arbecue Pork Ribs

These succulent pork ribs are slow-cooked until tender, then finished with a thick, tangy barbecue sauce for a sticky, flavorful finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fall-off-the-bone texture with bold BBQ flavor.
• Great for weekend meals, parties, or outdoor grilling.
• Can be made in the oven, grill, or slow cooker.

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)
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Olive oil

directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove membrane from ribs and pat dry.
3. Rub ribs with a mix of spices and a drizzle of oil.
4. Wrap in foil and bake for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
5. Unwrap, brush with barbecue sauce, and broil or grill for 5–10 minutes until caramelized.
6. Let rest before slicing.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Use a dry rub and serve sauce on the side.
• Add chili powder or cayenne for heat.
• Try Asian-style BBQ sauce with soy and ginger.

storage/reheating

• Store in refrigerator up to 4 days.
• Reheat in foil in the oven at 300°F until hot.
• Freeze ribs for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of ribs?

Baby back ribs are tender; spare ribs have more meat and fat.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours, then broil to caramelize the sauce.

How do I remove the membrane?

Use a paper towel to grip and pull it from the bone side of the ribs.

Should I marinate the ribs?

A dry rub works best, but you can marinate overnight for extra flavor.

Can I grill them instead of baking?

Yes, grill over indirect heat, then finish with sauce over direct heat.

What barbecue sauce is best?

Sweet and smoky sauces work well. Choose based on your flavor preference.

How do I prevent dry ribs?

Cook low and slow, wrapped in foil, to retain moisture.

Can I use beef ribs?

Yes, adjust cooking time as they are larger and fattier.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, reheat with sauce just before serving.

Do I need to rest ribs before cutting?

Yes, rest for 5–10 minutes for juices to redistribute.

Conclusion

Barbecue pork ribs are a timeless classic with rich, smoky flavor and tender meat. Whether cooked in the oven or on the grill, they’re guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

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