Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs

When it comes to American cuisine, few dishes evoke the same sense of nostalgia and excitement as barbecue ribs. Whether enjoyed at summer cookouts, family gatherings, or special occasions, BBQ ribs have become a staple that brings people together over a shared love of smoky, savory flavors. Among the myriad styles of ribs, those that are sticky, sweet, and perfectly caramelized stand out as a crowd favorite. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of crafting Finger-Lickin' Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs, a recipe that promises to elevate your culinary repertoire.

Discover the art of making Finger-Lickin' Sticky Sweet BBQ Ribs that will elevate your next gathering! This recipe combines savory and sweet flavors with a homemade BBQ sauce, ensuring tender, juicy ribs that are perfectly caramelized. Learn the essential steps from prepping and seasoning the ribs to the low-and-slow cooking method and finishing touches on the grill. Perfect for summer cookouts or special occasions, these ribs are guaranteed to impress!

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Ingredients

2 racks of baby back ribs

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp liquid smoke (if using outdoor grill)

Instructions

Preparation of Ribs:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs for better flavor absorption.

Seasoning Rub:

In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Wrap and Bake:

Wrap each rack of ribs tightly in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the ribs are tender.

Make the BBQ Sauce:

While the ribs are baking, prepare the sticky sweet BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and liquid smoke. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Grilling or Broiling:

After the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Preheat your grill or broiler. If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).

Glaze and Cook:

Brush a generous amount of the BBQ sauce on one side of the ribs. Place the ribs glaze-side down on the grill or under the broiler. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Flip the ribs, brush with more sauce, and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Serve:

Once beautifully caramelized, remove the ribs from the heat. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing between the bones. Serve with remaining BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious sticky sweet BBQ ribs!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6