Mouthwatering Barbecue Pork Ribs Recipe

Ingredients

2 racks of baby back pork ribs (approximately 4-5 pounds)
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of paprika
1 tablespoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
2 cups of barbecue sauce

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create your spice rub.
Generously apply the spice rub on both sides of the ribs.
Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, bone side down.
Place the ribs in the oven and bake for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Remove the ribs from the oven and generously brush both sides with barbecue sauce.
Place the ribs back into the oven and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Baking sheet - Used to hold the ribs while baking in the oven.
Aluminum foil - Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Small bowl - Used to mix the spice rub ingredients together.
Basting brush - Used to brush barbecue sauce onto the ribs.

Recipe variations

Spicy Dry Rub Variation: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub for an extra kick.
Sweet and Tangy Glaze Variation: Instead of using traditional barbecue sauce, try brushing the ribs with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime.
Asian-Inspired Marinade Variation: Marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar for a few hours before baking.
Smoky Chipotle Sauce Variation: Swap out the regular barbecue sauce for a smoky chipotle barbecue sauce for a unique flavor twist.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the pork ribs with seitan, tofu, or jackfruit. Adjust cooking time and method accordingly.
Herb-Crusted Variation: Instead of the spice rub, coat the ribs with a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
Kansas City Style Variation: Finish the ribs on a grill instead of the oven and baste with a thick, sweet tomato-based barbecue sauce.
Carolina BBQ Variation: Use a vinegar-based barbecue sauce instead of a tomato-based one for a tangy and flavorful result.
Smoked Ribs Variation: If you have access to a smoker, smoke the ribs low and slow for several hours to infuse them with a smoky flavor.
Honey Mustard Glaze Variation: Brush the ribs with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of apple cider vinegar for a tangy and sweet glaze.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a delicious, home-cooked meal with our easy-to-follow Pork Ribs recipe. This recipe takes you through the process of slow-cooking ribs in the oven until they're perfectly tender, then finishing them off with a generous coating of your favorite barbecue sauce for that perfect, savory taste. The secret to the flavor lies in the homemade spice rub - a blend of common spices that will surely ignite your taste buds. The entire process takes about 3 hours, but the result is worth every minute. Enjoy these ribs straight from the oven for a delightful dining experience.

Common questions

How long does it take to cook the ribs? The ribs should be cooked at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Do I need to remove the membrane on the back of the ribs? Yes, it is recommended to remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs to ensure better flavor penetration and a more tender result.
Can I use a different type of pork ribs? Yes, you can use spare ribs or St. Louis-style ribs instead of baby back ribs, but the cooking time may vary.
Can I adjust the spice level of the rub? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or other spices based on your personal preference.
Can I use a different sauce instead of barbecue sauce? Yes, you can use your preferred sauce or even make your own homemade sauce if desired.
What is the purpose of letting the ribs rest before serving? Allowing the ribs to rest for a few minutes helps to retain their juices and ensures a more flavorful and enjoyable eating experience.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - A flat, rectangular tray used for baking the ribs in the oven.
Aluminum foil - Used to line the baking sheet and help with easy cleanup.
Small bowl - Used for mixing the spice rub.
Basting brush - Used to brush the barbecue sauce onto the ribs.

Origin stories

Pork ribs have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, each with their own unique ways of preparing the dish. One of the most well-known versions we see and enjoy today is the Southern-style smoked barbecue pork ribs, which originated in the Southern United States. These ribs are often seasoned with a mix of spices, slowly cooked for hours, and slathered with a tangy barbecue sauce. The tradition of barbecuing in the South can be traced back to the era of Native Americans and European colonists, when meats were smoked over an open pit. Over time, settlers in different regions developed their unique spice mixes and sauces, leading to the variety of flavors we enjoy today.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.