BBQ Pork Ribs are tender, juicy ribs coated in a smoky BBQ sauce. They are cooked until soft and flavorful, perfect for a fun meal with family or friends.
I like to use my hands when eating these ribs—it’s the best way to get every bit of that delicious sauce! Just watch out for a little sticky mess.
For an easier eat, you can remove the bones before serving or serve with plenty of napkins to enjoy every tasty bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I recommend baby back ribs for tenderness, but spare ribs work well, too. Keep the membrane on if you like extra juiciness, or remove it for easier eating. You can also use chicken if you’re craving a different take.
BBQ Sauce: A good BBQ sauce adds sweetness and tang. I prefer a homemade mix or store-bought, but you can swap with honey mustard or a spicy salsa for variety. Adjust the sweetness to match your taste.
Dry Rub: A simple mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder gives flavor and helps form a tasty crust. I like adding a touch of cayenne for heat. You can use store-bought rubs or try your own spice blend for uniqueness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity that tenderizes the meat. I keep a small spray bottle handy for spritzing while cooking. Lemon juice or even a little beer can be a good substitute if vinegar isn’t preferred.
How do I slow-cook ribs without drying them out?
Cooking ribs low and slow keeps them tender and juicy. Use indirect heat if grilling or set your oven to 275°F. Wrap ribs in foil to trap moisture or baste frequently with sauce or a vinegar mixture. Check for tenderness after 2-3 hours, then finish with a glaze.
- Preheat your oven or grill to 275°F, set up indirect heat.
- Wrap the ribs in foil or place on a cool side of the grill for even cooking.
- Baste with sauce or vinegar every 30 minutes to keep moist.
- Test tenderness by poking; ribs are ready when they bend easily and meat pulls back from the bone slightly.
How to Make BBQ Pork Ribs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork Ribs
- 2 racks of pork ribs
Dry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Others
- Water or apple juice (for wrapping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
10 minutes prep + 2.5 to 3 hours cooking + optional 30 minutes resting = about 3 hours total
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the silver skin from the ribs. Mix the dry rub spices. Rub them evenly over both sides of the meat. Let sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
2. Cook the Ribs Low and Slow
Preheat oven to 275°F. Wrap ribs in foil, adding a splash of apple juice if desired. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
3. Apply BBQ Sauce
Unwrap the ribs. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the top. Place under broiler or on the grill for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
4. Rest and Serve
Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes. Slice between the bones. Serve with additional sauce if you like.
