Description

This recipe for irresistible BBQ ribs delivers tender, flavorful baby back pork ribs with a smoky and sweet glaze. Coated in a homemade spice rub and basted with rich BBQ sauce, these ribs are grilled to perfection with caramelized edges and juicy meat that falls off the bone. Perfect for a backyard cookout or a satisfying dinner, this dish combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors with an easy grilling method.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lbs baby back pork ribs
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat to prepare for slow, even cooking of the ribs.
Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs to ensure better flavor absorption and more tender meat.
Make the Spice Rub: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced, flavorful seasoning blend.
Apply the Rub: Generously coat both sides of the ribs with the prepared spice mixture, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
Grill the Ribs: Place the ribs bone-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, turning occasionally and basting occasionally with BBQ sauce to build layers of flavor and caramelization.
Final Basting: In the last 15 minutes of grilling, brush the ribs generously with BBQ sauce to achieve a glossy, sticky finish.
Rest the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Notes

Removing the membrane from ribs enhances flavor penetration and tenderness.
Use indirect grilling techniques if your grill allows, to prevent flare-ups and promote even cooking.
Basting frequently during cooking helps keep ribs moist and enhances the BBQ sauce glaze.
Letting ribs rest after cooking keeps the meat juicy and easier to slice.
Choose a smoky BBQ sauce or add a little liquid smoke for a deeper smoky flavor if desired.