Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful ribs that have been slowly cooked to perfection. This BBQ ribs recipe combines the best of both worlds: a flavorful rub that enhances the natural taste of the meat, and a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that adds layers of richness. It’s easy to make and results in a plate of ribs that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion—from a family dinner to a backyard cookout. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the spice levels or sauce consistency to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) or prepare your grill for indirect heat.
Remove the ribs from the packaging, pat them dry with paper towels, and remove the silver skin (the thin membrane) from the back of the ribs.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
If cooking in the oven: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender.
If grilling: Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning occasionally.
During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the sauce set on the ribs for a sticky, caramelized finish.
Once done, remove the ribs from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into individual ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 people
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Cook time: 2.5-3 hours
Total time: 3-3.5 hours

Variations

Spicy BBQ Ribs: Add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the rub for an extra kick.
Sweet BBQ Ribs: Use honey or maple syrup in the sauce or rub for a sweeter flavor profile.
Smoky BBQ Ribs: For a deeper smoky flavor, try adding liquid smoke to the sauce or use wood chips on the grill.
Dry Rub Only: Skip the BBQ sauce and focus on the dry rub for a delicious, crispy crust.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover BBQ ribs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the ribs in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or reheat them on the grill over low heat, basting with additional BBQ sauce.

FAQs

Can I cook these ribs in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ribs in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Afterward, brush with BBQ sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the sauce.

How do I remove the silver skin from ribs?

To remove the silver skin, use a butter knife or your fingers to lift the thin membrane from the back of the ribs, then pull it off in one piece.

Can I make BBQ ribs without BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! You can rely solely on the dry rub for flavor or use another glaze, like honey mustard or teriyaki sauce, depending on your taste preference.

How do I get the ribs crispy on the outside?

For a crispy crust, bake or grill the ribs uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to allow the rub and sauce to caramelize.

How long should I cook ribs in the oven?

Ribs should be baked at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours for optimal tenderness.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

You can use any BBQ sauce you like, from sweet and tangy to smoky or spicy. Try a variety to find your favorite!

Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?

Yes, you can substitute spare ribs, but they will take slightly longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time to around 3-4 hours.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The ribs should be tender and the meat should easily pull away from the bone. You can also check the internal temperature—ideal ribs should be around 190°F (88°C).

Can I cook BBQ ribs on a gas grill?

Yes, you can cook BBQ ribs on a gas grill using indirect heat. Set the burners on one side to medium-low and cook the ribs on the other side.

Can I freeze leftover BBQ ribs?

Yes, you can freeze leftover ribs. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Conclusion

BBQ ribs are a beloved dish for a reason—they’re incredibly flavorful, tender, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re a grilling pro or cooking them in the oven, this recipe ensures a delicious result every time. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have mouthwatering ribs ready in no time. Enjoy the smoky, tangy goodness and the joy of a meal everyone will love!

BBQ Ribs

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This BBQ Ribs recipe delivers perfectly tender, smoky, and juicy ribs, whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven. Coated with a flavorful dry rub and topped with a tangy BBQ sauce, these ribs are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings authentic barbecue flavors to your table. Ideal for any cookout, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results every time.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
Total Time: 3-3.5 hours
Yield: 4-6servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven, Grill
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) or prepare the grill for indirect heat.
Remove the ribs from the packaging, pat them dry with paper towels, and remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Generously rub the spice mixture over both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
If cooking in the oven: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover them with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
If grilling: Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning occasionally.
During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and let the sauce caramelize.
Once done, remove the ribs from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into individual ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For spicy BBQ ribs, add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the rub.
For a sweeter version, use honey or maple syrup in the sauce or rub.
If you want smokier ribs, add liquid smoke to the sauce or use wood chips on the grill.
To make a dry rub-only version, skip the BBQ sauce.