BBQ Ribs with Smoky Glaze

There's nothing quite like a rack of perfectly cooked BBQ ribs—tender, juicy meat that falls right off the bone, all coated in a sticky, smoky-sweet glaze. This recipe guides you through the slow-cooking process that guarantees succulent results, making it the ultimate star for any backyard feast or family gathering.

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The secret to these amazing ribs lies in the two-stage cooking process. First, a long, slow bake with a flavorful dry rub tenderizes the meat to perfection. Then, a final blast of heat on the grill or in the oven with a generous coating of barbecue sauce creates that irresistible caramelized, sticky exterior. It’s a method that delivers every single time.

Ingredients

• Ribs
• 1.5–2 kg (3–4 lbs) pork or beef ribs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Dry Rub
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Barbecue Sauce
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2

Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs, if present. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meat side up. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 5

Bake for 2–2½ hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.

Step 6

Meanwhile, mix barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.

Step 7

Remove the ribs from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.

Step 8

Brush the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce mixture.

Step 9

Return to the oven uncovered, or place on the grill, and cook for 10–15 minutes, basting once, until caramelized and sticky.

Step 10

Rest the ribs for 5 minutes, slice between the bones, and serve with extra sauce.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra smoky flavor, grill the ribs over indirect heat for the final caramelization step after baking in the oven. This adds an authentic barbecue char that’s hard to beat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to substitute the honey in the sauce with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. If you have dietary restrictions, ensure you use a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce.

Serviervorschläge

These BBQ ribs are best served with classic American sides. A creamy coleslaw, warm cornbread, or a hearty portion of baked beans make for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Now that you have the ultimate recipe for BBQ Ribs, it's time to fire up the oven or grill. Get ready to impress your friends and family with ribs so good, they'll be asking for the recipe.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs are ready when the meat has pulled back from the bone tips by about ¼ inch and the meat is tender enough to separate easily with gentle pressure. A toothpick should slide into the meat with no resistance.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the ribs completely through the slow-roasting stage, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature, brush with glaze, and finish under high heat for 10-15 minutes until caramelized and heated through.

→ What's the purpose of removing the membrane?

The silverskin membrane on the back of ribs is tough and chewy, preventing seasonings from penetrating the meat. Removing it allows the dry rub to flavor both sides and ensures tender, edible results throughout.

→ Should I use pork or beef ribs?

Both work beautifully. Baby back pork ribs are leaner and cook faster, while spare ribs offer more meat and flavor. Beef ribs are richer and need longer cooking. Choose based on preference—cooking times remain similar for all cuts when using this low-and-slow method.

→ Can I finish these on the grill instead of the oven?

Yes, and it adds wonderful smoky flavor. After the initial roasting, place ribs over indirect heat on a preheated grill. Brush with glaze and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting occasionally, until sticky and lightly charred.

→ What side dishes pair well with these ribs?

Classic options include creamy coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, potato salad, or macaroni and cheese. The tangy, crunchy sides balance the rich, sweet, and smoky flavors of the glazed meat perfectly.