Few things in the world of barbecue are as tantalizing and satisfying as a perfectly cooked rack of BBQ ribs. The combination of smoky, tender meat and mouthwatering, sticky-sweet sauce is a surefire way to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family at your next cookout.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step BBQ ribs recipe that guarantees succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs. Plus, we’ll share some fantastic serving ideas that will elevate your BBQ experience to a whole new level.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- Wood chips (hickory or applewood work well)
Instructions
Prepare the Ribs
- Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Use a paper towel to grip the membrane and pull it off; this will help your rub and smoke penetrate the meat.
- Trim any excess fat from the ribs, but leave a thin layer for flavor and moisture.
Make the Dry Rub
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This dry rub will give your ribs a flavorful crust.
Season the Ribs
- Sprinkle the dry rub generously over both sides of the ribs, massaging it into the meat to ensure even coverage. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the Grill
- Preheat your grill to 225-250°F (107-121°C) for indirect cooking. If you’re using charcoal, place a drip pan under the grates to catch any drippings.
Add Smoke Flavor
- Soak your wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or aluminum foil pouch with holes poked in it. Put this over the heat source for that smoky flavor.
Grill the Ribs
- Place the ribs on the grill, bone-side down, away from the direct heat. Close the lid and let them smoke for 3-4 hours. Check the temperature periodically to maintain the 225-250°F range.
Wrap and Finish
- After the ribs have smoked for a few hours and have a nice color, it’s time to wrap them. Lay out two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil per rack. Lay the ribs meat-side down on the foil.
- Mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and water, then generously brush it onto the meaty side of the ribs.
- Seal the ribs in the foil, creating a pouch, and return them to the grill for another 1-1.5 hours. This step helps tenderize the meat further and infuse it with flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully unwrap the ribs, and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice between the bones, and watch as the tender, flavorful meat falls off the bone.
Serving Ideas
- Classic BBQ Feast: Serve your BBQ ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread for a traditional Southern barbecue experience.
- BBQ Sandwich: Shred the rib meat and pile it onto a soft bun, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and top with pickles and onions for a mouthwatering sandwich.
- Ribs and Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Pair your ribs with creamy macaroni and cheese for a delightful combination of smoky and cheesy flavors.
- BBQ Ribs Pizza: Use leftover rib meat as a pizza topping along with caramelized onions, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese for a unique twist.
Conclusion
With this BBQ ribs recipe and serving ideas, you’re well-equipped to become the grilling hero of your next gathering. These succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs will have your guests singing your praises.
So, fire up the grill, savor the smoky aroma, and get ready to indulge in a barbecue masterpiece that’ll leave everyone wanting more.
