Description
This spooky Halloween recipe features smoked ribs paired with Cajun sausage crafted to resemble entrails, making a flavorful and eerie dish perfect for seasonal celebrations. The ribs are smoked over woodchips for a rich, smoky taste and basted with tangy BBQ sauce, while the sausage adds a Cajun twist. Boiling with apple cider infuses the ribs with a fruity sweetness before smoking.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 rack pork ribs, cut in half (about 6 ribs per half)
- 1 link Cajun sausage, 2-3 feet long (for entrails)
Liquids
- 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
- 4 cups apple cider
- 6 cups water (for boiling)
Others
- 2 cups woodchips (for smoking)
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs: Cut the rack of ribs into halves, with approximately 6 ribs per half. This makes them easier to handle during boiling and smoking.
- Boil the ribs: In a large pot, combine 6 cups of water and 4 cups of apple cider. Bring to a simmer, then add the ribs. Boil gently to infuse the ribs with a sweet apple flavor; simmer for about 45 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
- Prepare the smoker: While ribs are boiling, soak 2 cups of woodchips in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your smoker to approximately 225°F (107°C) and add the soaked woodchips for smoke generation.
- Smoke the ribs: Remove ribs from the boiling liquid and pat dry. Place ribs in the smoker and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until they develop a deep smoky flavor and proper texture.
- Add the sausage entrails: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, add the 2-3 foot Cajun sausage link to the smoker. This will allow the sausage to absorb the smoky aroma and become infused with Cajun spices.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Remove both ribs and sausage from the smoker. Generously brush the ribs with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Optionally, return to smoker or grill for 10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Serve: Lay the smoked ribs and sausage together on a platter to resemble Halloween entrails. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use oak, hickory, or applewood chips for best smoking flavor.
- Maintain smoker temperature consistently between 200-225°F for tender, flavorful results.
- Rest ribs 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- If a smoker is not available, ribs can be finished in a low oven at 275°F after boiling and saucing.
- Adjust sausage length or type based on availability; Andouille sausage works well as a substitute.
Keywords: Smoked ribs, Cajun sausage, Halloween recipe, BBQ ribs, smoked meat, spooky food, apple cider ribs