Barbequed Ribs
These Barbequed Ribs are tender, juicy, smoky, and coated in a rich homemade-style BBQ sauce.A flavorful dry rub creates a delicious crust before the ribs are slowly cooked.Finishing the ribs over high heat caramelizes the sauce beautifully.The recipe works well for family dinners, cookouts, parties, and weekend gatherings.Serve the ribs with classic barbecue sides for a complete meal.With simple ingredients and a little patience, restaurant-style ribs can be made at home.
Ingredients
For the Ribs
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs, approximately 4–5 pounds total
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs
- Remove the ribs from their packaging and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Turn the ribs bone-side up and carefully remove the thin membrane covering the back of the rack. Removing this membrane allows the seasoning to penetrate better and makes the finished ribs easier to eat.
Make the Dry Rub
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Season the Ribs
- Generously rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the ribs. Press the seasoning into the meat so it adheres properly. For deeper flavor, cover the ribs and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes or, preferably, several hours.
Slow-Cook the Ribs
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the seasoned ribs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Add a small amount of apple juice to the bottom of the pan if desired, then tightly cover the ribs with aluminum foil.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- While the ribs are cooking, combine the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a small saucepan.
Add the BBQ Sauce
- Carefully remove the ribs from the oven and discard the foil. Brush both sides generously with the prepared BBQ sauce.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the ribs from the heat and allow them to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes. Slice between the bones and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Remove the membrane: Taking off the tough membrane from the back of the ribs helps improve tenderness.
- Baby back ribs: Baby back ribs are relatively lean and tender, making them a great choice for this recipe.
- Resting time: Allowing the seasoned ribs to rest before cooking helps the flavors develop.
- Sauce carefully: BBQ sauce contains sugar and can burn easily, so apply it toward the end of cooking.
- Adjust sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar or honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Spice level: Add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder for spicy ribs.
- Cooking method: Oven-baking makes the ribs tender before finishing them on the grill.
- Serving: Slice the ribs just before serving to keep them juicy and flavorful.