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Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Ribs

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Oven or Grill
  • Cuisine: American, BBQ

Description

Tender, juicy, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor, these ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a caramelized glaze. Perfect for grilling or baking!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 racks baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For Dry Rub:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For BBQ Sauce (or use store-bought):

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Prep the ribs – Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for tenderness. Pat dry and rub with olive oil.
  • Make the dry rub – Mix all dry rub ingredients in a bowl. Generously coat both sides of the ribs.
  • Wrap & rest – Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap or foil and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  • Slow cook the ribs:
    • Oven method: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Wrap ribs in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
    • Grill method: Set up your grill for indirect heat at 275°F (135°C). Cook ribs for 2.5 to 3 hours, wrapping them in foil halfway through.
  • Make the BBQ glaze – Mix barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
  • Glaze & finish:
    • Oven: Unwrap ribs, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes until caramelized.
    • Grill: Brush with BBQ sauce and grill over direct heat for 5-10 minutes until slightly charred.
  • Rest & serve – Let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
  • Want fall-off-the-bone ribs? Bake at 250°F for 4 hours for even more tenderness.
  • Short on time? Use an Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then broil or grill with BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 35g