Step 1

Preheat smoker to 225 degrees.

Step 2

Pat the ribs dry. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This is a thin layer that can be tough to remove. The best way to remove it is to use a small knife and a paper towel. The paper towel will help because it's really slippery. I have removed the membrane without it, plenty of times. Do what works best for you.

Step 3

Rub the mustard onto both sides of the ribs and sprinkle the BBQ rub throughout onto both sides of the ribs. Use your hands to press it down into the meat so that it penetrates the meat.

Step 4

Allow the ribs to rest with the spices for at least 20 minutes or store the ribs covered and in the refrigerator an hour to overnight.

Step 5

Place the ribs on the smoker, meat side up.

Step 6

Smoke the ribs uncovered for 3 hours. After an hour and a half, check on the ribs if they appear dry, baste the ribs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Step 7

Grab a large piece of foil (large enough to completely cover the ribs). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of butter onto the bottom of the foil. After 3 hours on the smoker, transfer the ribs to the foil, bone side up and meat side down. Drizzle the remaining butter and apple cider vinegar onto the ribs. Seal the foil and place the ribs back on the smoker for 2 hours.

Step 8

Remove the ribs from the foil and transfer them back to the smoker meat side up. Smoke the ribs for an additional hour. You can drizzle the ribs with the optional BBQ Sauce here or wait 30 minutes. I like to add the sauce 30 minutes prior to when I pull the ribs off the smoker.

Step 9

I like tender, fall of the bone ribs. You can test this while the ribs are still on the smoker. Poke at the bones to gauge texture.Remove the ribs from the smoker. Allow the ribs to rest for 20 minutes prior to serving.