Nothing says barbecue like a platter of tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in a smoky, homemade BBQ sauce. These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring a deep smoky flavor with just the right amount of tangy sweetness from the sauce. Perfect for backyard cookouts or a cozy weekend feast, these ribs will have everyone licking their fingers and coming back for more.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Serving size: 2-3 ribs
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
Ingredients:
For the Ribs:
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) pork baby back ribs
- 1 tbsp (15g) smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp (15g) garlic powder
- 1 tbsp (15g) onion powder
- 2 tsp (10g) ground black pepper
- 2 tsp (10g) kosher salt
- 1 tsp (5g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15ml) molasses
- 2 tsp (10g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5g) onion powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the dry rub ingredients (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper). Rub the ribs with olive oil, then coat them generously with the dry rub on both sides.
- Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Cook in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and begins to pull away from the bones.
- While the ribs are cooking, prepare the homemade BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the ribs are cooked through, remove them from the oven and preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 200°C/400°F).
- Carefully unwrap the ribs and place them on the grill. Brush them generously with the BBQ sauce on both sides, grilling for 5-7 minutes per side until slightly charred and caramelized.
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Remove the membrane on the back of the ribs to ensure tenderness and better flavor absorption.
- Slow cooking is key—the low oven temperature ensures the ribs become tender without drying out.
- Rest the ribs after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Double the sauce recipe if you like extra for dipping or serving on the side.
- For a smoky twist, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill for an authentic BBQ flavor.
FAQs:
1. Can I make these ribs in advance? Yes! You can bake the ribs up to a day ahead. Simply reheat them on the grill when you're ready to serve, brushing with sauce and grilling as directed.
2. How do I know when the ribs are done? The ribs are ready when the meat is tender and starts to pull away from the bone. You can also insert a fork into the meat—it should go in with minimal resistance.
3. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce? Absolutely! If you're short on time, you can substitute with your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce. However, the homemade sauce adds an extra layer of depth and flavor.
4. What if I don’t have a grill? If you don’t have a grill, you can finish the ribs under a hot oven broiler for 3-5 minutes to achieve a similar caramelized effect.
5. Can I make these ribs spicier? Yes! Adjust the cayenne pepper in both the rub and sauce for extra heat or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Get ready to impress your guests with these mouthwatering BBQ ribs, perfectly glazed with a homemade sauce that’s smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy weekend dinner, these ribs are sure to become a family favorite. Pair them with your favorite sides, and don't forget plenty of napkins!