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