These smoky Cajun Pork Riblets are a great appetizer choice at cookouts and parties. They are simple to make and have a delicious, savory, smoky flavor. Follow this easy recipe guide to learn how to make pork riblets like a pro.

This Cajun pork riblet recipe features a rub and sauce. You can use your favorite bottled seasoning blend and sauce or make one of our delicious sauces.

Why this recipe works

1. The savory spices create a fantastic Cajun-inspired flavor.
2. Low and slow cooking yields moist and tender riblets.
3. The cayenne adds a kick of heat. And the best part is that you can adjust the amount to suit your tastes.
4. This recipe is easily increased for larger tailgating gatherings, parties, and cookouts.
5. Finally, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy smoky, spicy ribs!

About pork riblets

Pork riblets are the smaller bone-in rib pieces cut from a rack of ribs. They are not to be confused with rib tips or the meaty section taken from the underside of a full rack of spare ribs. You can find ready-cut, prepackaged pork riblets in most grocery stores. However, you can also ask your local butcher to cut them for you.

Recipe ingredients

• 3 pounds pork riblets
• 1 large disposable aluminum pan
• Apple juice
• Paprika (regular, not smoked)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Granulated garlic (sub with garlic powder if needed)
• Cayenne
• Barbecue sauce

Grilling Cajun Pork Riblets

If you are using a gas or charcoal unit, set it up for one hour of indirect cooking. That means setting up a two-zone cooking area where one side of your grill produces intense heat, and the other is primed for low and slow cooking. Aim for a target temperature of 225 degrees F.

• Preheat the Grill: Heat your pellet grill to 225 degrees F. I recommend using fruitwood, such as apple or cherry.
• Seasoning and Grilling: Season your riblets with the rub and place them into your grill. Close the lid and let them go for 1 1/2-2 hours over low heat or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
• Wrapping: Place the riblets in the disposable aluminum pan, pour apple juice over the top, cover the pan with aluminum foil, and return it to the grill for another hour. 
• Saucing: Remove the riblets from the grill and increase the heat to 350 degrees. Place the riblets on the grates and brush on the BBQ sauce every 10-15 minutes. Try to get at least three coats on them. Adjust your grill temperature as needed. 
• Finishing Touches: Once the sauce is set up, the riblets are done. Remove them and place them on a clean cutting board. Let them rest for about 10 minutes, then cut them into individual riblets and serve.

Storing leftovers

Store these Cajun pork riblets in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze them in vacuum-sealed bags for up to 6 months. Let them thaw in your refrigerator overnight, then re-warm them in a 300-degree oven or air fryer.

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Cajun Pork Riblets

Follow this simple recipe guide to learn how to make delicious, flavorful, and smoky pork riblets like a pro.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American BBQ

Keyword pork riblets

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 4 hours hours

Servings 6

Calories 652kcal

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork riblets
• 1 large disposable aluminum pan
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• For rub:
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

• Prepare your grill for 225 degrees F.
• Season your riblets with rub and place them into your grill. Close the lid and let them go for 1 1/2-2 hours over low heat or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
• Place the riblets into the disposable aluminum pan, pour apple juice over top, cover pan with aluminum foil, and place back into the grill for another hour.
• Remove riblets from the grill and increase heat to 350 degrees. Place riblets right onto the grates, and brush on the BBQ sauce, every 10-15 minutes. Try to get at least three coats on. Adjust heat as needed. 
• Once the sauce has had a chance to set up, the riblets are done. Remove, place into a clean cutting board. Let them rest for about 10 minutes, then cut into individual pieces and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 652kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1695mg | Potassium: 228mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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