Tender Oven or Smoker Lamb Ribs

Ingredients

• 2–3 lbs lamb ribs (Denver ribs or breast ribs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for mop/glaze)

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional glaze)

• ¼ cup BBQ sauce (optional glaze)

Dry Rub

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Ribs

• Pat the ribs dry and remove the silver skin if needed.

• Brush with olive oil.

• Mix the dry rub ingredients and massage thoroughly into both sides of the ribs.

• Let marinate at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).

2. Cooking Options

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

• Place ribs on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil.

• Cover with foil and bake for 2.5–3 hours until tender.

• Optional: In the last 30 minutes, brush with a glaze of honey + BBQ sauce and bake uncovered to caramelize.

Smoker Method

• Preheat smoker to 225–250°F (107–121°C) using hickory, apple, or oak wood.

• Place ribs bone-side down and smoke for 3–4 hours.

• Every hour, spritz with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water or apply a light mop sauce.

• Optional: During the last 30 minutes, brush on glaze and increase heat slightly to set the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice between the bones and serve with:

  • Roasted sweet potatoes

  • Cucumber yogurt salad

  • Grilled flatbread

  • Pickled onions or chimichurri