BBQ Ribs Recipe

Making BBQ ribs can be a fun and rewarding process, whether you’re using a grill, smoker, or oven. Here's a detailed recipe for making classic BBQ ribs:

Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

• 2 racks of pork baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard (for the rub to stick)

For the Dry Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribs:

• Remove the Membrane: Place the ribs on a cutting board, bone-side up. Use a knife to gently lift the membrane (a thin, tough layer) from the ribs. It’s easier to do this by starting at one end and pulling it off with a paper towel for grip.
• Apply Mustard: Rub a thin layer of yellow mustard all over the ribs. This helps the dry rub stick and doesn’t impart much flavor.

2. Apply the Dry Rub:

• Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Rub Ribs: Generously apply the dry rub all over the ribs, pressing it into the meat. Let the ribs sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor).

3. Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

• Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

4. Cook the Ribs:

Grilling Method:

• Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 300°F or 150°C). Set it up for indirect cooking by turning on only one side of the burners if using a gas grill, or creating a hot and cool side if using charcoal.
• Grill Ribs: Place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and cover. Grill for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning occasionally.
• Add Sauce: During the last 30 minutes, brush the BBQ sauce on the ribs and continue cooking until the ribs are tender and the sauce is caramelized.

Oven Method:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Bake Ribs: Place the ribs on a rack set over a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Add Sauce: Remove the foil and brush BBQ sauce on the ribs. Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to set the sauce.

Smoking Method:

• Prepare Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) with your choice of wood chips.
• Smoke Ribs: Place the ribs in the smoker and cook for 4 to 5 hours, maintaining a consistent temperature and adding wood chips as needed.
• Add Sauce: Apply BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking.

5. Serve:

• Rest and Slice: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice between the bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Enjoy your delicious, tender BBQ ribs! They’re great with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.