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Tender BBQ Ribs Recipe Easy Homemade Rich Smoky Sauce for Perfect Flavor

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This tender BBQ ribs recipe features homemade rich and smoky sauce that delivers meltingly tender meat with bold, smoky flavor. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 3–4 pounds / 1.4–1.8 kg)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup ketchup (preferably Heinz)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (dark brown preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: a few drops liquid smoke for extra smoky aroma
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or molasses to deepen sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prep the ribs by removing the silver skin membrane from the back using a butter knife.
  2. Mix kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
  3. Pat ribs dry and rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes if possible.
  4. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) or prepare grill for indirect heat at the same temperature.
  5. Place ribs bone side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill rack. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until meat starts to pull back from bones and is tender but not falling apart.
  6. While ribs cook, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove ribs from oven or grill and discard foil. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over ribs.
  8. Return ribs uncovered to oven or grill at 300°F (150°C) and cook for another 25-30 minutes to caramelize and thicken the sauce. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Let ribs rest for 10 minutes before slicing between the bones to redistribute juices.

Notes

Remove the silver skin membrane for better flavor absorption and tenderness. Cook ribs low and slow between 225-275°F to avoid drying out. Wrap ribs in foil during initial cooking to trap moisture and tenderize. Apply sauce only in the last 30 minutes to prevent burning. Rest ribs before slicing to keep them juicy. For extra smoky flavor on a grill, add soaked wood chips. Sauce can be made ahead and stored up to a week in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ ribs, tender ribs, smoky sauce, homemade barbecue sauce, easy ribs recipe, baby back ribs, backyard barbecue

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/tender-bbq-ribs-recipe-easy-homemade-rich-smoky-sauce-for-perfect-flavor/