BBQ Pork Ribs are tender pork pieces cooked with a delicious smoky barbecue sauce. They are great for parties or family dinners and have a rich, juicy taste. The ribs are slow-cooked or grilled to perfection.
I once tried making ribs for the first time and ended up licking my fingers clean! They’re messy but so worth it. I always keep extra sauce nearby for extra flavor.
For easy serving, I cut them into smaller pieces and serve with coleslaw or baked beans. This way, everyone gets a tasty, satisfying meal without a big mess!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Ribs: I prefer baby back ribs for tenderness, but spare ribs work well too. Remove the silver skin for better seasoning coverage. If you can’t find ribs, boneless pork shoulder can be a good alternative for slow cooking.
BBQ Sauce: A good BBQ sauce adds sweetness and tang. I like a smoky, ketchup-based sauce, but you can swap in honey mustard or a vinegar-based mop for variety. Adjust sugar to suit your taste for a sweeter or tangier finish.
Dry Rub: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper forms a flavorful crust. Feel free to add cayenne for spice or brown sugar for sweetness. I often use homemade spice blends for a personal touch.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to balance sweetness. If you don’t have it, lemon juice or distilled vinegar works as a quick substitute. It helps tenderize the meat when used in spritzes during cooking.
How do I make tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs?
Make sure to cook the ribs low and slow. Wrap them tightly in foil to retain moisture. Cooking at 275°F for 2.5-3 hours usually does the trick. Rest the ribs for 10 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness and tenderness.
- Start by removing the silver skin for better seasoning penetration.
- Cook the ribs covered tightly in foil at 275°F, checking for tenderness after 2.5 hours.
- Finish with a quick brush of BBQ sauce and a few minutes on the grill or under the broiler for a sticky glaze.
How to Make BBQ Pork Ribs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs
- 2 racks pork ribs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation: 15 minutes. Cooking: 2.5 hours. Resting: 10 minutes. Total Time: about 3 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs
Remove the thin membrane from the ribs. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spices evenly over the ribs.
2. Preheat and Cook
Preheat your grill or oven to 300°F (150°C). Place ribs on the grill or in the oven. Cook covered for 2 to 2.5 hours until tender.
3. Make the BBQ Sauce
Combine ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth.
4. Apply the Sauce
Remove ribs from heat. Brush generously with the BBQ sauce. Let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the ribs between the bones. Serve with extra sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade BBQ pork ribs!
