Tender Sweet and Smoky BBQ Ribs Recipe: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection

Fall-Off-The-Bone Sweet and Smoky BBQ Ribs Recipe

Looking for the ultimate bbq ribs recipe that delivers tender, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone? This foolproof method combines the slow, even cooking of the oven with the smoky finish of the grill to create truly spectacular ribs. The homemade sweet and spicy BBQ sauce with a hint of rum takes these ribs to the next level, creating a sticky, caramelized glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This BBQ Ribs Recipe Works

There’s a reason this recipe has earned nearly perfect ratings from over a thousand reviewers. The two-step cooking process ensures:

• Perfect tenderness – Slow baking breaks down tough connective tissues
• Incredible flavor – Homemade sauce penetrates the meat
• Caramelized exterior – Final grilling creates that coveted sticky bark
• Foolproof results – Even beginners can master this technique

Prep Time and Cook Time for Perfect BBQ Ribs

Ingredients for Mouthwatering BBQ Ribs

For the Ribs:

• 4 pounds pork spareribs, membrane removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons dark rum (optional but recommended)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect BBQ Ribs

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the underside. (Tip: Use a butter knife to loosen a corner, then grab with a paper towel and pull across to remove completely.)
3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub olive oil all over the ribs, then generously apply the dry rub mixture, covering both sides.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a rack on top. Arrange the seasoned ribs on the rack, meaty side up. Cover tightly with another piece of foil.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 2½ hours, or until the meat is tender but not falling apart.
6. While the ribs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F).
8. When the ribs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the preheated grill.
9. Brush generously with BBQ sauce on both sides. Grill for 5 minutes, then flip and baste again with sauce. Continue this process for 15-20 minutes total, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized and the ribs have a nice char.
10. Remove from the grill and let the ribs rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting between the bones to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Ribs

• Membrane removal is key: Don’t skip removing the membrane from the underside of the ribs – it prevents flavor penetration and creates an unpleasant texture.
• Low and slow is the way to go: Resist the urge to increase the oven temperature – low, slow cooking is what makes ribs tender.
• Sauce application timing: Only apply the sauce during the final grilling phase to prevent burning.
• Resting period: Let the ribs rest before cutting to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
• Make ahead: You can bake the ribs a day ahead and refrigerate, then finish on the grill just before serving.

Common Questions About Making BBQ Ribs

Can I make these ribs without a grill?
Yes! After baking, switch your oven to broil, brush with sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes per side until caramelized.

What’s the best type of ribs to use?
Both baby back ribs and St. Louis-style spareribs work great with this recipe. Baby backs cook a bit faster and are more tender, while spareribs have more flavor.

How do I know when ribs are done?
The meat should be tender but not falling off the bone completely. When you pick up the rack with tongs, it should bend slightly but not break.

Nutritional Information

Perfect Pairings for Your BBQ Ribs

Complete your backyard BBQ feast with these classic sides:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad

Why This BBQ Ribs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The perfect bbq ribs recipe balances the science of slow cooking with the art of flavor development. By combining oven baking with a final grill finish, you get the best of both worlds: tender, juicy meat with that authentic smoky char. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, game day gathering, or simply treating your family to a special dinner, these BBQ ribs deliver restaurant-quality results every time. The homemade sweet and spicy sauce with its hint of rum elevates this dish from good to unforgettable. Master this recipe once, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing classic in your cooking arsenal for years to come.

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes