
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
BBQ ribs are always a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe makes them even more irresistible! The tender, slow-cooked meat is coated with a delicious homemade BBQ sauce that balances smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Whether you prefer them grilled or oven-baked, the ribs turn out tender and full of flavor. They’re easy to prepare, and the best part is, you can customize the BBQ sauce to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or any occasion that calls for something special.
Ingredients
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2 racks of baby back ribs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon salt
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1 tablespoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon paprika
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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2 cups of BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (about 350°F if using the oven).
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Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
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Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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If grilling: Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, and basting with BBQ sauce during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
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If baking: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. During the last 30 minutes, uncover the ribs and brush with BBQ sauce, then bake uncovered for a caramelized finish.
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Once the ribs are tender and the sauce has caramelized, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 2.5 to 3 hours (grilling or baking)
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Total time: 3 hours
Variations
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For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill or use a smoker for a deeper, more intense flavor.
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Experiment with different BBQ sauces, such as sweet, tangy, or spicy varieties, to customize the flavor.
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You can also try dry rubbing the ribs with a variety of seasonings like brown sugar, mustard powder, or cumin for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ribs will continue to absorb the flavors of the BBQ sauce as they sit.
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To reheat, place the ribs in the oven at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes or heat them on the grill for a few minutes to warm through. You can also microwave them, though this may affect the texture slightly.
FAQs
1. Can I use spare ribs instead of baby back ribs?
Yes, spare ribs work well too, but they will take longer to cook than baby back ribs due to their larger size.
2. Do I need to marinate the ribs overnight?
Marinating the ribs overnight isn’t necessary, but it can enhance the flavor. You can season and cook them right away if you’re short on time.
3. Can I cook BBQ ribs in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! You can bake the ribs in the oven for a similar result. The key is to cook them slowly and finish with a glaze of BBQ sauce.
4. What’s the best BBQ sauce for ribs?
The best BBQ sauce depends on your personal preference. A classic sweet and tangy sauce works well, but you can go with spicy, smoky, or even mustard-based sauces for a unique twist.
5. Should I wrap ribs in foil when cooking?
Wrapping the ribs in foil while baking helps to retain moisture and makes them extra tender. Unwrapping and applying BBQ sauce near the end gives them that crispy, caramelized finish.
6. How can I make the ribs extra tender?
Slow cooking is key to making ribs tender. Whether you’re grilling or baking, low and slow is the best approach. The longer the ribs cook, the more tender they become.
7. Can I cook the ribs ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the ribs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them and apply a fresh layer of BBQ sauce before serving.
8. How do I prevent the ribs from drying out?
To prevent the ribs from drying out, avoid cooking them at high heat. Slow cooking over indirect heat on the grill or baking them covered with foil in the oven will keep them juicy.
9. Can I make the ribs spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level of the ribs by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier BBQ sauce. If you like heat, consider a chipotle-based BBQ sauce.
10. Can I use a slow cooker for BBQ ribs?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook ribs. Season the ribs, place them in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Then, brush with BBQ sauce and finish under the broiler or on the grill to caramelize the sauce.
Conclusion
BBQ ribs are a surefire way to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. This recipe ensures your ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a delicious homemade BBQ sauce. Whether you’re grilling or baking, these BBQ ribs will be the highlight of any meal. Try out different sauces and seasonings to make this recipe your own, and enjoy the unbeatable combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors!

BBQ Ribs
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- Author: Ava
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
BBQ ribs with tender meat and a smoky, flavorful glaze, perfect for grilling or slow-cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 cups of BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (about 350°F if using the oven).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for extra tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- If grilling: Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, and basting with BBQ sauce during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
- If baking: Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours. During the last 30 minutes, uncover the ribs and brush with BBQ sauce, then bake uncovered for a caramelized finish.
- Once the ribs are tender and the sauce has caramelized, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill or use a smoker.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces to customize the flavor.
- You can also try dry rubbing the ribs with a variety of seasonings like brown sugar, mustard powder, or cumin.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill or Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rack of ribs
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg