Barbecue ribs are a quintessential American dish that brings people together for summer cookouts and family gatherings. With their tender, juicy meat and flavorful sauce, these ribs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this easy recipe to make delicious American BBQ ribs that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ribs
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better flavor and tenderness.
- Rub olive oil over the ribs, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Apply the Dry Rub
- In a small bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 3: Bake the Ribs
- Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the ribs with another piece of foil to keep them moist.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until the ribs are tender.
Step 4: Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients and simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 5: Grill the Ribs
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the ribs from the oven and discard the top layer of foil.
- Brush the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce, then place them on the grill.
- Grill the ribs for about 5-10 minutes, basting with more sauce, until caramelized and slightly charred.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect BBQ Ribs
- Low and Slow: Cooking the ribs at a low temperature ensures they become tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the dry rub and BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the ribs to rest after grilling to retain their juices.
Enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of American BBQ ribs at your next barbecue, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
FAQ’s:
What type of ribs are best?
Baby back ribs are tender and flavorful, but spare ribs also work well for BBQ.
Can I cook ribs in the oven?
Yes! Cooking them in the oven at a low temperature ensures they become tender before grilling.
How can I make the ribs spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dry rub and BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to one week.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
