-one method for cooking ribs, this is a great preparation to combine with your pineapple in the smoker, as the (overall) six-hour cook allows the meat to almost shred off the bone. Remember that time is the biggest variable in producing succulent ribs, because there really isn't a substitute that will render fat and eliminate toughness as easily. Your smoker will get you there, but you need to be patient.

The great thing about pineapple ribs is that you can tweak the flavor profile to suit your palate just as easily as you can manipulate the cooking method for what works. Chipotle pairs beautifully with the sweetness of pineapple and will give a pleasant jolt of heat that many rib fans will enjoy. Alternatively, if a sweet flavor profile is what you crave, you can really play that up with brown sugar, honey, and/or maple syrup. Remember that sugar will burn, especially in the smoker, so apply any sweet sauces towards the end of your cooking time. Need a little liquid for the bottom of your pan? You can increase the fruitiness with some apple or peach juice. Feel free to experiment for ribs that will knock your socks off!