simple barbecue ribs recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best simple barbecue ribs recipe

I have been making this simple barbecue ribs recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I love how tender the meat is, and the flavor is just perfect. My kids can’t get enough of the sweet and tangy sauce that coats every bite.

It’s a recipe that’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, which is a big plus in my book. I first discovered this recipe when I was browsing through a cookbook at my local library. The author claimed that this was her grandmother’s secret recipe, passed down through generations.

I was skeptical at first, but after trying it out, I knew it was a game-changer. The key to this recipe is in the slow cooking process – it’s essential to let the ribs cook for at least 2 hours to get that fall-off-the-bone texture. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it at a backyard barbecue or during a family gathering. It’s also perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting and easy to make. As for health benefits, this recipe is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those watching their diet.

The BBQ sauce does add some sugar, but you can easily make your own using fresh ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.

Simple Barbecue Ribs

4.9 from 1974 votes

Tender and flavorful barbecue ribs cooked to perfection with a simple dry rub and homemade sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a backyard barbecue.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ribs

2 racks pork spare ribs
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 300°F.
2Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
3Mix paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the dry rub.
4Apply the dry rub evenly over both sides of the rib racks, ensuring they are well coated.
5Place the ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
6Cover the ribs tightly with foil.
7Bake for 2 hours 30 minutes at 300°F.
8The ribs should be tender and easily pull apart from the bone.
9Remove the ribs from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
10In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to make the barbecue sauce.
11Remove the foil from the ribs and brush the sauce generously over the top of the ribs.
12Place the ribs back in the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes at 425°F.
13The sauce should be caramelized and slightly bubbly.
14Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Basting brush
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra smoky flavor, you can use liquid smoke in the sauce. You can also grill the ribs over medium heat for 10-15 minutes after baking for added char.

This simple barbecue ribs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner.

One of my favorite ways to serve these ribs is during the summer months when we’re hosting backyard barbecues.

Simply set up a few serving stations with all the fixings (coleslaw, baked beans, grilled vegetables) and let everyone serve themselves.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Ribs

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use pork ribs – either baby back ribs or St. Louis-style pork spareribs will work well. Make sure to remove any excess fat from the ribs before cooking.

Q: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

A: While store-bought BBQ sauce will work just fine, I highly recommend making your own using fresh ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. This will give your ribs a much more complex flavor profile.

Q: How long do I need to cook the ribs?

A: The key to this recipe is in the slow cooking process – you’ll want to let the ribs cook for at least 2 hours to get that fall-off-the-bone texture. If you’re short on time, you can also cook them in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time! Simply prepare the ribs up until the last step (cooking them), then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to finish cooking them.

Q: What sides should I serve with this recipe?

A: For sides, I recommend serving classic BBQ accompaniments like coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled vegetables.

Similar Posts