Indulge in the savory goodness of tender, juicy barbecue pork ribs with this simple yet unbeatable recipe. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these ribs are guaranteed to be a hit. Coated with a rich homemade barbecue sauce, slow-cooked to perfection, and grilled for that smoky flavor, these ribs will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Follow this easy guide to master the art of barbecue ribs every time!
Ingredients:
- For the Pork Ribs:
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 3-4 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low-and-slow approach will ensure the ribs are perfectly tender before they hit the grill. - Prepare the Ribs:
Remove the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs. This helps them cook more evenly and allows the rub and flavors to penetrate the meat. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels. - Make the Dry Rub:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor. - Roast the Ribs in the Oven:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs on it, bone-side down. Cover them with another piece of foil. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily. - Prepare the Barbecue Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, make the barbecue sauce. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. - Grill the Ribs:
Once the ribs are tender, preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Transfer the ribs to the grill, bone-side down, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side. During the last few minutes, brush both sides of the ribs with your homemade barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize and form a sticky, flavorful coating. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the ribs are beautifully charred and coated in sauce, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!