Tangy Glazed Barbecue Ribs

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to fire up the grill for these Tangy Glazed Barbecue Ribs! This recipe combines a perfect blend of spices and a tangy glaze that brings out the best in pork ribs, making it a must-have for any backyard gathering.

Ingredients for Tangy Glazed Barbecue Ribs

The star of the show is, of course, the pork ribs. They provide a tender, flavorful base for the seasoning and glaze. The BBQ sauce serves as the foundation for our glaze, adding a rich, tangy sweetness. Apple cider vinegar gives a sharp, fruity acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat. Honey adds a natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the grill. A touch of olive oil keeps everything moist and helps the glaze adhere to the ribs.

For the rub, smoked paprika imparts a deep, smoky flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth, while salt and black pepper enhance all other flavors. Cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the honey. Finally, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ribs reach an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal tenderness.
  • For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair wonderfully with classic coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Cornbread or grilled corn on the cob makes for a hearty side, while a cold, refreshing lemonade complements the tangy glaze beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute beef ribs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as beef takes longer to tenderize.
What if I don't have a grill?
You can bake the ribs in the oven at 300°F for about 2.5–3 hours, then broil them to caramelize the glaze.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill.

Tangy Glazed Barbecue Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. This sets the stage for perfectly cooked ribs, delivering that signature grill flavor. While the grill is heating up, grab a small bowl and mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will form a flavorful crust on the ribs.

Now, take your pork ribs and rub this spice mix evenly over them. Make sure every inch of the meat is covered for maximum flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice. This will be your tangy glaze that we’ll use later on.

Place the seasoned ribs on the grill, letting them cook for about 1.5 hours. You’ll want to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. During the last 30 minutes, start brushing the glaze over the ribs every 10 minutes, allowing it to caramelize and form a sticky, flavorful coating.

Once the ribs are tender and beautifully glazed, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is as juicy as possible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors.
  • Easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
  • Grill-friendly, making it ideal for warm-weather cookouts.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients for the glaze and rub.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork ribs
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 lemon, juiced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the ribs.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice.
5. Place the ribs on the grill and cook for 1.5 hours, turning occasionally.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze mixture over the ribs every 10 minutes.
7. Remove from the grill once tender and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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