These Easy Sweet and Sticky BBQ Ribs are a tasty treat! With a rich barbecue sauce and meltingly tender meat, they are sure to make your mouth water. Perfect for a family dinner or a backyard party!
Cooking these ribs is a blast! I love how they get that yummy glaze as they cook. Serve them with some coleslaw and you’re in for a real treat. Just don’t forget the napkins! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Baby Back Ribs: These are great for their tenderness and flavor. If you can’t find them, spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs work well as substitutes and can provide a different texture.
Ketchup: The base of the BBQ sauce, offering depth. If you prefer a healthier option, try using a homemade ketchup or a sugar-free version.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness. For a vegan alternative, agave nectar or brown rice syrup can replace honey effectively.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the sauce’s sweetness. You can use rice vinegar or white vinegar if you’re out of apple cider vinegar, but the taste will vary slightly.
Sesame Seeds: These add a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, chopped nuts or even crispy onions can be a tasty alternative for garnish!
How Do I Make the Ribs Extra Tender?
Getting tender ribs starts with removing the membrane. This tough layer on the back can make ribs chewier. To do this, use a paper towel to grip and pull it off easily.
- When baking the ribs, wrap them tightly in foil to lock in moisture.
- Cooking at a low temperature (300°F) for 2.5 to 3 hours helps break down the connective tissue.
- For an even more tender bite, consider finishing them on the grill for a few extra minutes after baking.
Easy Sweet and Sticky BBQ Ribs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ribs:
- 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
For the Sweet and Sticky BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 2.5 to 3 hours of baking to make sure those ribs are perfectly tender. And don’t forget about the extra 15-20 minutes needed to caramelize the BBQ sauce at the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low and slow cooking method is what makes the ribs tender and juicy. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare the Ribs:
Carefully remove the thin membrane from the back of the ribs. This helps make them more tender. Use a paper towel to get a good grip if it’s slippery. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Rub this wonderful spice mixture all over the ribs to add tons of flavor.
3. Baking the Ribs:
Place the seasoned ribs on the prepared baking sheet with the bone side facing down. Drizzle the olive oil over the ribs to keep them nice and moist. Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil and bake them in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they’re incredibly tender.
4. Make the Sweet and Sticky BBQ Sauce:
While the ribs are baking, let’s whip up that delicious BBQ sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Stir it well and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until it gets a bit thicker. Set it aside to cool.
5. Finish Cooking the Ribs:
Once the ribs are tender, take them out of the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C). Brush a generous layer of that mouthwatering BBQ sauce all over the ribs.
6. Bake Again:
Now, return the ribs to the oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes. During this time, keep basting with more sauce halfway through to build that sticky coating. Watch closely as they caramelize beautifully!
7. Rest and Garnish:
After baking, remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This is important! Then, slice the ribs if you’d like, and garnish them with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your sweet, sticky, and tender BBQ ribs! These are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Serve them with your favorite sides and remember to grab some napkins because things might get a little messy! 😋
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Ribs?
Absolutely! While baby back ribs are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spare ribs or St. Louis style ribs. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness as you go.
Can I Make the BBQ Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the BBQ sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just reheat it gently on the stove before using it on the ribs.
How Do I Store Leftover Ribs?
To store leftover ribs, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, which can last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Cook These Ribs on the Grill Instead?
Yes! If you prefer grilling, you can grill the ribs over indirect heat after baking them in the oven. Just brush the BBQ sauce on and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on the grill, basting as needed, until they’re sticky and caramelized.
