Backyard Barbeque Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to the ultimate Backyard Barbeque Ribs recipe that'll make your taste buds dance. These ribs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for any outdoor gathering, offering a delightful balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.

Ingredients for Backyard Barbeque Ribs

Baby back ribs are the star of this show, known for their tenderness and flavor. The barbeque sauce adds a rich, tangy, and smoky flavor to the ribs. Brown sugar brings sweetness and helps with caramelization. The paprika contributes a smoky, slightly peppery depth. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory base, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Black pepper and salt are essential for seasoning, while cayenne pepper adds a nice kick of heat. Apple cider vinegar introduces a tangy note that balances the sweetness. Honey adds another layer of sweetness and helps with that sticky texture. Worcestershire sauce brings umami richness, and mustard powder gives a subtle tang that rounds out the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra tenderness, remove the membrane from the back of the ribs before applying the rub.
  • If you're short on time, you can pre-bake the ribs in the oven at 300°F for 2 hours before grilling.
  • Don't skip the resting period; it helps the juices redistribute for more flavorful ribs.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair beautifully with classic coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled corn on the cob. For a refreshing option, serve with a side of watermelon slices or a light cucumber salad. A cold beer or a glass of iced tea complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ribs?
Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they are larger.
How do I store leftover ribs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I make these ribs in the oven?
Absolutely! Cook them at 300°F for 2.5 to 3 hours, then finish under the broiler to caramelize the sauce.

Backyard Barbeque Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your grill preheated to 275°F. This low and slow cooking temperature is key to tender ribs. While it heats up, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This is your dry rub. Generously rub this mixture over both sides of the ribs, making sure they're well-coated.

Next, wrap each rack of ribs tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and infuse the ribs with all those spices. Place the wrapped ribs on the grill and let them cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You'll know they're ready when they're tender and almost falling off the bone.

While the ribs are cooking, prepare your sauce. Mix the barbeque sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder in a bowl. When the ribs are done, carefully unwrap them — watch out for the steam! Brush them generously with your homemade sauce.

Put the ribs back on the grill, unwrapped, and grill for another 15 minutes. This step is crucial for that beautiful caramelization. Keep basting with the sauce every few minutes until you see them glisten and caramelize. Once done, let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly tender ribs that fall off the bone.
  • A delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors.
  • Easy to prepare and a surefire crowd-pleaser.
  • Uses a simple yet flavorful homemade spice rub and sauce.

Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs
1 cup barbeque sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard powder

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
4. Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
5. Place the wrapped ribs on the grill and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
6. Carefully unwrap the ribs and brush with a mixture of barbeque sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder.
7. Grill the ribs unwrapped for an additional 15 minutes, basting with the sauce until caramelized.
8. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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