Smoky BBQ Ribs

Name: Smoky BBQ Ribs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 racks of pork ribs; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tsp liquid smoke; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 3 hours 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Welcome to the world of perfectly tender, smoky BBQ ribs! This recipe is all about achieving that mouthwatering balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors without needing a grill. Perfect for any occasion, these ribs will be the talk of your next gathering.

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Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Ribs

Let's break down what makes these ribs sing. First, the pork ribs are the star of the show, chosen for their rich flavor and tenderness. The brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the spices. Smoked paprika is key here, infusing the ribs with that sought-after smoky flavor. The garlic powder and onion powder provide depth, while chili powder brings a subtle heat. We can't forget black pepper and salt, which enhance all the other flavors.

For the sauce, ketchup forms the base with its tangy sweetness. Apple cider vinegar adds a zesty kick, while Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami. Honey brings a sticky sweetness, complemented by liquid smoke for that extra BBQ authenticity. Lastly, Dijon mustard adds a sharp finish, tying all the elements together.

Tips & Tricks

For a deeper flavor, apply the rub and let the ribs sit overnight in the fridge.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the rub.
Use a sharp knife to easily slice between the bones when serving.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. For a fresh touch, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad. A chilled glass of iced tea or a cold beer complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead?: Yes, but adjust cooking time as beef ribs might take a little longer to become tender.
What if I don’t have liquid smoke?: While it adds to the smoky flavor, you can skip it and still have delicious ribs.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?: Absolutely, prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.

Smoky BBQ Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). You want it low and slow for these ribs. While the oven warms up, grab a bowl and mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. This aromatic blend is your dry rub.

Place your ribs on a clean surface and generously sprinkle this rub over both sides, making sure to cover every inch. Once they're well-coated, wrap each rack tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. This will help lock in moisture as they cook.

Pop those wrapped ribs into your preheated oven and let them bake for 2.5 to 3 hours. You'll know they're ready when they're tender and juicy. Meanwhile, let's get that sauce going. Combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, liquid smoke, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Simmer this mix over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You're looking for a thickened sauce with a rich aroma.

Once the ribs are done, take them out and turn up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully unwrap the ribs and brush them generously with your homemade barbecue sauce. Slide them back into the oven, this time uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce, giving your ribs that signature sticky glaze. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This brief wait ensures the juices settle for the perfect bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A foolproof method for fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
The homemade rub and sauce make it uniquely flavorful.
Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff.
No grill needed, just your trusty oven.

Ingredients

2 racks of pork ribs

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp honey

1 tsp liquid smoke

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to create a rub.

3. Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of the ribs.

4. Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.

6. While the ribs are baking, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, liquid smoke, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan.

7. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

8. Once ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

9. Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with the prepared barbecue sauce.

10. Return the ribs to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized.

11. Allow the ribs to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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