First time smoking ribs.

[hamradioracer]

I am planning on smoking ribs for New Year's Eve, my question is do I put the rub on tonight or before I smoke them. Any help is appreciated.

 

[davidhef88]

You can do it either way. I always rub the night before for better results.

 

[bruno994]

Either or.  Personally I like to apply the rub about an hour before I throw them on.  At times, depending on the amount of salt in your rub, they can get a bit of a hammy taste (of course it is pork) if rubbed overnight and the salt also draws some of the moisture out of the meat.  But with that being said, I have done them both ways and they always turn out great. 

Spares?  Baby backs?  Are you planning on the 3-2-1 for spares or 2-2-1 for baby backs?  What are you cooking on?

 

[hamradioracer]

I have baby back ribs, so probably the 2-2-1 method. I will be cooking on a vertical smoker.

 

[bruno994]

Depending on the temp your smoking at and the tenderness your looking for, you might not need the full 2 hours in the foil.  I would start checking them around 1 hour and 15 minutes in the foil.  Toothpick test in the meat, if it slides in easily, they are done, a bit of resistance, let them go a bit longer.  Good luck with your smoke!