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Tender BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe

Close-up of two racks of tender BBQ ribs, glistening with a rich, dark glaze, served on a white plate.
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Learn how to make tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ pork ribs at home using your oven or smoker. This recipe includes a simple rub and a homemade BBQ sauce for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork ribs (spare ribs or baby back ribs)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) or your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
  2. If using spare ribs, remove the thin membrane from the bone side. You can do this by sliding a butter knife under the membrane and gently pulling it off.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your rib rub.
  4. Generously season both sides of the ribs with the rub, pressing it into the meat.
  5. If baking, wrap the ribs tightly in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  6. If smoking, place the ribs directly on the smoker grate, bone-side down. Smoke for 3 to 4 hours, or until tender.
  7. While the ribs are cooking, prepare your BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan, combine your favorite BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  8. Once the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven or smoker. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
  9. Brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ sauce.
  10. Return the ribs to the oven or smoker for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
  11. Let the ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor in the oven, you can add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the rub.
  • Baby back ribs will cook faster than spare ribs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • You can make your own homemade barbecue sauce from scratch for an even more personalized flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/bbq-ribs-recipe-fall-off-bone/