STOVETOP SMOKED BABY BACK RIBS WITH MAPLE BBQ SAUCE

Steps:

• Put 4 cups hickory wood chips into a container and cover with 4 cups of water. Allow the chips to soak for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, assemble the dry rub for the ribs. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and chili powder.
• Cut the rib rack into 4 pieces. Put a cooling rack over a baking sheet and put the ribs on top. Let the ribs come to room temperature, then rub the meat all over with the dry rub.
• Set up a stovetop smoker: Make a shallow bowl out of heavy-duty aluminum foil that fits into a 5- to 7-quart Dutch oven, with the sides of the aluminum bowl coming 2 inches up the sides of the pot; put it in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Put the soaked and drained wood chips over the aluminum foil in an even layer. Put a small round of aluminum foil on top of the wood chips. Put a 6-inch steamer basket (make sure the handle is attached in the center for easy removal) on top of the aluminum round. Transfer the smoker to the stovetop.
• Put the ribs in the steamer basket; it is okay if the pieces overlap slightly. Cover the smoker and create a strong seal by wrapping the rim of the lid with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Turn the heat to medium high and smoke the ribs for 45 minutes. Turn off the heat and carefully remove the aluminum foil seal and lid.
• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Remove the ribs and steamer basket from the Dutch oven and set aside. Remove the remaining foil and wood chips carefully, as grease from the ribs may have dripped down; use tongs to lift the wood chips and foil bowl out and transfer them to a baking sheet to cool before discarding. Put the ribs back into the empty Dutch oven and cover with the lid. Slow roast until the ribs are completely tender, an additional 2 hours. The meat should pull away from the bones very easily.
• Meanwhile, pour the ketchup, maple syrup, molasses, vinegar, Worcestershire and soy sauce into a small saucepot and stir to combine. Place over medium heat and heat just until simmering. Keep warm.
• Remove the pot from the oven and brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce. Preheat the broiler to high.
• Broil the ribs until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately.