Juicy Finger-Licking Ribs Recipe Everyone Will Love

Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs have always been a summer barbecue staple that captures the essence of comfort cuisine.

These delectable slow-cooked ribs with homemade barbecue sauce offer a perfect blend of smoky and sweet flavors.

Our carefully crafted recipe ensures you’ll create a mouthwatering main dish that will wow everyone at the table.

Packed with bold spices and a secret marinade technique, these ribs promise an unforgettable eating experience.

The meat practically melts in your mouth, delivering rich, robust flavors in every single bite.

With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can transform ordinary pork ribs into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Prepare to become the neighborhood grilling champion and watch as everyone asks for your incredible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for a Juicy Ribs Recipe

• Pork Ribs: Select meaty, well-marbled ribs with a pinkish-red color for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth surface for seasoning and helps dry rub adhere perfectly to meat.

• Salt: Enhances natural meat flavors and helps break down protein structure.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the overall spice profile.
• Paprika: Provides rich, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory essence without raw garlic texture.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle warmth and complexity to the seasoning mix.

• Barbecue Sauce: Brings tangy sweetness and classic grilling character.
• Honey: Creates caramelized glossy exterior with natural sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances flavors and tenderizes meat with its acidic properties.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth and subtle fermented complexity.

Tools That Make Ribs Recipe Prep a Breeze

• Baking Sheet: Essential for oven cooking and supporting ribs during baking.
• Aluminum Foil: Critical for wrapping ribs to lock in moisture and tenderness.
• Large Bowl: Used for mixing BBQ sauce and preparing glaze.
• Grill or Oven: Primary cooking equipment for preparing ribs.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for applying sauce evenly onto ribs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for removing membrane and slicing cooked ribs.
• Paper Towel: Helpful for removing rib membrane cleanly.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning ribs during cooking.

Step-by-Step to Cook the Perfect Ribs Recipe

• Prepare Meaty Goodness

Remove the tough membrane from ribs’ backside by loosening with a knife and pulling off using a paper towel. Massage olive oil and dry rub thoroughly into both sides of the meat, letting it sit at room temperature for flavor absorption.

• Low and Slow Cooking

Select your cooking method: oven or grill. For oven, set temperature to 275°F and wrap ribs tightly in foil, baking for 2.5-3 hours. On grill, maintain 225°F using indirect heat, cooking 3-4 hours and wrapping after initial 2 hours.

• Create Sticky Magic

Whip together a tantalizing glaze mixing BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Generously brush mixture onto cooked ribs. For oven, broil 5 minutes until caramelized. On grill, increase heat and cook 5-10 minutes for slightly charred edges.

• Slice and Serve

Allow ribs to rest briefly, then slice between bones. Plate with classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans for a mouth-watering feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Flavor Your Ribs Recipe Boldly

• Rib-Boosting Flavor Hacks: Elevate your BBQ game with these expert tips and delicious variations.
• Membrane Removal Mastery: Always remove the tough back membrane for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This simple step transforms ordinary ribs into restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• Overnight Marinade Magic: Refrigerate ribs with dry rub for 8-12 hours to intensify flavor penetration. The longer the rub sits, the more deeply seasoned your meat becomes.
• Low-Carb Keto Twist: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free alternative made from tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and keto-friendly sweeteners. Use a low-carb dry rub to keep the recipe diet-friendly.
• Spice Level Adventures: Experiment with different dry rub combinations. Try a smoky chipotle blend for heat lovers or a sweet paprika mix for milder palates. Fresh ground spices always deliver more intense flavor compared to pre-ground options.

Serving Up the Ribs Recipe Like a Pitmaster

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning rib platter with colorful garnishes like fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair these succulent ribs with creamy mac and cheese, tangy potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob to complete the ultimate backyard barbecue feast.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra ribs into mouthwatering pulled rib sandwiches by shredding the meat and mixing with additional BBQ sauce on soft brioche buns for a next-day delicious meal.
• Drink Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, smoky ribs with ice-cold craft beer, zesty margaritas, or a bold red wine to enhance the flavor and elevate your dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat the Ribs Recipe Easily

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover ribs in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss. Refrigerated ribs stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Game Plan: Wrap individual rib portions in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen ribs maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Warm ribs in the oven at 250°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of apple cider or broth to maintain juiciness. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice cooked ribs in advance and store separately from sides. Keep sauces in small containers to maintain crispy texture. Portion into grab-and-go containers for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Mouth-Watering Ribs Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Korean-style BBQ ribs offer a tantalizing fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Marinated in gochujang and soy sauce, these tender ribs promise a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 racks baby back ribs (or St. Louis-style spare ribs)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional, for depth)
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for coating)
• 1 cup Barbecue sauce (hickory, honey, or spicy BBQ works great!)
• 2 tbsps honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Membrane Removal: Gently slide a knife underneath the rib membrane and peel away using a paper towel to enhance meat tenderness and texture.
2. Seasoning Preparation: Massage olive oil across rib surfaces, creating an even coating of dry seasoning blend by pressing spices deeply into meat fibers.
3. Marination Process: Allow seasoned ribs to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight to intensify flavor complexity.
4. Cooking Preparation: Select preferred cooking method – oven at 275°F or grill at 225°F – establishing a controlled cooking environment for optimal meat transformation.
5. Moisture Preservation: Completely encase ribs in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet that prevents moisture loss during slow cooking process.
6. Extended Cooking: Roast wrapped ribs on a baking sheet for 2.5-3 hours in the oven, or smoke on the grill for 3-4 hours, ensuring meat becomes extraordinarily tender and nearly separating from the bone.
7. Glazing Technique: Craft a vibrant glaze combining barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, generously brushing across the ribs for complete coverage.
8. Caramelization Finish: For oven method, activate broiler and caramelize glazed surface for 5 minutes; for grill, increase temperature to medium-high and sear for 5-10 minutes, creating irresistibly glossy and slightly charred edges.
9. Serving Presentation: Allow ribs to rest briefly, enabling internal juices to redistribute, then slice precisely between bone structures and serve alongside complementary sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Notes

• Remove Membrane Carefully: Peeling off the back membrane ensures tender, more flavorful ribs that absorb seasonings better and become more enjoyable to eat.
• Massage Seasoning Thoroughly: Press spices deeply into meat fibers, creating a robust flavor profile that penetrates beyond the surface for maximum taste intensity.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Letting ribs sit with seasonings at room temperature or overnight allows spices to fully infuse, transforming the meat’s overall taste complexity.
• Temperature Control is Critical: Maintain low, consistent heat (275°F for oven, 225°F for grill) to break down tough connective tissues slowly, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tender ribs without drying out the meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 825 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg