BBQ Ribs (Printable)

Tender slow-cooked ribs glazed with smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for gatherings.

# Components:

→ Ribs

01 - 3–4 lbs pork or beef ribs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Dry Rub

03 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
04 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp ground black pepper
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper

→ Barbecue Sauce

10 - 1 cup barbecue sauce
11 - 2 tbsp honey
12 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
02 - Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs, if present. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
03 - Rub olive oil all over the ribs. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Evenly coat the ribs with the dry rub.
04 - Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meat side up. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 2–2½ hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
05 - Mix barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
06 - Remove the ribs from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 425°F or preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce mixture.
07 - Return to the oven uncovered, or place on the grill, and cook for 10–15 minutes, basting once, until caramelized and sticky.
08 - Rest the ribs for 5 minutes, slice between the bones, and serve with extra sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The meat literally falls off the bone, no knife required
  • That dry rub creates layers of flavor you cannot get from sauce alone
02 -
  • Removing the membrane is non-negotiable, it prevents flavor penetration and makes the ribs rubbery
  • That resting period lets the juices redistribute so you do not end up with a dry first rib
03 -
  • Use a instant-read thermometer to check doneness, you are looking for around 195°F (90°C) internally
  • Layer your sauce in two thin coats instead of one thick one for better adherence
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