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Barbecue Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Barbecue Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce
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These Barbecue Ribs with Homemade BBQ Sauce deliver tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs coated in a rich, sticky, smoky sauce bursting with layers of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection using simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is both comforting and impressive—a perfect dish for backyard cookouts or weekend treats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ribs and Dry Rub

  • 2 racks of pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey or molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ribs: Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs to avoid toughness and chewiness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere and promote even cooking.
  2. Apply the Dry Rub: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Generously coat both sides of the ribs with this rub, pressing it into the meat to form a flavorful crust during cooking.
  3. Preheat and Setup Your Grill or Smoker: Set your grill or smoker for indirect cooking at a low temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C). This slow heat is essential to tenderize the ribs without drying them out.
  4. Cook the Ribs Low and Slow: Place ribs bone-side down away from direct heat. Maintain a steady temperature and slow-cook or smoke the ribs for 3 to 4 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce: While ribs cook, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey or molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and optional chili powder or cayenne in a saucepan. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
  6. Baste and Finish the Ribs: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce every 10 minutes. This creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that locks in moisture and flavor.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from heat and let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice between bones and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Membrane Removal: Ensures ribs are tender and absorb flavors better.
  • Low and Slow Cooking: Maintains juiciness and fall-off-the-bone texture.
  • Consistent Heat: Use a reliable thermometer for steady grill temperature.
  • Layer Flavors: Baste near the end to prevent sauce burning while building glaze.
  • Rest Time: Crucial for juicy, flavorful ribs.

Nutrition

Keywords: barbecue ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, pork ribs, smoked ribs, grill recipe, fall-off-the-bone ribs

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/barbecue-ribs-with-homemade-bbq-sauce/