Mike Mills' Famous Beef Ribs Recipe

Mike Mills' Signature Beef Ribs From Amy Mills and Mike Mills

Difficulty: Intermediate

Makes: 4 to 8 servings

Time Required: 2 hours, 55 minutes (Prep: 25 minutes; Resting: 1 hour; Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes)

Ingredients

Four racks of center-cut beef ribs, each weighing 2 to 2 pounds
Magic Dust dry rub (see recipe below)
Apple City Barbecue Sauce (see recipe below)
4 cups apple juice in a spray bottle

For the Magic Dust

1/2 cup paprika
1/4 cup finely ground kosher salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup dry mustard
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 cup ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground black pepper
1/4 cup granulated garlic
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper

For the Apple City Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup tightly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons yellow mustard (prepared)
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/3 cup bacon bits, powdered in a spice grinder
1/3 cup grated, peeled apple
1/3 cup grated onion
2 teaspoons grated green bell pepper

Special Equipment

3 to 4 cups apple wood chips (Hickory, pecan, sweet maple, or cherry are substitutes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs: Find the thin membrane on the underside of each rack. Slide the tip of a blunt knife under the membrane in the center, loosen it across the rack, hook a finger under the edge, and pull steadily to remove it, peeling from the center and avoiding tears.

2. Manage the Grill Heat: Keep the grill or smoker between 250F and 275F and don't leave it unattended for more than 20 minutes at a time. Adjust vents to lower or raise temperature as needed; move ribs away from hot spots or closer to heat if temperatures drop. Add hot coals when necessary.

3. Season the Ribs: Generously coat all sides of the ribs with Magic Dust. Place the ribs in a shallow pan or on a rimmed baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate. Marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.

4. Cook the Ribs: Arrange ribs on the grill and cook for about 1 to 2 hours. About 10 minutes before they're done, brush with Apple City Barbecue Sauce. Remove from the grill, brush again, and finish with another sprinkle of Magic Dust. Serve immediately. This amount serves 4 with big appetites, or slice each rack in half to serve 68.

Magic Dust Dry Rub

Yield: About 2 cups

Combine all ingredients and store in a tightly sealed container. It works well in a shaker beside your grill and keeps indefinitely.

Apple City Barbecue Sauce

In a saucepan, mix ketchup, seasoned rice vinegar, apple juice or cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, white pepper, cayenne, and powdered bacon bits. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then add grated apple, onion, and bell pepper. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1015 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. Allow to cool, transfer to sterilized bottles or jars, and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Variation: For extra heat, add up to 1/2 teaspoon more cayenneadd slowly and taste as you go.