Tender BBQ Ribs (Printable Version)

Juicy ribs slow-cooked until tender, finished with a sticky smoky glaze.

# What You Need:

→ Ribs

01 - 3-4 lbs pork or beef ribs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Dry Rub

03 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
04 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp ground black pepper
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Barbecue Sauce

10 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
11 - 2 tbsp honey
12 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
02 - Remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs, if present. Pat ribs dry with paper towels.
03 - Rub olive oil all over the ribs. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne. Evenly coat the ribs with the dry rub.
04 - Place the ribs on the prepared baking sheet, meat side up. Cover tightly with foil.
05 - Bake for 2-2½ hours, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bones.
06 - Meanwhile, mix barbecue sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
07 - Remove the ribs from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 425°F or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
08 - Brush the ribs generously with the barbecue sauce mixture.
09 - Return to the oven uncovered, or place on the grill, and cook for 10-15 minutes, basting once, until caramelized and sticky.
10 - Rest the ribs for 5 minutes, slice between the bones, and serve with extra sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dry rub creates this incredible crust that locks in juices while the meat becomes impossibly tender
  • That final caramelization gives you sticky, finger-licking ribs that taste like you spent all day tending a pit
02 -
  • That membrane on the back of ribs will turn into an unpleasant chewy texture if you don't remove it, so grab a paper towel and pull it off early
  • The foil cover during the initial bake is non-negotiable, it creates the steam environment that makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender
03 -
  • If you have time, apply the dry rub the night before and let the ribs sit uncovered in the refrigerator for maximum flavor penetration
  • Invest in a good meat thermometer and aim for 205°F internally, that's when the connective tissue has fully broken down
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