Smoked Maple BBQ Ribs on Arteflame – New Hampshire Style

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like baby back ribs kissed by wood smoke and caramelized with a sticky, maple-infused BBQ glaze. This New Hampshire-style Smoked Maple BBQ Ribs recipe is all about deep flavor and rich texture, using the reverse sear method on the Arteflame grill. With its 1,000°F center grill grate and wide solid steel cooktop, the Arteflame gives you perfect control over cooking zones—no lid required, no flare-ups, and absolutely no need for any kitchen equipment. Just pure, smoky, sticky goodness—done the New Hampshire way.

Ingredients

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup pure New Hampshire maple syrup
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

Visit Grill Store

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on 3 paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
4. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center reaches 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Prep the Ribs

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Let the ribs sit at room temperature while the grill finishes heating up.

Step 3: Reverse Sear Method – Part 1: Sear

1. Place ribs meat-side down on the center grill grate to sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred.
2. This high-temp sear locks in juices and adds crusty, smoky flavor.

Step 4: Reverse Sear Method – Part 2: Slow Cook

1. Move seared ribs to the outer flat cooktop, meat-side up.
2. Let them cook low and slow for about 1.5 - 2 hours, flipping occasionally and keeping them closer to the center for more heat when needed.
3. Use a little butter under the ribs to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Apply the Maple BBQ Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and mustard.
2. Brush ribs generously with the glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking, layering the glaze every 10 minutes for a sticky, lacquered finish.

Step 6: Check Doneness and Rest

1. Use a meat thermometer. Remove ribs when they reach 190°F (they’ll carryover cook to 205°F).
2. Let rest on a board for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving hot.

Tips

• Always remove the silver membrane for tender ribs.
• Use a good quality New Hampshire maple syrup—the flavor comes through.
• The optional Arteflame rotisserie isn't needed for this but is great for other meats.
• Sear over the center grate first—it locks juices inside.
• Butter on the flat top enhances flavor and helps develop that golden crust.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle Ribs: Substitute cayenne with chipotle powder and add a splash of adobo sauce to the glaze for zesty heat.
2. Honey Bourbon Ribs: Swap maple syrup with New Hampshire honey and add 2 tbsp bourbon for a southern twist.
3. Pineapple Teriyaki Ribs: Replace the BBQ glaze with a mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar for a tropical spin.
4. Apple Cider Glazed Ribs: Mix reduced apple cider with brown sugar and mustard for a tangy-sweet New England flavor.
5. Mustard Maple Glazed Ribs: Increase the Dijon to 1/4 cup and reduce ketchup for a sharp, tangy glaze that highlights maple sweetness.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn with herbed butter on the outer cooktop
• Cast-iron seared mac & cheese (done right on the griddle)
• Griddled cornbread with maple drizzle
• Ice-cold New England lager or wheat beer
• Maple pecan coleslaw

Conclusion

Smoked Maple BBQ Ribs on the Arteflame are an irresistible treat, full of New Hampshire flavor and made to impress. With no lid and excellent heat control, the Arteflame turns your backyard into a BBQ haven. Whether you're cooking for two or a crowd, these ribs deliver every time. Clean-up is a breeze—and the flavor is unforgettable.