Step 1

Whisk together the Kansas City Style Dry Rub spices together and set aside.

Step 2

Remove the membrane from the back of the rack, and trim the pork ribs of any excess fat. Rub each rack liberally with the rub on both sides. Wrap ribs in foil or large container and refrigerate over night (optional, minimum 2 hours).

Step 3

Remove the ribs from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature. Soak wood chips and start your grill or smoker.

Step 4

Mix together the Kansas City Style barbecue sauce recipe and set aside or use your favorite.

Step 5

If you like it low and slow, set up the grill and preheat to 225°F. Add smoker chips per manufacturer's instructions if using.

Step 6

Place the ribs, bone side down, in the center of the grate, cover the grill and and cook the ribs about 4 to 5 hours for baby backs or 5 to 6 hours for spare ribs.

Step 7

In the last hour of grilling/smoking, baste the top of each rack with the reserved marinade or BBQ sauce every 15 minutes and close the lid. At this point they should be tender enough to pull apart with your fingers.

Step 8

Remove from the grill and let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut the ribs.

Step 9

If you don’t have the time: Set up the grill and preheat to medium (325° to 350°F).

Step 10

Place the ribs, bone side down, in the center of the grate, cover the grill and cook the ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours for spare ribs or 1 1/2 to 2 hours for baby back ribs.

Step 11

In the last hour of grilling/smoking, baste the top of each rack with the reserved marinade or BBQ sauce every 15 minutes and close the lid. At this point they should be tender enough to pull apart with your fingers.

Step 12

Remove from the grill and let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut the ribs.

Step 13

Set up and light the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheat it to low (225°F). Add smoker chips per manufacturer's instructions.

Step 14

Place the ribs in the smoker bone side down and smoke until cooked through, 4 to 5 hours for baby backs or 5 to 6 hours for spare ribs.

Step 15

In the last 2 hours of grilling/smoking, baste the top of each rack with the reserved marinade or BBQ sauce every 15 minutes and close the lid. At this point they should be tender enough to pull apart with your fingers.

Step 16

Remove from the smoker and let the ribs rest for a few minutes, then cut the ribs.

Step 17

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Step 18

Place the ribs, bone side down, on top of a wire rack set in an aluminum foil lined baking tray and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours for spare ribs or 1 1/2 to 2 hours for baby back ribs. Halfway through, cover ribs with aluminum foil to protect them from drying out.

Step 19

In the last 1/2 hour of baking, baste the top of each rack with the barbecue sauce, re-cover with foil, and finish cooking. At this point they should be tender enough to pull apart with your fingers. You want the ribs to have an internal temperature of 145°F. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes prior to cutting.

Step 20

Place trivet in bottom of pot and add 1 cup of water (or apple/pineapple juice, optional).

Step 21

Set ribs upright on the trivet so they are not stacked on top of one another.

Step 22

Close lid and vent. Select Manual Pressure and set timer for 24 minutes (25-28 minutes depending if they’re extra meaty).

Step 23

Once done, allow the Instant Pot to go through natural release.

Step 24

Brush with marinade or barbecue sauce (or olive oil/seasoning for dry ribs) and broil or grill until slightly sticky and slightly charred.