Traditional Smoky Barbecue Ribs

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking to master the art of barbecue, these Traditional Smoky Barbecue Ribs are a must-try. With a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy, this recipe will elevate your grilling game and impress your guests.

Ingredients for Traditional Smoky Barbecue Ribs

Let's break down the ingredients so you know exactly why each one is essential. Starting with the star of the show, the pork ribs. They provide the perfect canvas for our smoky, sweet seasoning blend. The barbecue sauce adds that classic tangy sweetness, while brown sugar enhances the sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.

Apple cider vinegar brings a subtle tanginess and helps tenderize the meat. Smoked paprika is a must for that rich, smoky flavor, and the garlic powder and onion powder add depth and savory notes. Salt and black pepper are your basic seasonings, while a touch of cayenne pepper gives just a little heat. Finally, olive oil helps the spices stick to the ribs and prevents sticking during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the ribs in the oven at 300°F for the same amount of time.
  • For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a handful of wood chips to your grill.
  • Keep a close eye on the ribs during the last 30 minutes to avoid burning the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These ribs pair beautifully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh corn salad. A cold, crisp beer or a refreshing lemonade would complement the smoky flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef ribs instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute beef ribs. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to become tender.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, but you may miss out on some of the smoky flavor.
How do I know when the ribs are done?
The ribs are done when the internal temperature reaches 190°F, and the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.

Traditional Smoky Barbecue Ribs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. While the grill is warming up, grab a small bowl and mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This is your flavorful spice rub.

Next, take your pork ribs and rub the spice mixture evenly all over them. Make sure every inch of the ribs is coated for maximum flavor. Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs to help the spices adhere and prevent sticking on the grill.

Place the ribs on the grill and close the lid. Let them cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This is where patience pays off—the low heat and time will make them tender and delicious.

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with the apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce mixture every 10 minutes. This will form a beautiful glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. Once the ribs are tender and the internal temperature reaches 190°F, they’re ready to come off the grill.

Allow the ribs to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing them up. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist when you cut into it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
  • Simple, no-fuss preparation with ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Ideal for gatherings, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
  • Delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs every time.

Ingredients

4 lbs pork ribs
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the ribs.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the ribs to help the spices adhere and prevent sticking.
5. Place the ribs on the grill and cover, cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce mixture every 10 minutes.
7. Once the ribs are tender and the internal temperature reaches 190°F, remove from the grill.
8. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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