Classic American BBQ Ribs: Tender, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

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Nothing says summer like a rack of Classic American BBQ Ribs slow-cooked to perfection and slathered in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. These ribs are tender, juicy, and sure to be the highlight of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving some finger-licking goodness, this recipe will deliver big on flavor and tenderness.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Ribs

  • Slow-Cooked Perfection: Cooking the ribs low and slow ensures they turn out tender and juicy, with the meat almost falling off the bone.
  • Flavorful Dry Rub: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic, and a touch of heat from chili powder and cayenne gives the ribs a bold, smoky flavor.
  • Tangy BBQ Sauce: A mix of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey creates a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ribs:

  • 2 Racks of Baby Back Ribs (About 4-5 lbs): Baby back ribs are perfect for grilling, with tender meat and a shorter cooking time than other rib cuts.
  • 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
  • 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika: Infuses the ribs with a smoky, rich flavor.
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth.
  • 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the natural taste of the meat.
  • 1 Teaspoon Chili Powder (Optional): For an extra layer of heat.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Adds a bit of a kick for those who like it spicy.

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 1/2 Cups BBQ Sauce (Store-Bought or Homemade): The base of the sauce, use your favorite brand or make your own.
  • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick and balances the sweetness.
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami flavor.
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey: Sweetens the sauce and helps it caramelize.
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke (Optional): For an extra hit of smoky flavor, especially if you’re using a gas grill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ribs:

  • Start by removing the silver skin (membrane) from the back of the ribs. This step ensures the ribs cook evenly and become tender.

2. Make the Dry Rub:

  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well mixed.

3. Season the Ribs:

  • Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs. For the best flavor, wrap the seasoned ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

4. Preheat the Grill:

  • Preheat your grill to 225°F (107°C) for indirect cooking. For a charcoal grill, place the coals on one side and a drip pan with water on the other side. For a gas grill, light only one side of the burners and leave the other side off for indirect heat.

5. Cook the Ribs:

  • Place the ribs bone-side down over indirect heat on the grill. Cover the grill and cook the ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones.

6. Make the BBQ Sauce:

  • While the ribs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and liquid smoke (if using). Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

7. Baste and Finish the Ribs:

  • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ribs generously with the BBQ sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.

8. Serve:

  • Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy the tender, juicy ribs!

Serving Suggestions

These Classic American BBQ Ribs pair perfectly with traditional BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or a fresh summer salad. Don’t forget a cold drink to complete the meal!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 850mg

Conclusion

These Classic American BBQ Ribs are the epitome of summer grilling. With their tender, juicy texture and bold, smoky flavor, they’re sure to impress at your next BBQ. The combination of a flavorful dry rub and a sweet, tangy BBQ sauce ensures these ribs are packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit!

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