Tender BBQ Spare Ribs: A Sweet and Spicy Homemade Recipe for Mouthwatering Grilled Perfection

Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Spare Ribs with Homemade Sweet & Spicy Sauce

There’s nothing quite like perfectly cooked BBQ spare ribs that fall off the bone with each bite. This recipe combines oven-baking for tenderness with grilling for that authentic smoky flavor, all coated in a homemade sweet and spicy BBQ sauce with a hint of rum. The result? Sticky, tender ribs that will be the star of any backyard gathering or family dinner.

Why These BBQ Spare Ribs Will Become Your New Favorite

If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking ribs at home, this recipe will change your mind. The two-step cooking process ensures that your spare ribs are both tender and flavorful, with that perfect caramelized exterior that makes BBQ ribs so irresistible. The homemade sauce adds depth with sweetness and a subtle kick that keeps you coming back for more.

Equipment Needed for Perfect BBQ Spare Ribs

• Large baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Grill or broiler
• Medium saucepan
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients for Mouthwatering BBQ Spare Ribs

• 4 pounds pork spareribs
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup rum (can substitute apple juice)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect BBQ Spare Ribs

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the ribs by removing the thin membrane from the back side. Use a knife to loosen the membrane at one end, then grab with a paper towel and pull it off.
3. Season both sides of the ribs generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the ribs meat-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Cover the ribs tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours or until the meat begins to pull away from the bones and is tender.
5. While the ribs are baking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rum, apple cider vinegar, dried mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and liquid smoke (if using).
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Once the ribs have baked for 2 hours, remove them from the oven. Preheat your grill to medium heat or set your oven broiler to high.
8. Brush the ribs generously with the prepared BBQ sauce on both sides.
9. For grilling: Place the ribs on the grill, meat side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip the ribs, baste again with sauce, and grill for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
10. For broiling: Place ribs under the broiler, meat side up, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize. Baste again and broil for another 3-5 minutes.
11. Remove the ribs from the heat and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting between the bones to serve.
12. Serve with remaining BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best BBQ Spare Ribs

• Remove the membrane: This thin layer on the back of the ribs can prevent flavor penetration and create tough texture if left on.
• Low and slow: Patient cooking at lower temperatures ensures tender meat that truly falls off the bone.
• Rest before cutting: Allow the ribs to rest after cooking to help retain their juices and make them easier to cut.
• Sauce application: Apply the sauce only in the final cooking stages to prevent burning. The sugar in the sauce can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.
• Foil is your friend: Tightly sealing the ribs during the initial bake creates a steamy environment that helps tenderize the meat.

Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Spare Ribs

These mouthwatering BBQ spare ribs pair beautifully with classic barbecue sides. Consider serving them with:

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

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover BBQ spare ribs (though that rarely happens!), store them properly to enjoy later:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap ribs tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat ribs in a 250°F oven, wrapped in foil with a splash of water or apple juice, for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Spare Ribs

How can I tell when my BBQ spare ribs are done?

Properly cooked ribs should be tender but still hold their shape. When you pick up the rack with tongs, it should bend slightly, and the meat should start to crack on the surface. Another sign is when the meat has pulled back from the ends of the bones by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Can I make these BBQ spare ribs without a grill?

Absolutely! While grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, you can achieve excellent results using just your oven. After the initial baking period, simply finish the ribs under the broiler to caramelize the sauce.

What’s the difference between spare ribs and baby back ribs?

Spare ribs come from the belly area of the pig and are flatter, with more meat between the bones. Baby back ribs come from the loin area, are shorter, curved, and typically more tender. This recipe works for both types, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can be a time-saver on the day you plan to cook your ribs.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of BBQ Spare Ribs

Whether you’re cooking for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, these BBQ spare ribs are guaranteed to impress. The combination of tender, slow-cooked meat and a rich, homemade sauce creates an irresistible dish that captures the essence of American barbecue tradition. With this recipe in your collection, you’ll never need to visit a BBQ restaurant again for that authentic rib experience. Remember that great ribs take time and patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. Happy grilling!

Recipe inspired by: Allrecipes