Sticky BBQ Ribs with Fries

Sticky BBQ Ribs with Fries is a crowd-pleasing dish featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a sticky, flavorful barbecue glaze, served alongside golden, crispy fries. It’s a hearty, indulgent meal perfect for casual gatherings or satisfying comfort food cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Tender: Slow-cooked ribs become incredibly soft and juicy.
• Sticky and Flavorful Sauce: The BBQ glaze adds a deliciously sweet and smoky finish.
• Perfect Pairing: Classic crispy fries balance the rich meat beautifully.
• Great for Entertaining: Ideal for weekend meals, cookouts, or game-day feasts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Olive oil
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• French fries (frozen or homemade)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat dry, then rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
3. Bake Low and Slow: Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
4. Make the BBQ Glaze: In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Glaze and Broil: Remove ribs from the oven, brush with BBQ glaze, and broil for 5–7 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
6. Prepare the Fries: While the ribs broil, bake or fry the fries according to package instructions or preference.
7. Serve: Slice the ribs and serve with a generous portion of fries on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Honey BBQ: Replace brown sugar with honey for a milder, floral sweetness.
• Smoked Version: Use a smoker instead of the oven for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover ribs and fries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat ribs in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for 15–20 minutes. Reheat fries in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

FAQs

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?

Yes, beef ribs can be substituted, but may require a slightly longer cooking time depending on thickness.

Should I boil the ribs before baking?

Boiling is not necessary; slow baking retains flavor and tenderness better.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use a thick, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce. You can also make your own with ketchup, vinegar, molasses, and spices.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook the seasoned ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours, then glaze and broil them.

How do I make fries from scratch?

Cut potatoes into sticks, soak in water, then dry and fry or bake at high heat for crispy results.

Do I need to marinate the ribs beforehand?

Marinating isn’t required, but seasoning the ribs a few hours in advance can enhance flavor.

Can I freeze cooked ribs?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

How do I keep ribs moist?

Bake them covered with foil and avoid high heat. Glazing helps seal in moisture.

What sides pair well besides fries?

Coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread are excellent sides with BBQ ribs.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, bake the ribs the day before, refrigerate, then glaze and broil just before serving.

Conclusion

Sticky BBQ Ribs with Fries delivers classic comfort with every bite. From the juicy, flavor-packed ribs to the crispy fries, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any casual meal or special occasion. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it’s a must-have in any home cook’s rotation.

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