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BBQ Ribs Recipe

BBQ ribs recipe with a glossy, caramelized barbecue sauce, served on a rustic platter with fresh herbs and a side of extra BBQ sauce.

The Ultimate BBQ Ribs Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Ribs

There’s nothing quite like a plate of perfectly cooked BBQ ribs. The smoky aroma, the tender meat that falls off the bone, and the sweet, tangy barbecue sauce make this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or simply craving some mouthwatering comfort food, a BBQ ribs recipe is sure to impress.

A great BBQ rib recipe is all about achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ribs should be juicy and tender on the inside, with a crisp, caramelized exterior. The key to achieving this lies in two main components: slow-cooking and seasoning. A slow cook allows the ribs to absorb all the flavors of the rub, while the barbecue sauce adds that signature sweetness and smokiness that makes BBQ ribs irresistible.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make perfect BBQ ribs every time. From prepping the ribs with a flavorful dry rub to slow-cooking them until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, this BBQ ribs recipe covers all the essential steps. Whether you're using a grill, smoker, or oven, we'll guide you to achieve tender, flavorful ribs that rival those of your favorite BBQ joint.

One of the best parts about making BBQ ribs at home is the ability to customize the flavor. You can choose a mild or spicy barbecue sauce, add extra herbs and spices to the rub, or experiment with different types of wood chips if you're smoking the ribs. The possibilities are endless, but the result is always the same: tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious BBQ ribs.

As with all BBQ recipes, timing is everything. The ribs should be cooked low and slow to break down the tough fibers in the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness. The result? A dish that’s full of rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

In this BBQ ribs recipe, we’ll take you through every step, from selecting the best ribs to applying the dry rub and cooking them to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll be able to create the best BBQ ribs you've ever had.

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 3 hrs Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Cooking Temp 275  °F
Servings 4
Estimated Cost $  20
Calories 450
Best Season Summer
Description

This BBQ ribs recipe is a foolproof method for achieving tender, juicy ribs with a smoky flavor and a sweet, tangy barbecue glaze. Perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients
  • 2 racks Baby back ribs (about 3 lbs total)
  • 3 tbsp Brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Mustard powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil (for greasing)
  • 1 cup Apple cider vinegar (for steaming, optional)
Instructions
    Preheat the Oven or Grill:
  1. Preheat your oven to 275°F, or prepare your grill for indirect heat (if grilling).
  2. Prepare the Ribs:
  3. Remove the silver skin from the ribs by gently pulling it off the back of the ribs using a paper towel for grip.
  4. Rub the ribs with olive oil, then coat them evenly with the dry rub mix (brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and mustard powder). Make sure both sides are generously coated.
  5. Cook the Ribs:
  6. Oven Method: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with another piece of foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until the ribs are tender.
  7. Grill Method: For indirect grilling, place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, covered, until the ribs are tender, adding a bit of apple cider vinegar to steam the ribs and keep them moist.
  8. Apply the BBQ Sauce:
  9. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and continue cooking, uncovered, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
  10. Serve the Ribs:
  11. Remove the ribs from the oven or grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting into individual ribs. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1/4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 800mg34%
Potassium 380mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 14g
Protein 40g80%

Vitamin A 250 IU
Vitamin C 2 mg
Calcium 50 mg
Iron 2.5 mg
Vitamin D 20 IU
Vitamin E 1.5 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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